Marathon Director Takes Long View

If running a marathon is the ultimate test of endurance, what does it take to honcho some 4,600 registered runners for a long-distance jaunt through the heart of the nation's capital?

Keith Dowling, National Marathon race director and former national-class marathoner, believes the work ethic required for both endeavors is similar.

"As a runner or race director, you're aiming all of your efforts for one day, the goal day," said Dowling, who is charged with making the National Marathon and Half Marathon on March 29 a success for his runners and himself. "There are months of lead-in time. All year long, really, you're planning for it."

The race has experienced its share of growing pains, with political and course-measurement issues in the first and second editions, respectively. But in its third year, the race seems to be hitting its stride, thanks largely to two new sponsors, whom Dowling said have increased backing and credibility.

"An event like this is always going to be a lot for any manager," Dowling said. "It's like putting together the pieces of a big puzzle."

Dowling, 38, ran his personal best of 2 hours 13 minutes 28 seconds to place 15th in the 2002 Boston Marathon. In his racing prime and 20 pounds ago, he trained during the offseason in the altitude and seclusion of Albuquerque.

"Just like getting ready as race director," Dowling said, "there were slow seasons out of the spotlight, a long buildup and then the pre-race anticipation. Now, just two weeks out, if e-mails were miles, I'd be doing some pretty heavy weeks right now."

The National Marathon course has been tweaked again this year, but the start and finish remain at RFK Stadium. The marathon and half marathon will start simultaneously at 7 a.m., alleviating most traffic concerns as the runners trace a large, clockwise loop around Northwest before returning to the downtown core and then the stadium. The marathoners make a second loop along the mall, across the Anacostia River and through Southeast, before finishing.

Last year, 1,179 finished the marathon, and nearly twice that finished the half marathon. Dowling said the marathon numbers have increased this year while the half-marathon numbers are tracking similarly to last year.

Commensurate with an increase in prize money, the quality of the field has increased, especially in the women's half marathon, where at least eight elite women are using the race as a final tuneup for the Olympic trials marathon in Boston on April 20. Samia Akbar of Herndon is among the favorites. Last year's marathon winner, Michael Wardian, will defend his title.

-- Jim Hage

hagej@washpost.com