Race to Remember – Perk Trail Half Marathon – September 11, 2011

So…I have an idea.  Are you ready?

Early this summer, I was inspired by an article in Runner’s World to follow a half marathon training program.  I did some research, and I discovered that there was a half marathon being run on September 10th in Bird in Hand which isn’t too far from here (relatively speaking).  I counted back and figured out when to start the training schedule in order to be ready for the race.  I never signed up for the race as I wasn’t sure our family schedule would permit me to race on that day.  As it turns out, September 10th didn’t work out.  I’ve known this for a while, but I’ve continued to follow the training program.  It’s been great for me!  I have rebuilt my endurance and some of my “speed.”

As I’ve approached this upcoming weekend, I was determined to continue my training and find a way to run 13.1 miles.  Last week, I dawned on my that September 11th will be an interesting day to run a half marathon – especially on the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001.  So here’s where my idea come in.

I’m planning to run 13.1 miles (half marathon distance) this Sunday on the Perkiomen Trail where I’ve done most of my training runs.  If you’re interested (let me know), my plan is to start the “race” at mile marker 11 which is located behind Tailwinds Bike Shop in Schwenksville, PA.  I’ll run south through Collegeville, PA to mile marker 4.5 which is located at Yerkes Road.  I’ll turn around and come back with the finish past mile marker 11 at the Schwenksville Fire Department.  My thought is to have a moment of silence before the start of the “race” to remember those impacted by the events which transpired 10 years ago.

I’ve also been thinking about dedicating each mile to thinking and praying for different people (and things)…Mile 1: Spouses of those who lost their lives on September 11th…Mile 2: Children of those who lost their lives on September 11th…Mile 3: Firefighters…Mile 4: Policemen…Mile 5: Service men and women…Mile 6: Leaders in our country…Mile 7: Leaders around the world…Mile 8: Leaders in our community…Mile 9: People who work in New York City…Mile 10 People who work in Washington, D.C….Mile 11: Churches and Aid Organizations…Mile 12: Our Enemies…Mile 13: Peace.

I’ve run the idea past a few people, and I’ve heard that some people might be interested in running a 5K (3.1 miles) instead.  That’s definitely a great idea.  It would mean started and finishing at the same points mentioned above, but the turnaround point would be mile marker 9.5 which is just south of the walking bridge past Plank Road Park.

As you may remember, I’m a big numbers guy, so here are some numbers to remember for the run this Sunday.

5 – 5K if you’re interested

7 – 7AM this is the start time – be there 10-15 minutes early if you’re planning to run

9 – September

11 – 11th

13 – 13.1 miles (Perk Trail Half Marathon)

So what do you think?  Are you in?  If not, I understand.  Maybe you can take some time to remember those impacted by September 11th.  Maybe you’ll stop by the trail and cheer on me (and any other runners).  If you’re planning to run or cheer, drop me a comment.

For now, there won’t be any timekeepers, race T-shirts (although the idea crossed my mind), winners or losers, or aid stations.  It’s for fun, and I think it will be a Race to Remember.

What will you be doing to remember September 11th?