Imagine running 26.2 miles in full firefighting equipment. That's what Ypsilanti firefighter Max Anthouard did at the Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 28. The 42-year-old native Frenchman, who's finished most of his "50 some" marathons in better than three hours, completed the course through the nation's capital in 4:58:02. This was Anthouard's second Marine Corps Marathon. "I ran it last year," he said, "with two colleagues from the Farmington Hills Fire Department. We raised money for the International Association of Firefighters Burn Foundation, and decided run it again this year." Marine Corps keeps open 100 spots for runners who raise a minimum of $1,000 for charities, he explained. This time, Anthouard asked firefighting-gear manufacturers for donations. To hold up his end of the deal, he agreed to run with his (and their) gear: boots, coat, pants, helmet ... everything except breathing apparatus. The boots were "low-cut, lighter, a little more comfortable than what I usually wear," Anthouard said. He wore a short coat that was "very light, almost like a jogging suit." His helmet was "kind of heavy, especially for 26.2 miles. It's the one I wear every day," he said. Running thus encumbered "wasn't much harder" than other marathons and ultras Anthouard has entered. "The boots were the most problem," he admitted. They aggravated tendinitis that had been bothering him. Among the firefighters who ran for charities, "I was the only one in gear," he said. "After Sept, 11, the cheers were fantastic. Many people gave me flags." A TV reporter and cameraman ran next to him for a while. Anthouard came to the U.S. from France nine years ago. He began running and fighting fires when he was 18 or 19 in Paris. The two were linked. "There are more than 80 fire departments in Paris, and the competition between them is big," Anthouard said. "I ran for my company in track meets between departments. It went from there." He races less now than he used to: maybe 10 times a year. "I am getting older, not better," he chuckled. "I like running, I've won a few races and I enjoy the spectrum of people who participate in running," Anthouard said. Training for him varies. During winters he recovers, running "10 to 20 miles a week." When he's getting ready for competition, Anthouard runs "six times a week, 50 to 70 miles, on trails or dirt roads to stay away from traffic. I used to run every day, but not any more. "I enjoy running to work," he continued. "I ride my bike there, work my 24-hour shift, then run back home." With a little prodding, he admitted the distance between home and work is 30 miles. "I do it once a month or more during summers, six or seven times a year," he said. "I have to if I'm going to compete in ultras." If at your next race you come across a runner in firefighting gear, say hello to Max Anthouard. Ron Marinucci, who can be reached online at RMarin6424@aol.com, thanks his brother for the tip on Max Anthouard. MR