Photos by Paul Kentor |
Milestone Coins & PR Bell |
On my calendar each year lies 3 Days at the Fair, not only a race, but a reunion of sorts. On that one mile loop of the fairgrounds, I have witnessed and experienced some of the most inspiring feats- some my own, some of friends, and some of complete strangers. I have met old friends, and new, all coming together to share in the joy of running. I look forward to the faces of the fair- the RD’s, volunteers and families. It’s an event where we push together to reach new goals and achieve higher milestones (such as the 100, 250, 500 or 1,000 cumulative lifetime mile coins).
Reunion time! |
This year was no different. As expected, my “family” showed
up, and as years prior, it once again grew. Big accomplishments were watching many
vets, and now close friends, reach their 1,000 lifetime miles on the course. I observed
new course PR’s, and new personal distance bests. I saw newbie to the 72hr, Serge
Arbona, nail a killer day three despite injury day two. I joined in beers and
high-fives with Jim, Marco, Ava, and Russell at their pickup remote aid
station. There was John Fegyveresi parked in his ‘home away from home’ spot on
the grounds, and Steven Tursi and family running laps while taking selfie’s all
the while. One of my favorite Canadians, Pablo, was once again present and
never without an encouraging word to keep on moving. Many more familiar faces
were present, making each tiring loop so much more bearable. Meredith, Cliff, Darren,
Jerry, Frank, Paul, Alanna, Kevin… the list goes on and on of faces that return
year after year as staples to the Fair.
Ryanne & Paul [Young and old(er) cranking out the miles] |
Young kids and old each partook in the hot days and cold
nights, persevering through sore feet and muscles for that one more mile. There
were people running for their fathers, for their mothers, for special causes
and for national records. There were people running one marathon that weekend,
and people running four. No matter the distance, or the event, we somehow
became a team.
There is something special about the Fair. There is an air to the event which brings so many of us back time and again to circle a monotonous course that should, after years, steer us elsewhere. I believe it’s a race that turns racers into friends and friends into family. It’s a “family” that comes together each May to run loops, eat food, and tirelessly strive for new goals… together.