Forty-five-hundred humans plus uncounted numbers of dogs and
strollers turned out for a four-mile jaunt starting at 9 a.m. in downtown Fort
Collins on Thanksgiving morning. Some of these humans were very fast and earned
prize money for their efforts, but most ran because what better way is there to
celebrate gratefulness for family, friends, community and the anticipation of a
great feast later in the day?
Cool, sunny weather with enough wind to make runners take
notice was the order of the day for this race, the largest in Northern
Colorado. From the start on College Avenue, the main street of town, the route
took runners west for a mile-plus, then around City Park Lake to make a loop and
head east back to the downtown finish line on College Avenue.
After the race, there was time for participants and
spectators to meet up with friends. Everyone seemed animated and happy to see
each other and catch up with the latest goings on.
At the awards ceremony there were cash prizes for the
overall winners and big beautiful pies for age group winners. By late morning,
the crowds had dwindled. People were headed for home to get on with the holiday
festivities.
A morning run is a good way to start any day and, to my way
of thinking, the very best way to get ready for a memorable Thanksgiving Day.
Two daughters, two sons-in-law and four grandkids showed up
at my house before the run—and no one had to be coerced to do it!
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