(Half #7, 2015) From almost 5000 feet up, amidst and atop the beautiful Sierras and the local foothills of Auberry, lie increasingly scenic and awe-inspiring views of the blanketing valleys below, beautifully green and heavily spring-abundant. The roads, lined with pines, meander and curl, making their way closer and closer to the mountain floor. The air, chilled from a snowfall the evening before, is clean, crisp, and still. And I ran it! This isn’t just a Half; it’s a Heavenly Half. And it’s truly one of the most beautiful courses that I’ve run to date. Added, the route is almost entirely downhill, point to point, beginning in front of Cressman’s General Store on Hwy 168 – forget trying to find cell service – and ending at Auberry Elementary School off Auberry Road. Soul 2 Sole has paid so much attention to the running aesthetic that I quite possibly won’t be able to fully appreciate anything less from this moment onward. Yes, I was THAT amazed! «Heavenly» blue skies and majestically brilliant, silver-lined clouds: and He said to Moses, «Climb the mountain to God.» But what’s even better is that Soul 2 Sole has a three-race challenge, all of which are part of the CA Half & Full Marathon Series: it begins with Auberry’s «Heavenly Half»; moves on to Exeter’s «One Hell of a Half» during the fiery, August heat; and finishes with«Judgement Day» in Bakersfield. Complete the trio, and you’ll receive the following: * Soul Half Marathon Series Jacket ** Wall Medal Holder for your bling *** Soul Series Mega Medal **** VIP Treatment at Judgment Day Half The swag for the Heavenly Half was amazing just the same: * Early registrants received Insulated Event Coffee Mugs and Runner’s Hats. ** Very cool Finisher Medals and Heavenly Half Stadium Blankets for everyone. *** A tasty, hot breakfast served with Top O’ The Morn Chocolate Milk. This race was awesome. If you decide to run it, wait until the Heavenly Half – a race that sells out quickly, limited to only 1,250 participants – when it commences in March. To complete the Challenge means doing so in the same calendar year. And the series challenge medal… it’s said to be legendary!
