Not only is the race special because it takes place on a special day,

but it also has a rich, over three decade tradition. While the Boston

Marathon an declare it is the oldest road race in America, few

10K's can claim they've been around longer than the Peachtree

Road Race (4) The race began modestly in 1970. (5) There were

only 110 people in the race. By 1980, just ten years later, the race

had grown from 110 runners to over 20,000 people and had nearly

outgrown the four-lane street.

Which is the BEST meaning for modestly as it is used in the selected

sentence?

A) suddenly

B) completely covering

C) showy; ostentatious

D) lack of pretentiousness; simplicity