Runners Take Your Mark

This past Sunday I was treated to some neighborhood excitement as my hometown held it's second annual half marathon and 5k road race. The weather could not have been more perfect- that vibrant blue sky glistened while the aroma of fresh cut green grass filled the nose and eyes (if you're an allergy sufferer!) A cool breeze kept the runners comfortable as they strolled by the thousands down the otherwise quiet streets.

As a local resident, cheering fan, and kinda-sorta runner, I was amazed at the number of generous and grateful runners that I saw pass by my street Sunday morning. I stood at the top of my street with friends, family, and neighbors and we were able to watch runners pass during the first mile and last mile of the half marathon, as well as walk over a block to watch the 5k runners go by. I was amazed at how many runners thanked us for cheering, said “good morning” as they breathlessly ran by, cheered with us as they ran, or even came over for a high five. It was amazing to observe the gratitude they felt for what seemed like such a simple task on my end. I enjoyed watching every runner pass, especially the man in the wheel chair using his arms, the fathers and mothers pushing their baby strollers, and all the runners of all different ages. The atmosphere was a spectacular one; I was excited to watch friends run by and also excited to just cheer on complete strangers. 

Thank you also goes out to the police department for giving ample notice to residents about road closures and detours, so that I had plenty of time in advance to make accommodations. It still amazed me how many cars thought they could (or should) be allowed to drive down a road, regardless of how many runners were anxiously watching their watches and hoping to make good time, and regardless of how many warnings we received about detours and delays. I would like to challenge any resident that was “inconvenienced” by these closures or delays or who thought they could defy the rules of the closed roads to stand next to me next year and witness the joy and gratitude that I witnessed on Sunday. The weather was perfect, I was in good company, and I was witnessing inspiration run by in the thousands.