Some readers may remember an earlier post about how I did away with my lawn and put in indigenous plants. As a follow up project, I made running paths that allow me to go for a run in the country without leaving my front yard.

It was suggested that I hold a marathon in my yard, so I got the course Boston certified, and wrote about the event in a post called Basalt and Pine Marathon.

I was hoping to make it an annual event; however, issues arose during the race that forced cancellation of this year’s event.

• Over 2,400 runners entered. They spent most of the race trying to squeeze past other participants without making much progress.
• Since the race course was a 220-foot loop, race officials soon lost track of lap counts and placing.
• Many runners left their warm up clothing in my neighbor’s yard, and I forgot that my event and his lawn-mowing schedule coincided. The shredded outfits left a bitter taste among participants.

The native plants make for a very attractive marathon course.

I’m still contemplating holding a marathon in my yard next year, My neighbor has agreed to adjust his lawn moving schedule. I just need to enlarge my running paths so they’ll handle thousands of runners.