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2008 Race for Character and Get Up & Go a
Huge Success!
Kings Point crew gets ready to Run
After weeks of rain and wind, the skies turned blue and weather fair
just long enough for the nearly 2,000 people who showed up for the 2008
Race for Character and the Get Up & Go Fair to celebrate. At times
you looked out and saw what seemed like a sea of green T-shirts in the
crowd. "So many people came to register at the last minute that we ran out
of registration forms and race numbers," stated Ashley Cryder, co-director
for the race. "It's just incredible!" No final numbers for the race
were available yet, but well over 320 actually came across the finish
line. And that just started the day.
While race times were being tabulated and awards announced, runners got
a chance to enjoy refreshments, browse the health and fitness exhibits and
play some games with the kids. They were soon joined by hundreds
more as the Get Up & Go Fair and Celebration got under way. They
were climbing the wall, getting massaged, learning sports medicine tips
from the pros and generally just having a great time.
Everyone got a chance to participate According to the staff from the
YMCA who helped out with the climbing wall, the youngest climbers were
about 3 and the oldest were well into their sixties. Even Belleville
West Principal Bob Dahm strapped on the safety harness and made his way to
the top. Smiling from ear to ear, "This is Great", said Dahm.
And why not smile, with so many people turning out to show their support
and commitment it was obvious that what they are doing at Belleville West
is making a difference not only with the students but with the community
as a whole. "The race will definitely be back next year, and this
type of celebration as well."
The race wasn't the only event that took center stage Saturday.
With local rock legend Roger Boyd acting as emcee, several dignitaries,
celebrities and health and fitness experts got a chance to share their
thoughts and their wisdom on Health, Fitness and the community's challenge
to Get Up & Go! Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert and O'Fallon Mayor Gary
Graham each took the opportunity to share their thoughts on the Get Up &
Go Campaign and this great success it has had in getting people motivated
and bringing communities together. "This isn't about politics, this
is about people" commented Graham. "As mayors, we need to be doing
more things like this." While it was noted that Belleville is the largest
city in southern Illinois, and O'Fallon the fastest growing, it was also
reported that over a third of all the cities and towns in St. Clair county
have issued proclamations declaring April Get Up & Go month and taking
part in the campaign.
Olympian and two time World Champion Craig Virgin got a chance to
inspire the crowd and thank all the people that showed up for the day.
At one point he asked for a show of hands from people that were actually
part of a Get Up & GO group. Nearly every hand was raised.
Co-Director Rita Arras got emotional at times talking about the
overwhelming support that the community has shown for this effort.
"This is obviously a subject that I am very passionate about. There
is only one solution for obesity and the illnesses caused by sedentary
lifestyle, and that is to get active and get in control of our own health.
With what I see here today, I am certain that we are going to be able to
turn the corner on this epidemic."
 Many of
the experts took center stage for a few moments to introduce themselves
and touch on some highlights of what they do. While not taking
center stage, experts and partners shared their skill and knowledge with
the people. Massages were popular, with people often lined up
waiting their turn. Doctors and physicians, like Marc DeJong, sat at
picnic tables with dozens of people discussing how best to warm up,
exercise for health and in general take care of that body of yours.
Personal trainers and consultants like Leslie Bilodeau discussed weight
loss and fitness programs that work with a person's individual needs and
health. (We'll have a lot more about all of our experts and
exhibitors in the days to come, so check back.)
As the clouds rolled in and the skies began to darken, many people who
had been with us from early morning began to head home. But the day
was not over yet. Word came that just a few miles to the east of us
the international team of runners from the World Harmony Run was making
its way down highway 15. Their next stop; Get Up & Go! While
we had hoped that they would be able to share the great crowd with us, as
Craig Virgin noted, "Sometimes when you have to run a few hundred miles to
get somewhere, you get a little behind schedule." Considering they
left Tennessee Friday morning, we could understand. When word came
that they were close, a dozen our so runners from the celebration quickly
assembled and ran out to greet them.
If you know nothing of the World Harmony Run, what happened next
explains it all. "Their coming!" The cry went out from the diehards.
Looking out across the playing fields, a group of runners could barely be
seen. As they got closer it was unmistakable. There were our
green-shirted runners leading the way; carrying the torch with its flame
seemingly blazing against the dark sky. Cheers went up and cameras
flashed as they turned into field and made their way to crowd. The
flame was not carried in by the great international team, but by our own.
In that moment we became one voice.
 This
was not some staged event for the press and media, for none were there.
This was not about money or fame or celebrity. This was about people
who share a common goal, who had never even spoken to each other before
that day, coming together in friendship. They introduced themselves
to us and sang us a song. They were from Russia and Scotland,
Finland and Czech Republic, America and, well the world. They
explained how this torched has traveled by hand across the country and
they would be honored if we would all hold it briefly and make our own
wish for a better future. As the torch passed from hand to hand it
was obvious that some were choking back tears. Friend passed to
friend, husband to wife, daughter to father, child to champion.
Speeches were not needed, the message was in the flame.
 After
sending our new friends westward on their journey, our day was complete.
Everyone pitched in to take down tents and put away tables. And
while mother nature had blessed us with sunshine and warmth for as long as
she could, the rains began to fall as the last tent was loaded.
Standing there in the rain, exhausted and soaked, everyone smiled. "What
a Great Day!"
(There will be more stories from this fantastic day to follow. We
also want to share your stories, photos and experiences. Please send
them to info@GetUpGo.info and we'll
get them posted as soon as possible. We're building the slideshows now.) |
