When my alarm went off at 5am today I cursed myself for volunteering to be a course monitor for the marathon. It was COLD and EARLY! I managed to put on a few layers and slumber out the door finding my way to QuikTrip. With coffee and donut in hand I made my way to 54th and Summit, my assigned intersection.
My intersection was at approximately mile 13 so it would be a while before I would see any runners but we were instructed to be in place by 6:15am per KCPD. The race course has to be secure (ie enough police officers and volunteers in place) to ensure runner safety. The gun went off at 7:05am and at approximately 8:15am the first runners appeared down the street from my assigned intersection.
It was then that I remembered why I volunteered. I love race day, whether I am running or volunteering. Both give me satisfaction. I either complete a journey of training to the finish line or maintain a safe course for other runners to complete their journey to the finish line. Today did not disappoint!
Thousands of runners, walkers and a few superheroes (some great costumes today!) completed their journey today. Some their first marathon, some their hundredth. I cheered, clapped, slapped hands with runners (including the very last runner on the marathon course) and made sure traffic stayed clear of the course. There is nothing like cheering thousands of runners to the finish and receiving thousands of thank you's in return! Even KCPD officers on the course made a point to say thank you when they drove by. It's a joint effort between KCPD and volunteers to make it a safe race for everyone. I never expect a thank you but it's always nice to hear! I enjoy volunteering at local races. It allows me to give back to a sport I love and also inspires me to continue running. I am currently nursing a hamstring injury and will miss the Marine Corps Marathon next week because of it which made today a little bittersweet. Nonetheless, I will return again next year to volunteer! Maybe one of these years I will run it instead...
Congratulations to all who crossed the finish line today!
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