Minneapolis Marathon 2009
May 31, 2009

Photo-History of the Marathon Course
by Dr. Rodney Chang, the Running Photographer 

Peaceful route, solitary run.

There goes the shade; downtown looming in the distance. It's really hot now 
(but not humid; the city is in the middle of a mini-drought so I heard on the news)

25 mile mark and it's hot!  "It's all downhill from here."

The U. of Minnesota connecting bridge over the Mississippi River.

Heading back to downtown, passing the Weisman Art Museum again on the U. of Minnesota campus.

A flock of geese, I think on their way North to Canada.  Saw at the starting line a classic V-shape formation heading north.

Almost there, passing the American Red Cross building; had to wonder why no Aid Station in front of it? 
Imagine cute high school volunteers dressed in Candy Stripe (student nursing) uniforms!

Beautiful No. 26 marker, seemingly leaning in to greet me and point the way to the end.

Looking back at the Finish Line; pretty empty when you come in at a slow 6:13.  But got to hand it to the volunteers, still there
to greet the tail end of the full marathoners.  Thank you, folks!  Guy in the tent on the left was announcing runner's names
as they crossed the Finish, giving each and every participant a moment of recognition even as their finish times places them
into obscurity.  But I got what I came for - the course photos, my Finisher's medal and shirt.  Hurray!

Behind the Finish Line is, in my judgment,  the city's most contemporary & distinctive building 
(also great are the Weisman Art Museum and the Walker Art Center)

Making my way back to the Depot hotel, a few blocks away from the Finish Line

Spaghetti, anyone?

Thar she blows! - The Metrodome, home of the NFL Minnesota Vikings (they want Brett Farve if he 
comes, once again, out of retirement; played for the Jets in '08-'09 season)

The idea occurred to me to why not make life-size Lego blocks with which people can build and live in their own creations.
Then take the blocks apart and rearrange the rooms as well as the furnishings when they want a change.  Imagine if the
toy company that manufactures the toy enters the construction/home do-it-yourself industry with their multi-colored plastic
blocks.  Yeah, there goes the neighborhood!  But imagine touring zoned streets only for Lego creations.  Enter online contests,
using toy scale Lego units, and if win, have one's model become a life size Lego house, built in the famous neighborhood 
where tourists tour.

I'm thinking Legos again.... Hmm, I wonder why......

Ah, finally hobbled back to the Depot historic train station terminal.  
Wish somebody like this greeted this tired runner!

Back to my hotel; this actually is the rear side to the Depot hotel.  To the left of the arch entrance the enclosed 
old terminal,now serving part of the year as a skating rink.  The clock in the back is in the old train tower.

Thanks for coming along for the run!

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