The Experience of the Race.

There is something about The Race that has a place in Human Society.  Let me be clear when I say "Race" I  am talking about the Event, not the actual distance that runners compete in.   "The Race" is the collection of race official, cones, volunteers, runners, spectators, barricades and port-a-jons.  The "Race" is the total package experience where people come together to engage in a joint and mutual experience that will set them apart from their boring, routine,  daily lives.   At the office, you are just a secretary.  But at "The Race", you are a Runner...  A Gazelle, a 5K-er, a Marathoner, Competitor,  A Walker, A Finisher.  It allows people to step outside their normal world to be something that is extrodinary! And to be surrounded by  a new group of people who share their passion and will share their experience. 

How do you put into words the experience of the Race?   Especially when you are simply a Spectator?   Spectators are not technically a part of the Race.  They do not hand out water, direct Traffic, nor actually run the course.  But there is a feeling one gets, none the less, when joining in to cheer on your runner(s)  and other strangers as they race  past towards a finish line.  An intangible feeling sweeps over you,  filling you with emotions and joy all at the same time.   How does one put that into words?

Well, I guess we should start with some details.  And what better way than to mention the National Anthem.   At most races,   especially larger half marathons and full marathons...  The National Anthem is played before the race begins.   Sometimes a person sings it... Sometimes it is pre-recorded.  But whenever the National Anthem is played,  a hush falls upon the crowd.

 It is truly magical.  

Some people salute,  others place their hands over their heart.   Everyone falls silent.   They face the flag and hold their heads up high.  Why is that?

Being united as a nation is symbolic.  We are all individuals, with many gifts and shortcomings.   But for one moment in time... for approximately one minute and 55 seconds. We are all Americans.   For better or worse, we are born on this land and will likely die here.  We all have a shared history that binds us together under one flag.  And being reminded of that...  At a seemingly small event like a Half Marathon,  stirs the blood and warms the heart.  Reminding us all that we share at least one common bond. 

But then it continues.    

The gun goes off and the runners are under way.  Spectators scramble for the best viewing spot to cheer on their runner(s) and hopefully catch a glimpse of them as they pass by.  At that moment,   the sounds of the footsteps,  the murmurs of the crowd and the conversations of the runners all flood the senses.  Total strangers become best friends, exchanging stories of previous runs and races. Spectators chat among each other on who their runner is, why they run and what they plan to accomplish.   It is like tapping into an unseen string that was always there but only recently discovered.  A String  of friendship and humanity that binds us all together.

I can only imagine that this is not unique to running. Sports Fans, Military Veterans,  and even Various Churches must know the feeling that one gets when united by a common belief.  And that must be something that has been deeply wired into humanity.   A sense of belonging.   If not to a family,  or tribe,  or guild, but  perhaps just belonging to a love of a sport or event that other people share.  Perhaps this is what attending an AA meeting is all about. To show even the most rejected  of us.... Drug addicts and Alcoholics that they are not alone and that there are other people out there facing the same struggles.   A small thin thread that binds us together...  even in the darkest of times. 

And so it goes that Running almost seems like an addiction...  To the runner.   They may be chasing or fleeing something that they do not even know or understand.   And there are programs... Like Races,  that are set up to help them along the way.   And spectators...Like  Cheerleaders! That help them along the way.  And volunteers that hand out water and direct traffic to keep the runners safe along the way.   Everyone helping each other...  To guild those who would run.   To help them run their best.   To aid them along the way.  

And how do you put that into words?   How can you capture the intangible and tell those who are not part of the running community that this is what lies ahead of them.   It would be as if you were trying to explain to a blind man the colors of the rainbow.  How does one do such a thing?   Well perhaps,  the only thing a writer can do is pique the curiosity  of people to see for themselves.   To join in on a Race and see what all of the hub bub is about.   It may not be obvious  at first.   And people may not even know why they feel the way they do.   But somewhere,   somehow,   they may experience the feeling that thousands of people experience every racing event.   And it will drive them  to seek answers. And perhaps, even join in on a run for themselves....

But what do I know? I am a  person who simply watches...  As the runners race by.