This time last year, Erin Seitz, newly Erin Fitch, bounced the idea of organizing a fundraising 5K run/walk on behalf of The Quarry Farm.
“People can run or walk it virtually and then we can have an actual race for people who want to come,” she said. “Everyone gets a t-shirt and a medal for supporting.”
I didn’t get why–or how–anyone would or could participate in a 5K virtually. Fifty other people from around the United States did. They began participating last June, pledging to run or walk 3.1 miles in their hometown at their own time of day or night. Anyone who wants to join in still can until 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2016.
This morning around 10 a.m., the onsite 5K began for the 30 more individuals who elected to pound the pavement here on Roads 7L and M7. Yesterday the skies opened up and more was promised for today, but the forecast cleared, the sun shown in blue sky and a mature bald eagle crossed the historic Road M6 bridge just as the runners and walkers came down the first hill on their way to the second. Thanks to Ted’s Market, water and Gatorade waited for them at the halfway point.
David Fryling crossed the finish line first with a time of 23:59. April Dorman, first woman through, clocked in at 27:34. There was more water, Gatorade and hot coffee in the Seitz Family Pavilion as well as granola bars, bananas and clementines courtesy of Kohl’s Market. As the first male and female finishers, David and April took home $50 gift certificates from Dick’s Sporting Goods and $15 gift certificates from RoadID.
Hours before today’s run/walk whistle was blown, the Seitz Apple Butter Fest copper kettle was situated over the fire at the race’s turnaround point. The canning jars are now filled and light rain is just beginning to mist. I’ll wear my race shirt tomorrow, right after I fulfill my virtual run pledge.
I get it now. Thanks to everyone who beat me to the starting line. See you October 7, 2017, for the Second Annual Quarry Farm 5K.
