Spirit of the Marathon

Three runners from three continents run side-by-side near the halfway mark of the New York City Marathon, touring the city that never sleeps. Strolling along at 5:02 – 5:06 pace, the runners relax as if on a Sunday drive through a radiant countryside.

The inside runner, wearing bib #40, resides in Ireland, the middle runner wears bib #4 on his Kenya national singlet, the outside runner who grew-up on a Kansas farm and now lives in Nebraska wears bib #186.

The approaching water table sits on the right side, consequently the outside runner knows that he will have to wait for the next water station a mile and a half later. Because, attaining water requires slowing down to drop behind #4 and #40, which may result in losing the cadence and partnerships of the two fellow competitors.

His peripheral vision notices the runner from Ireland grabbing and handing a cup of water to the Kenyan, who hands it to the native Kansan. The Irishman hands a second cup of water to the Kenyan, and then grabs a third cup for himself.

World-class marathoners understand the synergistic achievement of working together. We achieve more running together, than separately.

I forever remember my fellow runners from Ireland and Kenya that Sunday morning. They epitomize the spirit of marathons and competition. Authentic competition hinges on drawing out the best in yourself and others.

This same spirit resonates each of the past 117 years in the Boston Marathon, people competing—drawing out the best in themselves and others. This represents the spirit of America, and those who instinctively love and help people.

We will dwell on this spirit of the Marathon, people loving and helping one another when reflecting on Boston. I look forward to running the Boston Marathon for the first time in twenty years in 2015 .

World-class people know that we achieve more running together than separately. Thank each of the responders, all those helping physically and those assisting with prayers and encouragement to those directly involved.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

 
Rick E. Meyer
Running on Faith Ministry