By now I should begin to expect the unexpected.  So often opportunities have seemly come out of nowhere.  Last week, while vacationing on St. John, I became aware that it was hosting the biggest road race in the British and U.S.Virgin Islands - The 8 Tuff Miles.

The forewarning gave me time to check out and run parts of the course. The race started at a playfield in Cruz Bay and wandered its way along Route 10 to Coral Bay. It set off at sea level reaching an elevation level of 1100 feet, per the sign on the course, and returned to sea level.  The course actually measures 8 3/8 miles and its ups and downs in the first five miles forces a total elevation gain of 1400 feet.

I found myself walking at numerous points along the way during my practice runs.  Once I caught my breath, walking seemed almost as difficult as running. To complicate matters a little more, the roads, although well paved, were narrow and cars drive on the opposite side to what we do here in the continental U.S. and beep their horns as they begin to traverse the many blind curves.

On race morning, I arrived at the starting area as many others were walking off a shuttle boat from St. Thomas.  The setting seemed casual except for the nervous anticipation of several young kids who were trying to keep their place on the front line before the local hot shots took their honored place. Six of these children would be recipients of $4600 in college scholarships donated by the Dittmer Foundation.

8 Tuff Miles celebrated its eighth year. Participation has steadily climbed from its 21 entrants in 1997.  Despite the difficult course 98 percent of a field of 530 completed the race.  Runners seemed to be drawn by the challenge and maybe the opportunity to spend time on an non touristy island with white sandy beaches and snorkeling that presents giant sea turtles, mammoth sized Tarpon fish and bright colorful corral under the greenest blue waters you will ever see.  The many bay views and hiking trails from the Bordeaux mountain range, some that can be seen from the course, have majestic allure too.

I'm not sure what part of the course hurts more. The steep upgrades suck the air out of you and, for some like myself, help set your goal to overcome the desire to walk. The steep down grades jam your toes, (I lost several toe nails) and cause heels to burn as you try to slow down your momentum. Early finishers made it to the finish before the temperatures hit the 80-degree mark.  Twelve water stops and musical entertainment was a huge help. Choosing from several tie dyed finisher's T shirts or shorts was also incentive to get to the goodie tents before you felt wasted from sun.

A TV helicopter buzzed overhead to capture film of the race.  Returning alumni endured leg pain in hopes of seeing their name on the Paradise Lumber scoreboard at the finish field and possibly grabbing one of the uniquely designed Holiday Homes recycled glass, age group awards.  The post race awards ceremony in the horseshoe tournament stage of the Skinny Legs Bar was packed with a raucous hand-clapping crowd. The steady flowing Red Stripe beer may have helped feed the enthusiastic behavior. 

Men's winner, Jeremy Zuber, an Iowa transplant working as an activities director for a St. John's Hotel, averaged 5:55 per mile (49:32) while breaking the course record by almost three minutes.  His colorful singlet and logo, that represented his last name, was created by his mother to match the large tattoo on his arm. Zubor's good nature and bravado seemed to encompass the very nature of the event, one that will encourage many to return for a visit.