CROSSING THE FINISH LINE...
It doesn’t matter if it is your first 5K or if you’re a seasoned marathon runner, there is something to be said about the feeling that comes from crossing the finish line. It’s even better when friends, family, and complete strangers are there cheering you on. This was one of the elements that drew me into trail running this past year-to experience the camaraderie of the running community post race. It was like a party. It doesn’t matter if you are first or last. You finished, and that’s what matters the most.
During the 2013 Race to Remember, I experienced the other spectrum of an empty finish line. I ran back through the course to help walk in the last 5 finishers who happened to be my wife, her friend and our children-ages 1, 2 and 3. It was a very disappointing moment as we came to the finish line to see no one but the time keeper was left.
Now to be fair, I will take the responsibility of the empty finish line. With a reception following the event at a different location, many people left as soon as they finished. It was the first year-we live, and we learn.
But, it did make me think. Every finisher at an event should be recognized for finishing, regardless of their time. I wanted to come up with something that would encourage everyone to stick around and cheer on all participants. It was this idea that motivated me to start the STRONG FINISH RACE. During a STRONG FINISH RACE, the final finisher will draw random bib numbers. If that participant is still present at the finish line, they will be given a token of our appreciation for staying.
Now some may say I am “buying” supporters. That’s not how I look at it. I am simply trying to bring the excitement and “party-like” atmosphere to the finish line. I hope you will help us with our first STRONG FINISH RACE. Stay and support all those who finish.
During the 2013 Race to Remember, I experienced the other spectrum of an empty finish line. I ran back through the course to help walk in the last 5 finishers who happened to be my wife, her friend and our children-ages 1, 2 and 3. It was a very disappointing moment as we came to the finish line to see no one but the time keeper was left.
Now to be fair, I will take the responsibility of the empty finish line. With a reception following the event at a different location, many people left as soon as they finished. It was the first year-we live, and we learn.
But, it did make me think. Every finisher at an event should be recognized for finishing, regardless of their time. I wanted to come up with something that would encourage everyone to stick around and cheer on all participants. It was this idea that motivated me to start the STRONG FINISH RACE. During a STRONG FINISH RACE, the final finisher will draw random bib numbers. If that participant is still present at the finish line, they will be given a token of our appreciation for staying.
Now some may say I am “buying” supporters. That’s not how I look at it. I am simply trying to bring the excitement and “party-like” atmosphere to the finish line. I hope you will help us with our first STRONG FINISH RACE. Stay and support all those who finish.
