Runners Run for the One Fund

On Monday evening a group of runners came together at Extra Mile Fitness. Some of them were multi-marathon runners, some were mid-range pavement pounders and some were just beginning to pound the pavement –like this writer.

Every week at Extra Mile Fitness they hold different running activities like training groups, demonstrations or fun runs. All paces are welcome and it’s free to participate. Normally on Monday evenings a group run is held were runners get together and do what they do best: run.

But this night was different. I walk into the store and see people of all ages talking, browsing the store’s shelves, getting fitted for shoes, etc. But they all have one thing in common. Black and yellow paper bibs are pinned to their shirts or pants. What is this? Upon closer inspection, I see a large black “1” right in the middle of the bib and the words, “The One Fund, Boston 2013”.

Oh, I get it now.

This was more than a fun run tonight. This was a run for support and remembrance of those that suffered from the awful occurrence at the Boston Marathon. The One Fund was declared by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Menino. Its purpose is to raise funds for the families that were most affected by the grim event.

So participants gave whatever denomination they wished to the employees at Extra Mile Fitness and wore their bibs with pride. Before the run began, Todd Henderlong –owner of Extra Mile Fitness, gave a few words to the awaiting crowd.

“I saw a post on Facebook that said, ‘If you want to test the resolve of mankind, choosing marathon runners is a bad choice’. And I thought that was great because we all have perseverance, we all understand that nothing is easy and that the only things that we really get and that we gain something from are things that we have to invest a lot of time in,” Henderlong said. “I think that while it was tragic it was a true testament to how quickly the running community has gotten together and basically said that we’re not going to let this stupid and senseless act deter us. I think it’s great that so many people came out tonight to show solidarity and show the Valparaiso community what runners are all about.”

Heather Henderlong, Todd’s wife and co-owner of Extra Mile Fitness, informed us that this type of running event is happening all over the country. All over the place, running specialty stores and businesses are taking initiative and creating running events/fundraisers/races to pay tribute.

A moment of silence was requested and had by everyone as we remembered and sent our thoughts and prayers to Boston.

Then off we went. We pounded the pavement around Valpo, and came back to the store with a little over four miles of running under our belt –all the while sporting our One Fund bibs. When we arrived back at the finish line, tired and sweat-laden and happy, each runner was generously treated to an ice cream cone that was provided by Valpo Velvet.

It is a good day when people are quick to find and hold on to the positive in a negative situation. It is a better day to see people unite to help and support a stranger. And it is by far the best day when these two things combine. This writer was able to bear witness to this and hopes that anyone who reads this will be moved and motivated…and perhaps motivated to move.

Find out more about how you can donate to the One Fund by visiting Onefundboston.org.