09/14/2026
Real talk for a moment:
At Hermitage Farm XC Classic, Run for the Gold, and again today at Sorta Mountain Stage Race I have had a similar conversation. For some, a race is just an event, something they sign up for or participate in for the cause or an activity with a friend or family member. For a large portion of participants it is so much more. It is the fulfillment of months or years of training or recovery, memorial or tribute to a lost loved one, proving to themselves that they can overcome a hard thing. There are emotions, feelings, energy, tears, laughter, and so much going on that no one else may know anything about.
Having the pleasure to be the timer and/or race director, who is happy to talk with participants any time I can, means I have the unique opportunity to hear some of these stories. Other times getting to share in hugs, fist bumps, high fives, tears, and more. This is so impactful. I carry those moments with me throughout the week and sometimes much longer.
For those unaware, we honestly don't make much from all of the races we work. We have day jobs in addition to the 40 to 60 hours a week we pour into races. It is hard honest work. Would I love to do it full time? Of course, but the reality is we want to do right by our community and not burden the community with more overpriced races. A majority of the races we work are charity events. Meaning if we charge more, that equals less funds to the cause we are trying to help. We pay ourselves for the time, our business to maintain equipment, taxes, insurance, travel, all the things to operate a business on the up and up.
Thank you for sharing! Thank you for joining us! Thank you for participating! Thank you for your support! You all are amazing and wonderful!