10/01/2024
Race announcing is rewarding in-and-of itself, aside from any renumeration received (however, the opportunity to hang out with wonderful Olympian and the Queen of U.S. Road Running, Deena Kastor was indeed priceless). I feel blessed to have a front-row seat to so many spectacular performances and personal victories at the finish line throughout the year, but none move me as deeply as when a finisher begins visibly choking up as they near the finish line. I'll (usually) never know what kind of battle they've waged to reach the finish line, but the battle scars show on their face in that moment.
In every starting corral, you'll find myriad reasons for toeing the line. Some are competitors with their eyes set on winning outright. Some are vying for age-group podium spots or personal bests. A large subset are there simply to run with friends, have a good time, snag their race SWAG, and take advantage of the after-party. Then there are those who have something to prove, first and foremost, to themselves; those brave warriors looking to put their demons, in whatever form, behind them as they strike out for the finish. These quiet warriors were on full display at Susquehanna River Running Festival a couple of weeks ago, among others:
A young woman who finishes what may have been her first 10K, openly weeping after proving to herself (and the world!) that in fact, yes she can, and there's no stopping her now!
A woman who falls into the arms of a spectating friend at the finish, her eyes welling up and wearing a priceless look on her face that screams "I did it. I really did it! Can you believe it, I DID IT!"
The gentleman of "advanced experience" age approaching the finish line by himself. I threw in some added chatter, which I like to do whenever finisher density permits, rather than simply announcing a finisher's name. Here's his story as related to Charm City Run staff: "This was first full slow running completed race (no walking) since April 12th at Dozers Run in Hockessin DE when I overheated/dehydrated and was evacuated out by ambulance (very annoying) and then ordered by doctors not to run for a few months but with the goal to run this race I am re-training. The icy cold red bandana plus the ice cold water and a wonderful medal at the end of my race plus being announced as “an older runner proving age need not stop you from participating” as I crossed the finish line made my day! Thank you!"
It's stories like the one above that drive home the fact that I do make a difference in the race experience. In giving as many positive personal shout-outs as possible, I'm able to reinforce via loudspeaker that each and every finisher IS a worthy athlete deserving of our respect. Driving that point home with a bit of finish-line adulation is the least I can do to help every amazing finisher feel welcome and seen as they cross the finish line.
I don't have pictures from SRRF with any finishers, but I'll post a photo of myself with Deena Kastor at SRRF, taken by Charm City Run Events own Morgan McKenry