Why not run a half marathon? Despite the elevation (9000 feet above sea level) and very little training, it seemed like an excellent opportunity. While surrounded by hundreds of other competitors, I could explore the streets of Quito while trying to burn the 12371237 pounds of rice that I consume on a daily basis (Yes. We occasionally eat rice at breakfast, lunch, and dinner). It would be perfect. Maybe I would even run a decent time. After all, as my experiences in the past few weeks have shown, anything can happen in Ecuador.
And it most certainly did.
Shortly before 5:30 AM, all the competitors in the marathon had assembled in Plaza San Francisco, a magnificant square buried deep in the historical district. Although the race would start momentarily, most competitors still seemed drowsy. After all, the sun wouldn't even rise for another hour. A wake-up call was definitely needed.
Suddenly, the silence was broken by a loud bang and a splash of color across the darkened sky. Someone had decided to launch fireworks to motivate competitors prior to the race. While the fifteen minute display of massive fireworks was incredibly risky (the fireworks were launched from a cardboard box next to an overflowing trashcan about 10 feet from marathon competitors), it just might have been the best secret psych ever.
Once the marathon competitors had begun their race, another PCV and I began searching for a ride to Parque La Carolina, located about 6 kilometers away. Despite assurances that the trolebus would be open in the pre-dawn hours on a Sunday morning, we soon discovered that our preferred means of transportation would not be bringing us to the park where the half marathon would begin about two hours later.
Taxi? Unfortunately, we couldn't find any taxis rocking orange licenses plates (meaning that they are governmentally-licensed and, therefore, much safer), so we asked race organizers if they knew a number for a taxi. Failure. But also success because we ultimately hitched a ride with race organizers bringing porter potties from Plaza San Francisco to Parque La Carolina. Not the classiest way to arrive at the start, but definitely memorable.
And, most importantly, the race. The half marathon consisted of a loop through northern Quito. While this is a newer part of the city and it isn't particularly interesting in terms of its architecture, the trek was still an adventure. Along the way, a full military band serenaded runners, reggaeton-blasted from various speakers, and far too many fans eagerly took pictures of the “gringuita.” Slightly awkward. Moreover, the looped course allowed me to chatter with other competitors and learn a bit about running in Ecuador. Well, try to learn. It's still a struggle to speak in Spanish as my lungs ached and searched for oxygen in the thin Ecuadorian air.
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