by Len Hill

This is a continuation of the Houston Press Dome Run at Reliant Stadium preview in the November 2002 issue of Inside Texas Running. For the full preview on the event, pick up a copy of that issue.

Sign Me Up for the Houston Press Dome Run at Reliant Stadium

For those who ran in the 2000 Houston Press Dome Run, it will be a race not soon forgotten. It was cold, wet, and blustery. Monica Keels was the promotions director for the Houston Press, in one of her first assignments. Looking back, she describe the conditions, and the atmosphere surrounding the event.

ITR: How long has the Houston Press been involved with the Dome Run, and why did they pick up sponsorship for it?
Keels: Houston Press has been producing the Dome Run since 1995. We started producing the event because we wanted to have more involvement with the community through family events that were fun and also raised money for a good cause. The benefiting charity for Dome Run is the National Child I.D. Program.

ITR: Are there any other athletic events the Press sponsors? If so, briefly describe.
Keels: Dome Ball 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament - official print sponsor

ITR: One of the most memorable events in Houston running was the 2000 Dome Run. Runners still talk of the horrid weather conditions. Could you tell us what the feeling was like the day before the run - was there any idea what was about to happen?
Keels: I think the weather really caught everyone by surprise. The skies were a winter gray the day before, but we had had just a few sprinkles. At that point, all we could do was hope the weather would hold out long enough to not dampen the spirits of the staff or the runners.

ITR: As you were setting up, during the night I would imagine, things began to change outside the dome. How did the mood inside the dome change?
Keels: It was starting to rain by the time we got to the dome at midnight before the race. A cold front was coming through, so the air was getting very chilly. After setup was completed inside the dome, we went to get breakfast at about 4:00am. It was pouring down rain the entire time. Our focus all along had been to make Dome Run as pleasant and safe for the runners as possible. We just became even more determined to do all we could to make the best of the bad conditions.

ITR: Describe the weather at the morning of the race - the temperature, the wind, the sky, the rain.
Keels: By the time the race started the rain had let up a little bit, but it was still a steady shower. The skies were gray, and the temperature was about 45 degrees. It made for some pretty miserable running conditions.

ITR: Was there ever any thought to canceling the race?
Keels: No. The weather wasn't bad enough to cancel the race, and we had taken all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the runners. It was cold and it was wet, but as you know, many races are still run in the cold and rain. That same year, Race for the Cure had a cold and wet day for their run/walk. You just have to roll with the punches.

ITR: What was the overall attitude of the runners before the race began? - Was it upbeat, or one of angst?
Keels: Many of the runners came inside the dome to stretch and warm up. I think the attitude of the runners was mostly upbeat. There wasn't much we could do about the weather, and the runners understood that. I was amazed at the determination of these runners. Anyone who ran that day is definitely a hardcore runner.

ITR: What were some of the ways the runners prepared to face the storm outside?
Keels: They bundled up, did some extra stretching and warm up. Many people wore ponchos and even plastic bags to shield themselves from the rain.

ITR: As the race was going on, were there any incidents, or anecdotes?
Keels: I heard a police officer splashed several runners as he or she went by in their cruiser. Other than that, there were no serious incidents.

ITR: What was the mood of the runners inside the dome when the race was over?
Keels: People were cold and wet. What do you expect? Yet, even though they were miserable, soaked to the core and frozen to the bone, there was this common sense of accomplishment. They had defied the elements - looked nature in the eye and laughed in her face. Like I said, hardcore runners! I remember one runner didn't even have a shirt on. He came in just shivering. We got him a shirt and got him warmed up immediately.

ITR: Looking back, as promotions director of the race, how do you feel about that day? What were your feelings around 8 o'clock that night?
Keels: Well, Dome Run had definitely seen better days. We dealt with the hand nature had given us as best we could. By 8 o'clock that night I was sound asleep. I, and a few other people, had been up over 30 hours preparing for and managing the race.