On behalf of my family, friends, and the delightfully insane running community, I’d like to thank
everyone in BG who made our marathon dreams come true Feb. 2. When my friends J.D., Elizabeth, Meghan,
Brian, and I began to plot a race before I began cancer treatment, we imagined a few friends lacing up
shoes, and hitting the sidewalks for 26.2 miles. We never imagined it becoming an event with more than
200 participants and spectators, most of whom got involved after seeing the story in the Sentinel days
before the run. Specifically, we thank:
• The volunteers. At the last minutes, friends from all walks of life stepped forward to volunteer
fruits, cookies, help at water stations, and direct traffic to appropriate parking. BGSU Athletics,
Grounds for Thought, and Dr. Heather helped along the way. Dave’s Performance Footwear jumped in with a
finishing arch, drink jugs, and organized runners. Alex Hann brought his soundsystem to build
atmosphere.
• Those who came out to cheer us on in the sub-freezing temperatures, including friends from church,
school, and BGSU. Special thanks to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who
lined Conneaut to cheer, leaving few dry eyes among the runners!
• The community of St. Aloysius! The parish community’s spirit really propelled us! Thank you so much for
accommodating a bunch of crazy runners in your buildings, and in your hearts!
• The City of BG! When this thing got way bigger than expected, we were scared it would be so big that
the city would intervene. Instead, we found open doors everywhere. Assistant City Administrator Lori
Tretter reassured us the city would be supportive. Officer Short and Officer Skaff of the BGPD helped
keep us safe along the entire course. Firefighter Jeff Lammers, who ran the full marathon with us,
regularly ran ahead to check for hazards.
Many of these people were already friends, some were strangers, but all are neighbors in this community
that never ceases to amaze us. When our community read Chris McDougall’s "Born to Run" last
year, who could have predicted that his central message – that running brings a community together in
peace, joy, and celebration – would have played out on our streets so beautifully. Thank you all so
much. We are privileged to live in such a community.
Joe & Katie Boyle and family
Bowling Green