Background: Most of you know that the Chase of Champions was canceled this year, and a group of us would like to still organize an unofficial run on the old course. I thought we could find a way spin this into something positive for us and the community. What we came up with is a used running shoe donation, to go along with our "race." There are lots of people out there with all of the talent in the world to run, but without the means to obtain the proper shoes. That is where we can help.
Many of you completed an online survey about the Chase of Champions. As expected. . .there was no perfect date. . . every charity was selected for the shoes. . . people wanted to run the 5k, 10k, or see both of them run. . . In other words, there is not a perfect solution that will work for everyone. So here is what we came up with.
The Date: We will run our "race" on Saturday 4/21. This was the original date for the 2007 race. With equal conflicts on every date, it just made sense to run it on 04/21. Plus many of the runners in the area not part of the RMEC can run that weekend as well due to the official Chase canceling the race. So mark you calendars, and tell a friend.
The Time: This is not set yet, but my initial idea is to make it around 9:00 am. This would give us time to set up a few signs marking the course, put out some fluids, and collect used shoes. More details on this will come later.
The Size: Originally I had planned to write a letter to the Telegram to promote what we were doing. Based on some feedback in the survey, and the number of surveys I received from names I did not know, I began to realize that this could get far bigger than I expected. A lot of runners is great, but it could also be a liability with no traffic control. For this reason, let's let this spread by "word-of-mouth." I still think we could pull in 30-40 runners which would be a great turnout.
The Distance: It looks like 90% of those interested want to run the 10k, but there are still some that would like to do the 5k course. So we can do them both. If the crowd is larger than expected, we can start them five minutes apart to avoid traffic concerns.
The Safety Factor: As mentioned above, this will not be a closed course. There will be no traffic control. Cars will not stop for us to cross a road. I may have some sort of a waiver for people to sign (not sure about this yet). I know this sounds silly, but if 50+ people show up, because they hear a "race" is going on, I need to cover my rear-end. Everyone on this email is experienced in running with traffic, but I don't know who else may decide to run.
The "Race" Factor: This is a certified course, and we will find someway to time this, even if I am standing at the finish line with my wrist watch. That being said. . . pick your own pace. Some of you will want to give it everything you got and try to set a PR. Others will probably use it as a training run and a way to show support to the future of the Chase of Champions. Whatever you decide is fine.
The Awards: I will personally pat you on the back, and everyone else will be in awe of your performance. Seriously. . . this is a no-frills run. If you are looking for awards, this is not the event for you. I will do my best with paper and pen to track the results of everyone who finishes the race, and will gladly recognize the top performers at the finish. After the race I will send something to the Telegram letting them know about the shoe donations, and also share any race results we have.
The Shoe Donation: As mentioned above, the survey showed that there was interest in just about every charity I listed. The strongest interest was trying to keep our donation local. Because of the time frame, I am not certain if we can contact the local schools and coordinate all that is involved. Needing to contact multiple schools adds to the complexity. I not saying that we will not do it, but I need someone to make the contact quickly to pull this off.
Another recommendation that was made was to give the shoes to the local Boys and Girls Club. This is another great idea, but would also require making some phone calls.
The main purpose of the donation, is to get shoes in the hands (or on the feet rather) of those who want to run, but do not have the proper equipment. Sure, our used shoes have some miles logged on them, but odds are these will not be going to people training for a marathon, so they still have lots of use left if them. Whatever you decide to donate, try to clean them up and make them shine. Wash the laces, or replace them if they are too stained to get clean. If your children have some running shoes they have outgrown those would be great as well.
What comes next:
- Mark you calendars for 4/21
- Tell a friend, but be clear this is a group run, and not an organized race
- Clean up your old shoes
- Tell me if you can help (making calls about shoes, setting up a water table, making course signs, etc.)
With a full year to plan and prepare, I feel confident that we can recertify the course and start the Chase of Champions back in 2008, bigger and better than ever. This year is just something to get us by until then. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
As an FYI, there may be a half marathon brewing this fall is Rocky Mount too. . . stay tuned for more information soon.
We are running again this weekend. The weather is supposed to be great so come out and join us. There are several who are on the email distribution that have not come out to join us yet. What are you waiting for? We don't bite! We have runners of all ability levels. Some have been running a little over a year, and others have been running all of their lives. Some run a seven minute pace, and others run a 12 minute pace. Some run 20 miles, some run three. We don't judge. . . just know if you show up to run you will be welcomed.
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