This week’s question comes from Chelsea of Early Runner.
She asks:
You’re on the selection Committee for the Nobel Prize for Running. Who would you nominate for the winner and why? Who deserves to be recognized for enriching and advancing the running experience of others?
This is a toughy. Coming off of a very exciting NYC marathon weekend, our man MEB totally comes to mind for pulling off the first American WIN in a looooong time. Big shoutout for Meb.
But I’m gonna go ahead and nominate “Marathon Don” Kern, Race Director Extraordinaire of the Grand Rapids Marathon. I ran Grand Rapids last fall, it was my second marathon. I was looking for something close(ish) and later in the year than Chicago for heat avoidance purposes as I melted in Chicago in 2007 and had lingering post traumatic heat phobia. All of the comments on marathon guide about Grand Rapids were excellent so I bit.
The motivational emails from Marathon Don started immediately. They came more frequently as the big day drew nearer and were coming daily in the final weeks. Put it this way, Don Kern is a runner thru and thru. He knows exactly what us runners are going thru, thinking about, etc. and he knows just what to say to bolster confidence, assuage fear and inspire. His love and dedication for the sport shine thru in everything he does.
The marathon was beyond amazing. Don and his crew thought of everything a runner could possibly need/want/desire and more.
The best part, he was standing there AT THE FINISH LINE personally congratulating each and every person who crossed it. It may not sound like such a huge deal but after training, wondering, worrying, sacrificing and sweating for 16+ weeks, getting that bear hug from Marathon Don was huge to me. Grand Rapids may never have the cache of a Boston, Chicago or NYC marathon but Don Kern and his peeps have made this marathon an event that shouldn’t be missed.
How about you? Who would you nominate?
Wow!!! That sounds awesome. I'm dying to race it now.
Great post and it is nice to see real life examples of awesome-ness in this crazy running world.
Very very cool.. Hmmm..I am still thinking on this one..
WHAT A FABULOUS IDEA! i forget about race directors, but a great race prolly has an incredible person behind it. they deserve the recognition! i hope to be a race director some day 🙂
and GO MEB!
I love Grand Rapids, and I think I might have to put this race on my list.
I would put a lot of race volunteers on the award list as well.
I think I love you! Thanks.
Hi Don and thanks for stopping by! Wow the blog's first brush with running royalty!
I'll totally concur – I ran Grand Rapids in 2007 after Chicago totally fell apart that year (timing worked out perfect for me). Don runs an amazing race and I'd like to see one other race where the director congratulates every finisher, by name.
I would agree with all the other runners on selecting our very own DON KERN !!!
My 1st marathon was a blast.. and now.. It will be one to continue running.. I have others already interested for 2010..
dbrunner063 : )
GR was my first marathon and I too was utterly impressed by the race and the race director. Not sure what it was about giving a complete stranger a sweaty bear hug after 26+ miles, but it felt right and I'll do it again.
totally agree… this year was my first in Grand Rapids. Ran the 1/2 marathon and loved it! the course was great, but it was Marathon Don that MADE the experience! He totally ROCKS! I'm actually thinking about tackling my first full Marathon in Grand Rapids next year… THANKS for an awesome time!
i ran grand rapids last month, and i agree with everything you said about don! thanks for giving him the recognition he deserves!
I was there for the 2009 version and did the half. I've run nearly 200 races of all shapes, sizes and places and it was a fantastic event! Don and his folks should be proud of what they've put together! Yeah, it's THAT good!
Kudos to Don!! Thanks for posting this!
Don does an awesome job! Each year the race gets better and better. I have never felt more welcome at a race than the Grand Rapids Marathon! Keep up the great work Don!
Everything about the Grand Rapids Marathon is "top notch"! Don and his crew make all feel welcome and important.
I've ran the last 3 GR Marathons and will continue to make this part of my fall running. The new Marathon course is greatly improved, course support fantastic, chili and beer to die for, but "Marathon Don" he's the best. I'm afraid this won't be our little secret for long.
The 2008 GR Marathon was my first, and as it got nearer, I really started to like Don personally through the weekly emails he sent. At the end of the race, which didn't go as well as I'd hoped, I really wanted to find him and let him know how much I was inspired by his emails. Little did I know that I would be swept up into a huge hug lasting a good 30+ seconds as I crossed the finish line at 6 hours. I remember him saying 'you did it, you finished your marathon!' It made it all worth it, and I will never forget that moment…Thanks Don!
I ran Grand Rapids a few weeks ago for the 1st time and I agree with many of the comments above. Fast course, scenic views, good support. The icing on the cake was that I got a PR (3:09) and qualified for Boston for the 1st time. The best part about the race for me was the free access to bathrooms/showers/lockers afterward at the YMCA right next to the finish line. Nothing like being able to take a hot shower a few minutes after running a marathon and then getting to go back out and enjoy all the food and post-race celebrations. Thanks for a great experience, Don!
I wasn't able to run Grand Rapids this year (I ran my first in 07 in GR) but I have been getting Don's emails ever since and no matter which race I am running I still read them and they inspire and motivate me to have a great race. They are a constant reminder to get out there and run when feeling not so motivated. There will always be a special place in my heart for the Grand Rapids Marathon because I felt so at home and recognized as a human being who has accomplished an amazing feat not just a number on a bib. I hope to make it back there whenever possible. Thanks Don!
I ditto the great reviews of the GR marathon and Don Kern as all of the praise is well-deserved. The only backlash from such a fabulous experience is that it creates a void that is hard to fill! But I wouldn't change a thing:)
MC from Portage
I ran my first marathon at GR last month. The volunteers were outstanding! My hands were frozen from high 20's temp, and 2 separate volunteers peeled bananas for me on the course. My injured friend had to drop out, so the hug from Don at the finish was especially appreciated.