Joseph Smith Memorial Marathon July 7, 2012



We had an interesting day Saturday helping with a marathon.  Let me share the story of how the Joseph Smith Memorial Marathon came about.  An amazing lady from Utah, Suzy Larsen, had run a marathon in every state EXCEPT Vermont.  She wanted to run in Vermont but the events were all on Sunday.  She didn't want to run on the Lord's day so she organized a marathon on Saturday.  She flew out twice from Utah, staying several days each time.  Selecting the route was a challenge. It couldn't be too steep, or dangerous (no trip hazards) and she needed to avoid busy highways, lovely scenery would be nice, and it needed to be 26 miles long ending up at the church (so we could feed everyone).  Suzy had about half the route mapped but it wasn't coming together. She stopped at the Midway store in Sharon, and she must have looked pretty sad because the owner asked if there was something he could do to help.  She said, not unless you can find me another route to the Joseph Smith Memorial.  He said, "My grandfather used to own that property, and I knew all the back roads."  He told her the names of several roads (turn here, turn there, then take this road...etc.)  and the distance turned out to be exactly what she needed to finish the race.  Suzy also had to get the word out, and that was no small  job. Thanks to the internet and Facebook there were 38 participants.   She ordered t-shirts for all of the volunteers who helped.  Mike and I both got a t-shirt.  On the back of our shirts was this scripture:  "I will not boast of myself but I will boast of my God for in his strength I can do all things." Alma 26:12 

Suzy also had t-shirts designed for the runners.  They were very nice.  The material was soft and airy and comfortable and the pictures and sayings were great. On one sleve were footsteps and the letters ETTE  (Endure To The End) on the cuff.  I believe the other sleve said "Faith in Every Footstep."  You can see the cute picture on the front in this picture of Lisa.  Lisa was the first place women's runner. 

The youngest runner was 22 and the oldest was 70.  The first place men's runner was Curtis Moore age 31.  His time was 3:23.  Now I need to explain that the race was supposed to be 26 miles.  Suzy measured it with her car,  but when the runners all came in with their various GPS divices every one clocked it at OVER 27 miles.  That means their times were actually faster, and they didn't need to run around the arena in Tunbridge 3 times, just once. 
This smiling runner with the white basebal cap is Suzy.  She made friends with half the town during the short time she was here and was given donations and support from Village Pizza, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, and Cabot Cheese.  So everyone that came had pizza, ice cream, cheese, watermelon, sliced oranges, sliced apples and lots of water.   

I took over 200 pictures.  You can see them online if you are interested. https://plus.google.com/photos/104235639581602110957/albums/5762953384125218753
 

We had a great day.  It was a lot of fun.  I helped at the finish line and took pictures all day.  Mike was up near the memorial pointing the way, and giving encouragement.  Saturday we had 46 visitors at the Visitor's Center who were not members of the LDS church.  They really enjoyed their time with us.

I would write a bit more but my internet is acting funny. Love TO EVERYONE.