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"Wow! I've never had a more uplifting experience
during a marathon weekend."
Jeff's Report: The Marathon To End Breast Cancer
February 17, 2008 * Jacksonville Beach, FL
First, my confessions. As a race director, I've produced
over 200 events and attended over a thousand. I have
yet to see a perfect event. As the event director of
this inaugural half and full marathon I knew that there
would be probably be a few of the thousands of logistical
items that could drop off the radar screen.
In fact, there were very few significant problems because
of the outstanding direction and production by Theresa
Price and the Special Events Department of the City
of Jacksonville--a great team of professionals. The
most common comment I heard from runners afterward was:
"I've never seen an event better organized".
We had fun all weekend: The Galloway gatherings, the
festive expo (with lots of freebies), the fun places
to go in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach. Almost
all of the course was pleasant or beautiful. There was
a steady stream of "southern hospitality"
from the spectators in the neighborhoods (most of the
way). Neighborhood groups had "cheering parties"
with different themes and lots of enthusiasm.
Runners and spectators bonded in a way that I've never
experienced. I never will forget the sign carried by
a little kid: "Keep going, you're running for my
Mom".
Best aspect of the course, for me, was running onto
the wide, hard-packed sand beach. The sense of freedom
from running on a beach was so exhilarating that I had
to hold myself back to keep from running away from Barbara,
my wife of almost 32 years. We used a (run a minute/walk
a minute) strategy to run our 5th marathon in 5 months
together.
Everyone seemed to be lifted by the common cause of
ending breast cancer. Since 100% of the entry went to
research at Mayo Clinic and care for women undergoing
treatment, we knew that we were helping moms, sisters,
dear friends, daughters, grandaughters and the thousands
of men that have breast cancer and will get it.
It is always wonderful to cross the finish line. It
was even better to know that you are helping to save
lives. Quite a few people entered the event and ran
their distance in their home towns at the same time
that we were running.
Run with us next year and bring 5 friends!
Jeff Galloway
US Olympian
Event Director
More info - BreastCancerMarathon.com
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