As the sun’s rays lifted over the water at marathon mile marker 7.5, the excitement was building. Grand Traverse Conservation District volunteers and staff all joined together early in the morning to fill cups with water and Gatorade in preparation for thousands of marathon, half-marathon, and 10K runners at the May 24, 2008 Bay Shore Marathon. The first runners passed the GTCD’s water and aid station at about 8:00 a.m., and the cups were a-flying! It was an absolutely beautiful day, and the runners were all amazing! The District is very thankful for the great group of volunteers who helped at the station. Not only did the station support the runners, but it also helped to raise funds for the GTCD to continue its vibrant conservation programs. By 12:30, the station and stretch of road before and after were cleaned up, the runners had passed through, and the sun was still shining. Congratulations to all Bay Shore runners!