Organizing a race is one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in running. I love to see runners out enjoying the beauty and challenge of Hungerford, and when they cross that finish line, their sense of satisfaction and joy is contagious. If you've been one of those athletes, I hope your memories of the day are even half as fond as mine are.
But I think that directing a race is really only my second-most gratifying experience.
Coaching youth athletes, from kindergarten through high school, has been perhaps even a little better. When you coach an athlete, not only do you get to witness their struggles and their triumphs, but you get to walk them through the entire process, and to see from day to day their continued effort and growth. You get to know them more directly, to help them study for exams and discuss their plans for the future. You get to train alongside them as they progress through their career. That long road makes the eventual victories even more meaningful.
Brandon and Rob, my fellow Directors, feel the same way. Both have spent thousands of hours and dollars of their own to help young athletes become better runners and better people. We know that across the country there are hundreds of other coaches who share that passion.
We've used The Hungerford Games to raise funds for the running programs at Crossroads Academy in Big Rapids -- where we all used to work and coach. We've moved on professionally, however, and would love to spread the love to other area programs that are helping to raise up the next generation of runners (and customers :-)
When you register for the 2015 Hungerford Trail Races at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=29863, you'll be able to choose from a list of area running programs, including local high school programs and Girls on the Run (http://www.girlsontherun.org/), to receive a portion of your registration fee.
And as always, another portion of the proceeds will go to the Manistee National Forest to help preserve the beauty of the area.
Support youth running, support the Manistee National Forest, and experience Hungerford! We hope to see you in September!
