The Gettysburg North-South Marathon!

WOW! Well, I didn't run in this one, but I want to write my thoughts about the weekend I had volunteering at the Gettysburg North-South Marathon and what it meant to me as I saw it through my eyes! Lowell Ladd, race director of the marathon, approached me back in October time frame and asked if HCM Foundation would want to be involved with a race he is directing - The Gettysburg North-South Marathon! I thought what a wonderful thing! Lowell heard about HCM from one of his friends and HCM board member, Mike Carriglitto, and I saw this as more of an opportunity to grow newly found relationships so we may continue to add to the positive impact we have in our community. Lowell generously donated individual entries and team relay entries so runners had the option to run and fundraise for HCM programs and services.


Since Lowell has reached out to me we have done some training runs together and as I get to know him more - I'm most impressed with his attention to detail while planning and leading into the marathon and also his genuine thoughts about being involved with charity. Lowell fits the phrase, "Go big or go home" perfectly!

This happened to be the fourth weekend in a row I was out and about. The first one I was out at the Glacier Ridge Trail 50 miler crewing for my two buddies Alex Barth and Derek Schultz. Also, had the HCM Twenty9 night fundraiser that weekend (Sunday night.) The second weekend I was down in Virginia to help direct the HCM Smith Mountain Lake 4 Miler. The third weekend I was up in the Lehigh Valley to raffle of the Specialized Allez bicycle at Cutters Bike Shop. And this weekend was Gettysburg!! All GOOD STUFF!

I got into town Friday night and it was my first time in Gettysburg. A beautiful town! I love it! Saturday I got up and was going to meet Lowell for a run. As I am walking to the door of the hotel room I see an envelope with HCM Foundation (Mike Marsteller) written on the outside. Wondering what it is, I open it and it is a check from Lowell for $2,000. WOW WOW WOW! HE DONATED $2,000 OF THE RACE PROCEEDS TO HCM FOUNDATION!! I don't have words for how cool this is. Very very generous! I hope Lowell gets used to me thanking him for that every time I see him, haha! I was very touched by that kind gesture.

So Lowell and I went out for a 10 mile run and he showed me some of the roads around town. Very scenic! Came back, ate some breakfast, and it was time to get started. He put together an outstanding team of volunteers. We started setting up the packet pick up tent to get ready for that from 12-5pm! Then I headed out on the course with two other guys, Andrew and Darin, to mark the course (mile markers and turn arrows.) This is one of the most beautiful rolling courses I have ever seen. Awesome area!

Later Saturday night, Lowell hosted a special dinner in town for a few of the runners, sponsors, volunteers, and the people who were running for HCM. I felt very happy I was going to get to meet the people who were running this race and raising funds for HCM! I got to know them a little bit through email and phone, but it's always nice to meet in person. Getting to know them AND keeping in touch is VERY VERY important to me. I say it a gazillion times, but I'm confident that building relationships and a huge network of amazing people will be the driving force to make positive impact within our communities. It was very special to finally meet everyone in person because they are such amazing people!

Sunday morning race day I was up early and headed over to the race site. My first job was to instruct people where to park. That was pretty easy as I was sipping on my morning Sheetz coffee trying to get pumped up for what was about to happen!! My main job for the day was to be the lead pace bike in front of the race. I LOVE doing this!! And it was cool because I got to wear my HCM kit which I thought was appropriate since we were involved as the charity. It was such a cool feeling!

The guy who won, ran a 2:37, did an amazing job - he was cruising in and his family was out there on the course cheering him on as they drove to different spots. He is a fortunate guy to have that type of support. I would stay about 20 yards ahead of him throughout the course and every now and then I would shout some encouraging words to him. He held tough and when I pull off at the final turn, he holds his hand out and we slap hands as he is 100 yards from the finish. I turn back around and head out to find the lead female to bring her in. WOW! She is TOUGH!! She was hurting those last few miles but dug deep. In all the races I have ever done, not sure I've seen this much toughness. I did the same thing - stayed about 20 yards ahead and gave some shouts of encouragement. Both of them should be very proud of their finishes and it was nice that their families were out there to support them.

Once my pacing job was done, I'd get printed results from the finish line and ride them over to where the awards were. Then once all that was done, I got to relax a little, then we cleaned it all up and I hit the road right around dinner time!!!

So many cool things happened out of the weekend! Over 1,000 people completed a marathon, Lowell did a fabulous job directing, Gettysburg hosted their first marathon, HCM got to be a part of an awesome venue, and I was fortunate enough to meet the people who raised money for HCM. I just added up the numbers and total funds raised, including Lowell's donation, is $7,579. It is simply amazing! And to put a priceless spin on things - the relationships and friendships that were built from this weekend will forever continue to do things that will go farther than that money. And I am happy I could be out there and help Lowell out by volunteering and in a way give back to his amazing efforts the best I could!!