Hairy Gorilla Half Marathon

This race is very unique.
First of all, I am a fan of trail running. Second of all, I am a fan of the half marathon distance. Put them together and I am happier than a pig in mud. Speaking of mud, OH BABY!
This race is put on by the Albany Running Exchange. They put a whole bunch of fun into the racing scene.
This race is held at Thatcher Park in Voorheesville, NY. It is a beautiful state park with many miles of scenic trails. The race winds through the park on the trails, making it a very breathtaking event.
The thing is, it rained all day, the day before the race. THe ground can only hold so much water and it reached the limit before the rain stopped. This created an insanely muddy mess. There was standing water all over the course. Where there wasn't standing water, the course was suction cup mud.
After the race director sang the introduction song about the fact that someone was going to die on the course (it was so funny that I almost didn't hear the gun go off because I was laughing so hard) the race started.
The race was halloween themed with tombstones, pumpkins, haunted houses, chainsaw murderers, gorillas, etc. on the course. It was almost enough to take my mind off of the actual course conditions.
My goal was to beat the previous year's time (1:34). When I started the race, that went out of the window. I would be happy with a 1:40.
I came through at the 6.2 mile mark feeling good mentally, but physically tired. My goal was to pass at least two people before the end of the race without anyone passing me.
I passed my second person at about mile 10. I continued increasing my pace until I couldn't any longer and just held for as long as possible. I ended up passing a third person but he passed me back at mile 12. He stayed on my heels for about 1/2 a mile and then took off for the finish. I just couldn't keep up.
With about 1/2 a mile left before the finish, runners head through an open field. Bananas were placed all over the field. There is a contest within the race to see who can pick up and carry the most bananas across the finish line. I picked up 4 bananas and hoped it would be enough to win the prize. I was wrong. It would take more than 10! Oh well.
So I came across the line (muddy as all heck) in 1:35. VERY HAPPY!!
A picture of the finish is included. Notice the muddy shorts. It looks like I messed myself. Also notice the bananas in hand.