Faces of Races: Fair Winds Manor 5K Quality Life Series #2

We look forward to the Fair Winds Manor 5K every year, partly because it's just down the road from where we live, the very reasonable race fees ($12 pre-reg, $15 race-day reg) include a delicious pulled pork bbq sandwich dinner and some years (sponsors withstanding) a shot at some prize money. It also feels pretty good to know that our participation goes towards helping fulfill the wishes of some nursing home residents via the 'Dream a Little Dream' program.

A steady bone-chilling drizzle was in progress as we pulled in to the parking lot. Aside from two people we spotted running down the road as we arrived, there wasn't a soul in sight and there were only two other vehicles parked there. That did not portend well for the race, I thought.

Just a few minutes before 7 pm, when the race was supposed to start, the rain miraculously stopped. Spencer got out and started his warm up routine. Would this race be a wash? I didn't see anyone!

Then at 7 pm, folks started appearing (I guess there was another parking lot at the top of the hill hehe) and soon a good-sized gaggle of runners were flocking around the start line. Mike Ligo, administrator of Fair Winds Manor Sarver, was given the honor of flag off with the air horn. He got the crowd readied in nervous anticipation for the blast and... 'Three'..'Two'...'One' ... (nothing). Apparently air horns have expiration dates! Fortunately there was a spare, and the runners were thusly permitted to proceed with the business of running.

And... 'GO!!!' (It worked this time!)

While waiting for the lead runner to come in, I chatted with a sweet Italian lady by the name of Sue Sunseri and managed to coax from her, her recipe for Italian wedding soup, which she makes in h-u-g-e cauldrons for feeding her family. (And in case you are wondering, sorry, I can't share this recipe with you :p). When her husband Tony came in from his run, we got a-chatting and I was so happy to have made the acquaintance of this lovely couple.