The start of the Barkley Marathons is an elaborate affair. Once all the registrants have paid their dues and checked in, they then settle down in their tents awaiting the start of the race. No one but Lazarus Lake knows the time of the start. It can occur from any time from Midnight to Noon the next day.
Everyone pretends to take a nap and relax, but apparently, no one is really able to do that. With the strain of what is ahead of them, the runners are excused if they can't quite relax. Even the invited Press are on edge. Ron Moore and I talk about the similarities and differences in our time at PSU, and he pretends to dose a little
An hour before the start, Lazarus puts out the siren by blowing on a conch shell. Then all heck breaks out. All the runners must carefully adorn themselves with everything they need for the ordeal, keeping in mind that all 4 seasons may greet them in each 12 hour period. The weather tonight was rather warm and a high of 75 degrees may scorch the runners tomorrow. No rain is expected until possibly tomorrow, but each peak and valley of the Frozen Head State Park can have their own weather pattern.
The conch blew at 5:00AM today. All the runners gather at The Yellow Gate for the start. This occurs when Laz lights up a cigarette. And The Game is Afoot!
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| Ron Moore poses for me at The Yellow Gate start/finish line. |
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| Lazarus Lake signals the start by lighting a cigarette. |
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