“FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT • FOR HEALTHY LIVING • FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBLITY.” The race grew by 50% and the funds raised for their programming did too. That was my only stake in the event. Well, that and introducing Excellence.
I was coned to the bone. The most extensively coned course ever, I sat each one out personally, eliminating the guess of “Well, it depends on where they put the cone” when asked where the turnaround was.
Was so happy to see my hero, The Amherst Flash, Brian Bergt on the start line. Just happened to be making a delivery of hogs to Fremont the night before, I hardly recognized him clean shaven, coiffed (can a farmer be coiffed?) and sporting the cool Kenyan silhouette singlet. Still fast at 54 (1:25:46), how he packs a legit hog farm operation into his training inspires the heck out of me.
Was happy too to see Saucony Hurricane, Kansas City Smoke, Lincoln Running Co. Racing, Team Nebraska, Women Run Nebraska and Nebraska Run Guru Elite all representing on the line. Participation surpassed my expectations, now on to next year.
The Corporate Cup is this weekend. Boy do I have stories about that one. I’m sure the Cup is right where it wants and needs to be these days. While the new course was panned by the racing community last year I’m pretty sure it mattered not a whit.
The Wabash Trace Marathon is also this weekend. Proving that a packed schedule of races is a good thing after all. A lot of runners training and running and racing for a wide variety of causes.
And the Omaha Marathon is next weekend. As always I’ll be paying close attention to the competitive aspect as well as the operational, logistical, and community support. And riding the lead bike for the men’s marathon. Cat bird seat.
The twenty one gun salute and playing of Taps reminded everyone that the reason for the Freedom Run is to commemorate the fallen service personnel from 9/11.
Final instructions made, the runners soon to be off with the crack of the rifle.
Competition was the order of the morning, not only for those up front but for everyone looking to run a personal best or conquer their first half marathon.
Luka Thor of Team Nebraska and Aaron Davidson of the Kansas City Smoke battled the first 11 miles before Luka (1:09:31) pulled away for the 2nd overall, Aaron (1:10:30) would maintain his grip on the final prize money spot.
Zach was cruising sub 5:00 miles the entire way. I had discussed field size and competition with his coach Brad Hudson, as a true professional these were non issues to Zach. Set about his business and got it done. Interesting note, he’s never been injured.
Whitney raised a lot of eyebrows with her fifth overall placing. Never before had such grace and speed been seen in Valley. Just wait til next year!
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