My forecast for this weekend’s race:
There will be a mad rush around 6:45 pm on Friday to pick up race packets on time.
At the legends dinner, Mike will ask if anybody can give Chris Gibson a ride to the start.
Later that evening, there will be high anxiety followed by restless sleep.
In the morning, it will be dark, followed by a large front moving into Boonsboro around 6:15 am.
Race management will have placed 200 porta pots at the start. Still, not enough; the porta pot line will stretch back to the High School.
Runners will overload the roadway before the 6:25 am closure. Ten cars will attempt to drive through town.
The “one minute to start” call will be made. The gun will go off.
There will be a 100% chance of smiling faces and chatter as runners head up Alt Route 40 toward South Mountain Inn.
At least one person will make a wrong turn on the AT, and other runners will follow.
There is a 60% chance of stumbling at least once and a 30% chance of faceplanting on the AT.
A volunteer will warn you to “watch your step” when getting off the AT at Weverton.
Trains will impede 200 runners at the Weverton crossing.
Those not faceplanting on the AT will have a 30% chance of faceplanting on the Canal Path.
At least one runner will have hallucinations of Santa Claus.
Mr. Incredible will ride past you at least once on the Canal Path.
There will be afternoon cramps and pain.
There is a 40% chance of chafing.
The red velvet cake at Taylor’s Landing Aid will be delicious.
The cutoffs will be relentless.
You will overcome at least one issue.
As you head up the hill from Dam 4, you will be able to get the score of the Ohio State game and maybe some soup.
There is a 100% chance of dark after 5 pm.
At least one lunatic will be driving on Dam 4 road, cheering on their runner.
Carolyn Showalter will finish again.
There is a 91% chance of finishing. You will be part of that 91%.
The showers at the middle school will be cold.
Curbs will look 2 feet high. Walking downstairs will be an opportunity to overcome.