ChristmasTown ‘19 SpeedForNeed

Man, this year has flown by. Seems like it was just a few months ago when Speed For Need rocked the Christmas Town 5k. I’ve been a part of several SFN events, but there’s just something special about this one. It’s under the lights of the famous Christmas Town spectacle shown every year for well…..every since I can remember. Not is it that, but being the season it is and the environment it’s held, provides F3 PAX the opportunity to give a gift to those with special needs. That gift isn’t just rolling through a town showing the largest Christmas light display around on the coolest wheelchairs ever made, but it’s the gift of love, support, and encouragement to those and their families. Millions of children experience and live with some type of special need. These children truly are special. They deserve awareness, attention, and support everyday. This is where Speed For Need steps in. To be able to see the joy, excitement, and hope in these kiddos’ eyes is what drives the program.

Leading up to this years event, Pizza Man had reached out to the region asking for  Qs to help lead and organize the run. YHC knew I’d be participating in the run and hadn’t heard if anyone had spoken up so I offered. Pizza Man in turn said Dr. Seuss has also offered and that we would plan a co-Q with some guidance and assistance from Pizza himself. Little did I know there was so much to do and organize for such an event. Thanks to Pizza Man for all the preparatory work which left Seuss and I the responsibility of getting our track commanders fitted and buckled in their chairs. We were to make sure our pushers were assisted and of course make sure all have fun.

At around 5:30 pm, we all gather up to lay hands on one another, the track commanders and families for a word prayer for safety and enlightenment during the race. The track commanders were all saying how they were going to win and how we better push them fast as we can push across that line. With a lot of mumblechatter and fellowship, we mosey the group up to the starting line. While waiting for the signal, we all feel a couple rain drops. This rain was supposed to hold off. It’s just 25-30 minutes we are asking for. Anyway, the bottom dropped and it left us asking whether or not to call it for the track commanders. After speaking with the parents and the kiddos themselves, it was confirmed to proceed with the race. So, here we go, drenched by the rain, but filled by the spirits of these guys in the chairs. As usual, Evan is the talkative one and declares he will never be beaten in a race. He is off almost at a sprint and leaving the rest of us to make up some ground. It wasn’t long for Owen, Colton, Megan, Sarah,  and Nathan are hot on his heels. Nehemiah, close behind, is settling in on a good pace. The first mile was over just like that and the track commanders were locking in their paces. No need for water at the half way point for these guys. Let’s keep at it. I must admit, out of every 5k run I’ve ran, this one is the toughest due to the all the hills. This wasn’t an issue for our racers though. They plowed right through it like a jog on a flat track. The neighborhood citizens were cheering them on from every house on the track. This was boosting them into that second wind and  boom, we are at the home stretch. At this point, I wasn’t sure who was leading, but I know everyone of them were winning! As the racers cross the finish line, victory was being proclaimed. Each track commander put it on the line and conquered the mission. Great work guys. Evan, Colton, Nathan, Owen, Sarah, Megan, and Nehemiah were all awarded their Speed For Need medals and the victory party began.

I believe I speak for all of the Gastonia Region PAX who participated in this event when I say, these experiences are a blessing to be a part of. There’s nothing more fulfilling than being able to bring joy to the track commanders in these races. Many of the PAX who participate are actual runners. Some are not, but when it comes down to “Who Pushes Who” in a race, I believe the track commanders are the ones pushing. I know they push me and it’s why I continue to participate. Thank you to all who came out to run, push, setup, or just hang out.

MW and Dr. Seuss out!