This year we'll take a look behind the scenes as the facilities were put together. The event was not a one person effort. Virtually all the board members had a hand in the planning and physical preparations, but without the coordination of Board member Sheryl Rosier, it would not have been such a resounding success. If anyone wants a copy of a particular photograph just email me at fjbowser@gmail.com. I will email a high resolution jpeg file if you identify the photo you want.
The afternoon before the race a group of FoGISP vplunteers assembled at the maintenance shed. Bags containing the elements of the tarp roofed sunshades were taken from the Morgan storage building and the poles and tarps were laid out in the grass in front of the fence.
Somehow the tubular pieces were assembled correctly, and the tarp roofs were attached. Tawy Muehe served up the chili as a reward for the laborers.
Before dawn on race day, the runners began to register in the near darkness picking up their T-shirts and goodie bags before fortifying with coffee and juices. Sheryl Rozier and Steve Alexander sprayed down the start/finish line as a final preparation.
Runners aren't all weird. Boy Scouts gladly serve them water along the route, and they even have normal families who turn out to cheer them on.
With the Jamaica Beach Fire and Rescue standing by the runners came early, and the full parking lot gave testament to the record number of 170 participants. Even Past President, Dr. Tom Linton got up early enough to urge them on.
The rising sun painted a golden sky behind them as the runners gathered at the starting line , and at exactly 8 am they were off and running.
If I were a runner, my favorite spot on the course would be running in an out of sunshine around the U shaped pond by the old amphitheater site.
The expressions on the runner's faces at the finish line varied from pained relief to sheer joy at a race well run.
Thanks!!!
FoGISP appreciates the generous donors who made the race possible. Their generosity deserves your support of their businesses.
Jamacia Beach Hardware Pirate's Beach Property Owner's Association
Treasure Trove
Galveston Insurance Associates
