“Paine to Pain” Half Marathon 2013 – What a Marvelous Day!

I decided to walk my pooch in the a.m. near the race start of the “Paine to Pain” Half Marathon, and write a short blog with a few video clips before appointments.. The enthusiasm was so apparent, the excitement, the vibrant energy and oh my – how those volunteers worked! There were High School Cheer Leaders, Mayor Bramson was there, the New Ro Runners were there; though I am not quite sure that Thomas Paine would have approved of the “Royal Flush”  toilet situation.. too British sounding ! Ha! John Wright, the Executive Director of the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum was there in Colonial costume with musket in hand to help start the races.

I apologize to those involved, as I am not a New Ro Runner ,and so I do not know the volunteers’ names,  but I just learned  that Mark Medin was the announcer and he did such a wonderful  job that I have to mention him!  If you would like me to mention any other of the volunteers’ names-  please let me know! I do know Pocahantas (oops.. sorry – Nina Steinberg who was was dressed like Pocahantas) and who I heard the announcer state later  runs each year in the  “Paine to Pain” half Marathon. THAT is impressive, and I also heard (I believe) how a 67 year old man had run a marathon last week, and then in the “Paine to Pain “race  …  SO many wonderful stories.. and because of that close knit camaraderie, it inspired me to go back to  the finish line…and take some more video clips.

Matt Collins  was running third throughout the race, and the chaps who were running first and second along the route took a wrong turn.  Did Mike take advantage and win the race? No, he waited by the finish line allowing those 2 chaps to finish before him as he felt they deserved those First and Second place finishes, and so he came in third.  (Adria Botifoll,  came in first and Nicholas DiBenedetto came in Second)  It was so inspiring yesterday, and runners had the opportunity to raise some money for  the “Hole in the Wall  Gang” (Paul Newman’s charity”  ,and I think that the good will, and love just permeated the entire event.

I wish I could have filmed everyone who crossed the finish line. Alas, I could not, but please watch the videos and look for yourself, your friends, your baby, your children and I hope it brings back a happy memory of such a great occasion.  I did capture Eric Turkewitz, the Race Director of the event as he crossed the finish line..You were all winners and as the announcer stated again and again “Looking strong..finishing strong!”

Westchester is GREAT!