On the morning of the Mercer Island Half Marathon, the sky was gray. But the community turned out in full color.
I decided to sign up for the 5K run/walk, and persuaded my parents to join me. We were three of 4,053 registered participants.
We woke up early, got a free ride from Sound Transit, and upon our arrival to the Island, were greeted with an array of colorful and coordinated crews: a group of women in pink tutus, a team from Homegrown Sandwiches in black jerseys, and many people in their complimentary blue and gray T-shirts, red racing numbers safety-pinned to their chests.
A large white tent stood in the Community and Event Center parking lot, under which people gathered before their races — catching up and warming up — and after, cooling down with water and orange slices.
Many were in college navy blue or action green for the Seahawks. Some sported dark blue for colon cancer.
Volunteers, including state Sen. Steve Litzow, were in Rotary red. Rep. Judy Clibborn helped direct traffic along the race course. There’s nothing like knowing your state representative is watching to get you to pick up the pace a little.
And the pace was already quick. Half marathoners looped the Island in less than two hours. Teenagers ran the 5K in less than 20 minutes. My goal was to complete the 3.1 mile course, which started by Luther Burbank, ran along North Mercer Way and circled back to end at the community center, in less than 30 — staying at a consistent pace, and not walking.
Somehow, I accomplished my goal and placed third for my age group. Which probably means there were only three people in that group, but hey — small victories.
And I walked (sorely) away not only with an individual medal, but also with a strong sense of collective achievement. The event raised about $75,000 from sponsors and $10,000 from donations — a record amount of funds — primarily benefitting the Swedish Patient Assistance Fund
The best moment was not crossing the finish line, but running the 50 meters leading up to it, where people were cheering, clapping and watching friends, family members and total strangers accomplish their goals, no matter how large or small they happen to be.
