Talk of the Town - Whitley County

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) This afternoon, local officials and volunteers with the Veterans Marathon met to discuss logistics and safety concerns related to the race. Clockwise from left is Sheriff Mark Hodges, Gary Bird, Mark Green of the Columbia City Parks Department, Lance Beers and Tom LaRue of the Columbia City Fire Department and Columbia City Police Chief Mike Petersen.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Already, more than 100 people have registered for the second annual Veterans Marathon in Whitley County, an event slated for Saturday, November 13.
Race coordinator Gary Bird said this morning that he expects that number to climb drastically over the next few weeks as key registration dates approach. Competitors from far off locations, including Arcadians from Canada and a Kenyan, have already made their commitments.
"We may also have our first steel rim entry," Bird said of a marathon participant who, due to disabilities, would complete the course using a wheelchair or hand cycle. A half-mile section of the course is gravel and Bird believes some modification may be need to accommodate this participant. He said the gravel poses a challenge this year, but not one that is insurmountable.
In addition to a marathon and a half marathon, a 5K race has been added this year as well.
"We decided to add a 5K race because we had some down time and to entertain folks, more or less," Bird said. The shorter race also means more contestants will be able to get involved.
Bird said this year's course will change slightly, but will remain in compliance with Boston regulations and will retain precisely 26 miles and 385 yards. Bird said the changes were being made for greater safety, something he and others involved in the race are committed to ensuring for runners. Once change is that it will begin in front of Eagles lodge and end near City Hall.
He said that during last year's race, a short area of the course was determined to be unsafe. "It was a traffic nightmare," he said.
Further addressing issues of safety, Bird met with local officials representing the Sheriff's Department, police and fire crews to discuss race logistics and safety concerns along the course route.
In addition to safety, other matters are consuming Bird's thoughts about the race -- showing respect for veterans and initiating some economic development.
"Our number one goal is observing the Veterans' holiday," Bird said. "Goal #2 is to bring opportunity to the downtown market. We have the potential of having 1500 runners and their families who could be downtown -- what are they going to do?"
What he hopes they can do is shop. And eat. And find souvenirs from their time in Whitley County. Bird is hoping someone will come forth and take a leadership role in organizing a downtown farmers market, craft bazaar or other such activities in downtown Columbia City to coincide with the race.
Bird is also hoping honor guards, color guards and bands will perform and that that scores of volunteers will want to man aid stations like they did last year.
Businesses who sell a variety of goods and services will also want to be a part of the pre-event registration packet pickup and expo at the Whitley County Family YMCA on Friday night, November 12. At that time, he invites businesses to set up at the YMCA and market themselves to the race participants as they arrive in Whitley County. This would be a free opportunity, Bird said. "Nothing related to the economic side of this has a charge," Bird said. "The only investment is your time."
All of this, he said, will go a long way in making participants remain committed to this race for years to come, continuing to make an economic impact on the community -- from booking hotel rooms and dining at restaurants to making other incidental purchases while here.
"We need to put our best foot forward," Bird said. He added that he and the runners were awestruck with the community support and overall friendliness exhibited last year. From the combine salute along Raber Road to what amounted to about 26 miles of constant cheering, runners left with a rosy impression of Whitley County. Where they expected to see rows of quiet cornfields, they were greeted with cheerful residents and ample encouragement.
"Runners were pleasantly surprised with fans along the entire 26 mile course and we hope to do that again this year," Bird said.
For now, as Bird and other volunteers continue to work through the Veterans Marathon's many pre-event details, they're keeping fingers crossed the weather will be even almost as good as it was last year.
"We're praying for good weather like we had last year," Bird said.
If you are interested in helping to coordinate downtown activities for the race, participating as a color guard or band, or if you would like to volunteer at an aid station, contact Gary Bird at 244-4408, 248-1216 or via email at GaryLBird@earthlink.net

To learn more about the race or to register online, visit www.veteransmarathon.com