On June 7, Team Run Springer (TRS) toed the line of the NACA Sacred Mountain Prayer Run 10K starting at Thorpe Park. Along with the 10K, the event also featured a 2K and a 5K distance.
In case you are wondering, TRS has two members: the husband-and-wife team of Jean and myself. Membership is now closed.
Jean does not like entering events anymore, so it took some convincing by myself to get her to agree to hike it together. We both love to go up the mesa from our neighborhood -- which made a good argument for convincing her to register.
The Sacred Mountain Prayer Run went up the other side of the mesa, so was on familiar turf.
It was a perfect weather day and proved to be a fun and laid-back event. The day started with two young children each performing a hoop dance. It was evident they put in a lot of practice. There was then a prayer before sending us off.
The organizers covered many details to make things go smoothly. From registration to packet pickup to race day sign-in. There were many volunteers throughout the trail to make sure everyone stayed on course, make sure we were safe and account for every participant along the way. There were several checkpoints where our numbers were recorded. They made every participant feel important and cheered us all on as we crossed the finish line. They even humored Jean and me each time we asked if we were still first. The emcee kept the momentum going throughout the morning.
There was no entry fee, but rather a donation for participating. We received a beautiful long-sleeve shirt. Each finisher was greeted with a button and a sticker.
This was my 12th Sacred Mountain Prayer Run, but the first time I have returned to it since the COVID-19 pandemic. I like that the run is a non-timed, non-competitive event. While Jean and I committed to hiking the course together, I鈥檒l never forget that, with a mile left, Jean鈥檚 competitive spirit kicked in and she took off running. We were both glad to make it to the finish line without any trips, falls or injuries.
As I will become a grandmaster later this year, I have committed to participating in new and different events this year, and to hopefully get Jean to enter a few with me.
Thank you to the organizers and volunteers of Sacred Mountain Prayer Run for continuing to bring this event back each year. If you have not participated in this event, I would highly encourage you to consider putting it on your calendar for next June. It is a lot of fun and supports a great organization.