Since I resumed running in 1984 after a 23 year layoff I have experienced many emotional experiences whilst running or watching road races. In 1987 when I completed the London Marathon I was very emotional at the finish. Anyone who has 'run London' will know what I mean. I was Team Manager at an International Road Race in Derbyshire, when I heard about the death of Princess Diana. The Welsh Team had just arrived and their Team Manager said to me "Maurice, Princess of Wales is dead". I shall never forget that moment. But the feelings that The Race For Life generates lifts emotions to a much higher plain.
In 1997 I was asked to layout a 5K course around Stoke Park in Surrey and to be Race Director and again in 1998. What had I let myself in for? After the mass aerobic warm up I had to get 900 ladies into some semblance of order for the start. There is something very special about 'ladies only' races. For many just to get round the course was their 'London Marathon'.
The Race For Life is all about raising money for research into finding cures and providing palliative treatment for all forms of women's cancer and enabling women who are touched in some way themselves or by family members and friends who may have been down the cancer road, to know they are not alone.
On Sunday 15th July this year my Chris and 8 of her running friends from Exmouth Harriers took part in 'The Race' at Exeter Quays. My role was simply to be there and take some photographs. Having watched now 5 of these races you might think I would get used to the experiences. How wrong can you be?
There were 2000 ladies from Exeter and East Devon!!! There are 50 plus races being held in the UK. They will raise £6.5 million. The ladies are invited to wear a sign on their back (about the size of a race number) recording a name of a loved one either as "in memory of" or "in celebration of". What you see will effect you profoundly. Typical messages:- In Memory of Mum, Sister, Friend or Work Colleague. In celebration - names of those who came through (every name you can think of ). Some of the most striking messages were "My Life" and "My Good Health". I guess that 80% of those running had a message that fell into one of the two message categories.
Seeing the mass aerobic warm up lead by three very fit and energetic ladies was something to wonder at. 2000 ladies gyrating or at least trying to oscillate made one smile. For the husbands/partners/boyfriends - Well! We were there for moral support but really we only had a 'walk on' part in the main attraction.
Just before the start there was a one minute silence for each to remember why they were there and to have those very private thoughts. When the silence was announced not everyone heard it but gradually like a slow moving tide the silence and stillness crept through the crowd until all was still. I defy anyone to be indifferent to that mood and experience.
The Race then got under way and was a glorious expression of joy and excitement for everyone whether they were running or just watching. To be alive and able to run is surely an experience we should never take for granted. Those of us who can and do run are truly fortunate. It was a memorable day.