It seems like only yesterday I ran my first Reggae Marathon. That was back in the day when the full Marathon course was one loop stretching out to Green Island. I learned that day that the long distance runner is truly lonely. If it were not for the enthusiastic volunteers at the Aid Stations every mile, I might still be out on the course! Fast forward a few years and this December will make it 10 consecutive Reggae Marathon Experiences. How did that happen?
The Reggae Marathon stole my heart from the start. The first morning after we arrived in Negril we ran into a couple from Washington, DC and before we knew it we became friends. BM and his wife took us under their wings and showed us the ropes: Race Packet pickup, the Pasta Party and most importantly the post-race experience which for me that day meant waiting around in the blazing sun for me to finish! BM and I are still friends and communicate regularly via Facebook.
The next year I met my stalker. In a good way! NS had started following me online and wanted to meet up in Negril. He was a runner…still is…and a heck of a good Marathoner. Cautious me suggested we meet post race on the Beach just in case… I need not have worried. We also became fast friends. Year later I was the Best Man at his wedding!
DC and LS rounded out the foursome the next year and we’ve been like the Musketeers ever since. We live thousands of miles apart and stay connected throughout the year on Facebook. We haven’t missed a Reggae Marathon in the past several years and plot throughout the year to see how we can arrange our lives to meet up in Negril in December.
This is not unique. Being involved in Reggae Marathon’s Social Media means I meet a lot of Reggae Marathoners every year. Each of you is special and I’m inspired when you share your stories. So far this year, Australia is leading the way but it’s still early…
Yes, I have to pinch myself when I think that it seems like only yesterday I was was at my first Reggae Marathon.
Until next time…
Reggae Marathon RunninGuy (aka Sugar ‘Tuff Gong’ Bong)
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