A view from a local running event

The term local is relative. We all have hometowns and hometown runs and races. Running events, their race directors, the runners that line up and the local elite all come together for a race. The fast guys and gals are the fastest in the area.

This week’s blog is about a race and those who organize it and those who run it.

Forest City Road Races

On April 26 in London, Ont., there is a local road race called the Forest City Road Races. London is home to about 370,000 people and was once proposed as Canada’s capital.

2015 will be the 33rd running of this event which features a kids run, 5K, 10K and half-marathon. There’s a race expo and all the things any big-city race would have, plus some efforts to make the race a bit greener.

I got in touch with Steve Ryall, the race director, and a participant of the event, to ask about their experiences.

Steve Ryall is the Forest City Road Races race director and also owns his own service event management company called Ryall Enterprises.

The race director: What makes you want to put on a race? What do you get out of it?

“The Forest City Road Races is all about a great experience. We offer a professionally operated event while maintaining a community spirit. Seeing the runners sense of accomplishment when crossing the finish line puts a smile on my face. Seeing what the money we raise does for the 8,000 children with disabilities at Thames Valley Children’s Centre gives us a heart warming purpose.”

Jennifer Johnson is a 42-year-old mom of two who has been running for about 11 years.

The runner: What do you like about your local race, why do you run it?

“I’ve participated in many different cities, but I’ve always loved Forest City Road Races. It’s a very well organized event, from the online sign up, picking up the race kits, the fun atmosphere before the race, the amazing supporters and volunteers every step of the way, right up to the finish line where they make an effort to announce everyone’s names making you feel like you’ve won the race! I love that it’s close to home and that family can come and enjoy watching it.

“This year, I’ve decided I will not train for the half. Instead, my nine-year-old has asked if I will train and run the 5K with him. I hope it’s the start of many runs we will complete together and I’m glad Forest City Road Race will be our first.”

There are runners almost everywhere but a running community only really comes together for events and races. A local running event can bring together the town or city’s runners and draw out first time runners.

Run on, London.

See you on the roads or in the blogosphere.

Do you have a running story to tell? Email me:

runningwriter@hotmail.com

You can also catch me on Twitter @NoelPaine or on my personal blog.