Dog Town Half-Marathon - Shannon Hinman, Guest Blogger

Note: We thought it might be fun to invite members of our community to share their own feelings and insights into life in Washington City. So over the next few months you will occasionally see a posting by members of our community. 

The first submittable is from Shannon Hinman. Shannon grew up in Salt Lake City and her and her husband Jack have lived here for the past five years. Their family consists of two young and very active children. Shannon and her family stays actively involved in our city and always provides us with wonderful feedback and suggestions.

Thanks Shannon for your posting.

Roger Carter
City Manager

Dog Town Half-Marathon

It was a picturesque day for the Dogtown Half Marathon. I walked out my front door and to the start line in Coral Canyon with my husband, a friend from Memphis, Tennessee, and another friend from Kaysville, Utah. I donned a long sleeve shirt from 1Law, one of the race sponsors that I received at
the Expo the day before. The sun was shining and I was happy I wore my new red "Get Bit" shorts found in each race packet. I was about run with a group of 400 of my new best friends. 

Within a few miles of the start, the race turned onto the Cottonwood Wash Trail in a beautiful canyon. This was definitely my favorite miles of the half marathon. As the trail slopped downhill I was distracted by my surroundings and gained speed. An aid station came into view, volunteers eagerly held out cups to help with hydration and fuel needs. 

I crossed the finish line and received my dog tag finisher's metal. I cannot decide if I was more excited to have a new personal best time or that I beat my husband and his two best friends. The spread of food for
participants was wonderful and I quickly shoved handfuls of grapes into my mouth. I am eager to run this race again next year and I am not letting the name of the Hell Hole 5K scare me away from running this May during Cotton Days.

-Shannon Hinman-