This is the year of the monkey that was, and the year of the flying monkey wanes. Tomorrow a new age will dawn, full of new fates and meaning.

But today I am thankful.

I am thankful that you came out and threw yourself upon the beauty and horrors that our park has to offer. I am thankful for the wonderful leaves in the trees and covering your route, bringing out colors like we have never seen before. I am thankful for our volunteers standing out on a brisk day, trying to have as much fun as you did. I am thankful for our sponsors who brought us fluids and gels and people to man the aid stations. I am thankful for all the incredible food and drink we shared after your little jog around the park.

I am thankful that you could be a part of the exclusive community of Monkeys.

Thank you.

Furthermore:

Results are up on the website. Enjoy them. I suspect a few of them may be accurate even. http://harpethhillsmarathon.com/Runners.html

Pictures are up, courtesy of David Martin Photography! You prepaid for these, so they are yours for the downloading. Enjoy! In addition, a number of other photographers have made course pictures available. Check it.

Finish Line - http://davidmartincreative.pixieset.com/monkeyfinish2016/

On the course - http://davidmartincreative.pixieset.com/monkeycourse2016/

Others -

https://hackjob.smugmug.com/Race-Photos/Harpeth-Hills-Flying-Monkey/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/144933704@N05/albums

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.1471282569553657&type=3

As always, please feel free thank our heroic volunteers! They did a bang up job and I am both proud and appreciative. The best way to thank them is to give feedback either via an email to Diana the volunteer coordinator and me, or through a review on MarathonGuide (at: http://www.marathonguide.com/races/racedetails.cfm?MIDD=2539141123) or at RaceRaves (at: https://raceraves.com/races/harpeth-hills-flying-monkey-marathon-3/). RaceRaves is a new website that is designed to help runners discover new road & trail races around the world, plus review & organize the races they've run.

Please think to support SWORD, Huma and Spring. The race drink was SWORD (http://drinksword.com). Huma (http://www.humagel.com) and Spring (http://www.myspringenergy.com) provided the energy gels on the course for you.

For those wondering what the Chinese text on the medal says, I will spill the beans: “This is the Year of the Flying Monkey”.

Have a great Thanksgiving, and enjoy some pie. Go for a run, if your legs will permit. Come visit the park and enjoy the hills.

And come back to see us next year.

The Army of 12 Monkeys awaits
Trent