A Special Thank You to All Event Directors:
My sincerest thanks to all event
directors that made World Run Day 2003 a success! Your
dedication, energy, and enthusiasm have helped bring the
event more recognition ...- worldwide. Wish us all luck in
getting an international or national sponsor(s) for 2004. A
world of thanks to you all....
An additional thanks also goes to those "virtual
runners" who made preparations for their own solo runs and
raised money for charity in the process. You'd never guess
that I spend 1/3 of my time explaining to people what a
"virtual run" is. You can run anywhere you want on World Run
Day - and for any charity. Let the runner decide. That's
what the event is all about.
On a personal note, I was able to experience a 29
hour World Run Day this year. I first participated in
World
Run Day - London (Rainforest Foundation 10K) at 11:00 AM
London time, and also joined in with over 850 runners in a
10 mile
"virtual run" at 10:00 PM New York time.
I was living proof of the questions that I
had answered throughout the year. Yes, you can use the time zones to your
advantage. Yes, you can run at night. Yes, you can
participate in multiple events, and yes ... you can create
your own course. I find that most people prefer the group
event - and many are looking for a World Run Day event
to come to town. But don't forget you can also run by
yourself - and that's okay too...
My flight on British Airways was splendid
and the trip proved invaluable in meeting members of the
Rainforest Foundation (Rob Daly and Ambika Sahay), and
members of the Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC -
especially Tim Mitchell-Smith who devoted many hours to
transforming his clubhouse and the park for the event. They
broke a long-standing park record with over 1200 runners in
the event. I plan to write a short article about my
experience there.
Special thanks to Runner's World - UK for a great lunch on a
beautiful day, and their interest in the event. I also
enjoyed a short visit with Trudie Styler's personal
assistant as I presented her with the World Run Day 2003 Vocal Support Trophy.
It is presented to them both for lending "vocal support" to
the event. Both Sting and Trudie were out of town. Sting's newly
published memoir was great reading on my flights, and
inspirational as well. If I were a critic, I'd call it a rock n' rollercoaster chronology of emotion,
passion, and contemplation. (By the way, he ran track and
cross-country and liked fell walking to pass the time and
presumably gather his thoughts...)
I've spoken to almost every event director
and met some of you personally. I also speak to many people
desiring to host the event, but they never get the time to
do so. These conversations do occupy much of my time.....
I can't help but offer a special salute to Major Fred Dummar
and the 25 Soldiers and Airmen that participated in World
Run Day - Qandahar, Afghanistan. You truly helped make the
event global and brought an extra special connection to all
of us runners. God be with all of you.
Just a short thanks for now ... I hate to
be brief since there are many thanks to go around, but I've
got a website to update. Hopefully, as the British would say
".....a bloody good website." (well ... at least a bloody
good idea!)
Cheers!
Pursuit and Perseverance!
Bill McDermott
World Run Day
Event Coordinator
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