I don't know why, but I expected more. More fanfare, more tears, more screaming?  more bells?  But it was a remarkably quiet start when the gun went off at 7am on that crisp, cold morning in November.

When I walked to the starting line with my fellow crew member and runners, I was struck by the familiarity and camaraderie that seemed to exist among the runners.  My runners seemed cool, and by comparison I was feeling out of my depth in unfamiliar territory.  Once the race began, my fellow crew members and I headed back to collect our cars and begin the challenge of meeting our runners at each stop. There was a still a hint of a crazy bet that perhaps got a little out of hand, and we chatted amongst ourselves about the first group of runners who'd ever attempted the JFK-50.

What followed was an emotionally exhausting experience. I cannot describe the sheer elation I felt each time I saw one of my team of runners appear into view. In fact, I was excited to see every RR and any runner as they passed by me.  

I believe it was a well-supported race and the aid stations were manned by wonderfully helpful people that made crewing easier. Our runners had very few demands on us and I found the hefty bags we lugged to be of minimal use? but, incredibly reassuring to have.  They were all labeled superbly and made it a breeze to quickly locate anything we were asked for. I spent more time shouting encouragement and ringing bells than attending to any serious afflictions. They all finished and were awe-inspiring.  I hope I met their needs.

I wanted to tell everyone about the race over the following hours and days. I couldn't believe such a huge feat of endurance, courage and will-power wasn't being recognized on a more grand scale: it wasn't on the news and no-one outside of my RR friends seemed to even know of it.

When I was first told about the race in 2005 I didn't think for a minute that I would ever consider something so seemingly ludicrous and unnecessary. But distance running seems to be like a drug that has found its way into my system and know that one day I want to be a part of this special group of runners that just keeps on going.  I'm just not quite sure when that perfect day will be!

Congratulations to all the runners. You are, and were, amazing! I felt truly privileged to be among you last Saturday.