They're OFF ... 8 Tuff Miles

The 11th annual 8 Tuff Miles road race from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay drew 705 registered competitors, more than the target of 700 set by race organizer Peter Alter.

(Click on the photo for a larger picture.) The guy in yellow and black, Jeremy Zuber of St. John, has won the race the last three years.

"How are you feeling," one runner said to another, near the starting line, behind the National Park Service visitor's center. "Pumped up," was the reply.

The 8:15 a.m. start Saturday morning was an hour later than scheduled, due to the late arrival of a ferry from St. Thomas carrying dozens of runners, walkers, and joggers. 

The weather was a bit warm; 81 degrees under clear blue skies.  Hey, what do you expect? It's St. John! :)

The race announcer said there were 300 St. Johnians in the event, 200 from St. Thomas, runners from 15 states and several other countries. In addition to the registered 8 Tuff Milers, there were dozens of children who planned to walk the course, too.

Watch video of the start!