It is still hard to imagine how two people, so twisted by hate, could choose to randomly target spectators and runners at one of the signature running events in the United States. I guess it is the price we all pay for living in an open society. I am struck, however, by the incredible response of the running community to this crime.
I can only lay claim to being part of the running community for that last couple of years, but I never cease to be amazed at the passion and excitement shared by runners. Perhaps, it is the nature of the sport. I have found it to be incredibly inclusive and welcoming to new runners. It is, at the same time, both an individual sport and a group sport. As individuals, we runners are always pushing ourselves to go faster or longer and to get that new PR. We also tend to love sharing the sport as evidenced by countless number of running clubs and races that fill the calendar.
The bombing at Boston two weeks ago was not just another random act of terror; it was an assault on the running community. It was a violation of our sport and our members at the most basic level. As such, our community has responded by supporting the victims, both runners and non-runners. Running groups and stores have sponsored charity runs and individual runners have donned the memorial bibs as a symbol of their support.
While terrorism has, unfortunately, touched the Boston Marathon, it has not ended it. Indeed, the word is that next year's Boston Marathon will be even more competitive to get into. The sad events of April 15, 2013 have brought out the best qualities in the running community and made me proud to be a member.
Being from Richmond, Monument Avenue is one of those treasured places that makes Richmond....well, Richmond. It is lined with impressive homes as well as statues of Confederate heros from what is alternatively called the War Between the States or The Late Unpleasantness. All that being said, it would be hard for me to turn down the chance to run this impressive boulevard. I ran part of it during the Richmond Marathon in November and was ready for another dose.
I also managed to convince eight runners from our Cornerstone Striders group in Suffolk to join me. Until I actually began reading up on the race, I had no idea it was so big. Some 40,000 runners and walkers. The corrals stretched for blocks and I only made it into mine by a few minutes. I really had no expectation of a PR given the number of runners and the crowd did not thin out until we were well up Monument Avenue on the first leg. Still, I managed to keep a sub-9 minute pace and when we made the turn at the half way mark, the field had opened sufficiently to allow me to make up some time.
Like the Richmond Marathon, the Monument Avenue 10K has terrific public support with spectators lining the entire route and bands at every mile. We had a beautiful day and I even managed to PR the race by almost a minute with an average pace of 8:26. I thoroughly enjoyed the race and hope to make it again next year. Thanks Richmond!
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