The Big River Racing team continued to have success throughout the month of May.
On May 23, some team members ran the Millstadt Tin Man 5k and Half Marathon. JoAnna Duncan (23:58) was the 2nd Place Female, while Matt Bridwell (22:54) and Charles Sutton (23:11) both won their Age Groups in the 5k. Michelle Dillon (1:49:55) won her Age Group in the Half Marathon.
The Big River Racing Team isn’t just about competition. It’s also about camaraderie, encouragement, and supporting the running community. After completing their 5k race, a group of team members ran backwards on the course to encourage other runners and to support a team member’s relative as she finished the race. And they ended up leaving a lasting impression on another runner who needed some extra motivation as she neared the finish line. We received the following e-mail from that runner after the race:
- “Hi! I just wanted to comment on what an amazing team of coaches and runners you have! This weekend, I participated in the Millstadt Tin Man 5k. I was about a quarter of an uphill mile away from the finish line when the hill just wiped me out and I thought I’d stop to walk for a moment. When from out of the blue a team of Big River Runners swooped in behind me and told me “You can’t walk now! The finish is in sight! We’ll run you in!” Their energy motivated and inspired me to kick my feet up and start running again. One of the runners, JoAnna Duncan, was exceedingly kind giving me tips on breathing and counting my steps to take my mind off the fact that running is hard! I later learned that JoAnna had actually finished the race earlier and went BACK onto the race course to help encourage the rest of the Big River Team along the race. The encouragement and team spirit that the Big River Runners had during the race was infectious and so very much appreciated.”
JoAnna and a number of other Racing Team members also volunteer their time as Pacers and Coaches for Big River’s community training programs, and their infectious enthusiasm is very much appreciated!
On Memorial Day weekend, Marcus Walton (15:46) took the Overall Win at the University City Memorial Day 5k, and Jon Petter (18:48) placed 17th Overall. The Helbig family participated in the Innsbrook Memorial Day 5k. Matt Helbig placed 4th Overall, Katie Helbig was the 1st Place Female, and Connor Helbig won his Age Group.
