Last modified: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 5:14 PM CST
Clark completes Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World
By Doug Endres, Staff writer
Dave Clark is done with marathons for awhile.
Clark's latest running accomplishment was completing the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Jan. 6 and 7 in Orlando, Fla. The Challenge includes running a half marathon Saturday and a full 26.2-mile marathon Sunday. Disney introduced the Challenge in 2006 as part of its marathon weekend.
It is the 10th largest marathon in the United States with an estimated 32,000 runners this year. There is a cap of 3,000 runners who can sign-up for the Goofy Challenge. Runners must be 18 years of age or older and able to complete the Marathon in seven hours or less (16-minute mile pace), and the Half Marathon in three-and-a-half hours or less (16-minute mile pace).
The race travels through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and hotel resort areas. Each race began at 6 a.m. which helped with the heat in the low 80s.
“You take every little bit of help you can get,” said Clark. “Since it's winter, I wasn't acclimated to the heat at all. I tried to get plenty of fluids and pace myself to finish the race. Finishing the race was the only goal I had.”
Clark's times were far below his average. He ran a 2-hour, 13.44-minute half marathon, which was below his average speed of 1:55. His full marathon time was 5:36.30. His average time is about four hours.
“I was as sore as I've ever been. There wasn't much on me that didn't hurt,” said Clark.
Clark's “Completing the Goofy” as its known in running circles, occurred one year after he ran five marathons to celebrate turning 50. He plans to lighten his running schedule.
“I've run too many marathons,” said Clark. “I'm running a half-marathon in April with Dave (Dion) in Saint Louis. After that, I don't know when I'll run again. I need time off for my body to heal.”
Clark runs locally with Dion, Rick Gambrell and John Neally. They are occasionally joined by Elaine Dion. Clark was the only one who went to Florida.
“I signed up for it and then mentioned it to them. No one else seemed interested,” said Clark with a chuckle.
Clark received a Goofy Medal in addition to the Mickey Medal for completing the Marathon and the Donald Medal for completing the Half Marathon, a certificate, and an official race recap for completing the marathons.
“You do gain more respect from other runners when they see you wearing that extra medal,” said Clark.
Runners attend an awards ceremony at Pleasure Island Sunday night.
Clark flew to Orlando Thursday, Jan. 4, and flew back to Saint Louis Monday. It is the furthest distance he has traveled to run in a marathon.
Copyright © 2007 Journal-Pilot. All rights reserved.
