"Are you running the Whiskey Row Marathon?" I get asked this all the time. No, I am not running the Whiskey Row, I am RUNNING the Whiskey Row. Maybe someday I can do both simultaneously, but for now I better just focus on coordinating the event and training on the course on the weekends.
The job of Race Director is starting to gain exponential intensity. Although I have worked as second in command on this race for the last five years, my first year as R.D. certainly is loaded with expectation - both intrinsic and external. If you are curious about what goes on in the mind of a race director, please read on.
I truly want to have a race that makes the runners happy! As a runner, I gather anecdotal mental notes when I participate in races throughout the year; in Colorado, Flagstaff or Tucson. The feedback that I receive is never falling on "deaf ears".
Some runners think that it is bothersome to give an R.D. comments about how you think the race could be improved. Well, if we do not have the open mindedness to hear your ides for improvement...then can we really say we are open to making this race better for YOU, the participant? I don't think so! I welcome the phone calls, the emails and the "Hey...can I ask you something about Whiskey Row?" grocery store conversations.
So in the last couple of weeks I have discovered a few things that were not on my "checklist" which I found out, by the grace of other generous-minded community members, just in the nick of time.
I taped an interview on an episode of "Prescott Today" which should be airing on Access 13 on the 28th. I believe it is only viewable by those with Cable One service. We are also filming a WRM Commercial that will be airing on Cable One during April.
What else? Oh yeah- ADDING more bands to the After Party. You better just plan on being there because once you hear the music and are hanging out on the Courthouse Square, you will want to be there for hours and take it easy in Prescott. Lounge in the grass, tapping your toes- or better yet- dancing to Greg & the Gringos or Big Daddy D! A HUGE thanks to the Eagles Club of Prescott for organizing the After Party. It will be a wonderful and welcomed addition to our big event.
And how could I forget...that sweet looking muscle car that will be at the Y on Monday, March 28th for you to check out in person if you thought it was too good to be true. This 1970 Camaro 454 Super Sport is cherried out and could be YOURS for as little as $50! That is right. I cannot tell a lie...just ask my family and friends. You can see it all over my face. Well, maybe not in this format. Anyways, the raffle tickets are on sale through the end of March for only $50 each. April 1st tickets will sell for $100 each or 3 tickets for $250. No matter what, the value is tremendous considering that this classic car is appraised at over $17,500.
This is all in the name of charity, people. What charity? This is not one of those "megathons" where you pay $150 and the money goes to...I don't know, your regular amenities and ... ?
The Prescott YMCA is a 501c3 and the Whiskey Row Marathon events are our largest fundraiser for the Scholarship Fund which provides opportunities for families in need to participate in programs that they could not otherwise afford. In 2010 the Prescott YMCA gave out over $200,000 in financial aid for programs like: swimming lessons, wellness programs, Preschool tuition and After School Care.
On behalf of the children and families that this helps,
Thank YOU! for your contribution and participation in the Prescott YMCA Whiskey Row Marathon Events.
