Virtual Providence Marathon - Race Support

It all started during a very difficult time.  A time when races started to get canceled and all training programs came to a halt.  But there were a few that continued to train while maintaining social distancing.  They became known as  “The Secret Covid Runners”. This training group supported each other and continued their training for the Providence marathon.  Even when their marathon was canceled, they kept going, some of them toughed out their longest runs completely alone.  They pushed week after week until they were ready to run their 26.2 miles in safe environment.

Then on a beautiful but warm & humid day, “The Secret Covid Runners” started their journey of running 26.2 miles in the streets of West Hartford.

Their names are:  Coaches Mike & Fernanda, Marcie, Sami, Patti , and Kaitlyn who had never run a marathon before.! 

Kim and I  surprised them that morning to give the best marathon sendoff that we could, providing cow bells, signs and the National anthem and then the countdown…..10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 followed by hidden talent, the  “LOUD HORN” sound effect.  Little did they know that  we had planned for them the whole way!

And then they were off!

Mike created a route and set up water stops strategically at the homes of some training peeps, Kitty, John and of course Mike’s wife Lisa, Kaitlin’s house supported by family, Jack’s (Stephanie’s dad) that even provided his garden hose to cool down the runners. Patti’s husband Wilson and their 2 children drove to each water stop too!  Other marathon peeps came out to show support, Jef, Brian and Matt, who was working at the Fire department.  He even got the other firemen out there cheering on the runners as they ran by. Kim and I took turns running with them at every water stop never leaving them unsupported.  They also had runners jump in and run some of the miles with them;  Rebecca, Susan, Mel and Kaitlin’s posse Maura, Judy (that handed out popsicles), Ashley, Julie and Meagan.  We even were lucky enough to have Stephanie cheering on the runners at the finish line.  What a wonderful experience. 

They all finished in front of Fleet Feet with cheering and cowbells ringing.  Cars were beeping and people were clapping as they broke the makeshift  “toilet paper” tape when they crossed the finish line.  What a day!

It makes me so happy to be part of such a wonderful community that supports each other.  With all the craziness going on in the world today, it’s so heartwarming to know that people are kind, and genuine and supportive. 

I feel so blessed to have been a part of their 26.2-mile adventure to witness this kindness.

What an amazing day!

Congratulations to all the runners!  Can’t wait for the next marathon!

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