A New Perspective

Like most of you, I have run a lot of races. My last race was the Sickle Cell in 2024. After a series of doctor appointments, it was determined I needed surgery, but I hope to return to racing—maybe late fall—or, if you will, “participating.” While I have worked hard over the last two and a half years to increase my volunteering at GWTC races, I often tried to do pre- or postrace help so that I could also run. As you know, running many of these GWTC legacy races just gets in your blood after being a part of them for so many years.

Since I stopped running last fall, I have gained a whole new perspective simply by watching races from start to finish. When the course permits, I have had the chance to see runners experiencing full-on pain (leaders) or joy (further back in the pack) mid-race. And finally, watching all runners come through the finish line—some with deep grimaces and others with big smiles, and every expression in between—has been eye-opening. I have remarked to the Yons that I had no idea how long it takes for Turkey Trot’s last runner or walker to cross the starting line. There’s the anticipation of gazing across the Bradley pastures and the longhorns for the first 15K runner to appear on Old Centerville Road at the 30K/15K. The excitement of seeing the flashing lights crest the hill on Jackson Bluff as the Palace Saloon 5K leader begins the long downhill to the finish. The serene quiet at dawn, pre-race, at the Marathon/Half finish line where you will find Peg Griffin by herself enjoying the moment—and then the contrast of the blaring announcer and music as the first marathoner blazes toward the finish through the close confines of College Town. I’ve wondered: how close will the lead man be to the lead woman at Women’s Distance? And what a wonderful sight to behold at the ARP for Tannenbaum, where the broad start line gives a great view of all the runners—how good do the leaders look at first pass, and can they hold?

Over the last three years, I’ve gotten a good sense of how things shake out at the start and finish of the Springtime Races, due to my co-race-directing duties with Jackie. We had a record number of registrants this year, as have other recent races, signaling that road racing is on the upswing. While we now revel in post-race repose, needed changes are ahead. The 5K field is growing too large to navigate the current course seamlessly, and I will be working with others to make adjustments. The 1 Mile and 10K courses will likely remain as they are now. All races will continue to finish on Suwannee Street adjacent to Cascades Park, which offers outstanding viewing of both the start and finish. A little jog up the hill and over the railroad tracks after the race start provides a good vantage point for seeing the 10K runners at different points along the course.

In sum, if you have run these races for years—or even just a short time — consider taking a break now and then to volunteer and simply watch your fellow runners. It brings a different perspective to these events, and you may gain insights and appreciation that you were previously unaware of.

Finally, some of the best GWTC news I have heard in several months: Robert and Kory Skrob have agreed to take the reins from Geb Kiros and Tsige Tadesse and will direct the Bank of America Tallahassee Marathon and Half Marathon for 2026! As many of you know, Robert has compiled the Fleet Foot for several years as Editor. One caveat to the Skrobs assuming the marathon/half duties is that Robert will need to relinquish his role with the newsletter, which seems like a more than fair exchange. Should anyone have the skills necessary to take on the task of producing the Fleet Foot, please reach out to Robert, me, or any Board member