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Elites and Celebrities |  |
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What other activity can an every day athlete compete in the same event as an elite or celebrity?
You'll never play a round of golf or game of basketball or tennis with any big name.
But in running you get to be on the same course at about the same time as some well-known locals, celebrities, or elites. Not only do you get to participate, but sometimes they will be at the finish line to congratulate you and give you your medal and get a photo taken with them. And they respect you because you spent a lot more time on the course than they did – that’s hard in its own right. Now how awesome is that!
If the race is an out and back, look for the leaders. Also look for your friends and give them some encouragement - if you are ahead or behind them!
Some races offer multiple distances like a full and half marathon. The courses frequently will run side by side for example on the same road with a barrier between them. If you are lucky, you might get to see some of the elite runners.
Some races have a Last Man Running. This is usually a celebrity who is running for a charity. They are the last person to start and they earn money for everyone they pass in the race. If you recognize them and feel up to it, pick up your ace and run with them for a short distance.
Learn who some of the local elites are. Usually they are more approachable and you'll see them more often at local races. Who knows what you might learn from them!
Some elites will pass out medals at the finish line or stick around at the finish line to congratulate other participants. They also help at aid stations. I heard about one elite who won the Western States 100 mile Endurance Race in about 16 hours and then stayed at the finish line to congratulate all the other runners up to the 30 hour cutoff time! Ann Trason (14 time winner of the Western States 100 mile Endurance Race) paced a runner at Western States so they could finish just under the 30 hour cutoff.
I've also heard of runners, even elite professional runners, backing off so that someone else could finish ahead of them for a podium or top ten finish.
Is there ANY other sport where the elites are so supportive of the sport and the other participants?
