Legs Legging it in the U S of A

Legs Legging it in the U S of A

After deciding to visit the USA on holiday in August 2004 and being an avid fun runner I was checking out the internet sites and found a 5K race which I thought I would like to run in. This was in the city of Moline, Illinois. I discovered that this is one of two cities in Illinois, which along with two in Iowa which make up an area known as the ‘Quad cities’.

After making initial enquiries about the race I was told that it was being run in support of Crimestoppers. I decided to divide my sponsorship money between two organizations; this time I choose Crimestoppers (USA) and The Meningitis Trust (UK).

I made contact with the coordinator Detective Scott Williams who was quite excited at the prospect of having a British Police Officer taking part in their race. I thought that it would be a nice addition to the theme to run in half uniform and therefore duly sought permission to do so. Permission was granted so I applied to purchase a retired police helmet, which I could present to the Moline Police Department after the race. Further emails were sent to Detective Williams letting him know that I would be running in part uniform and what day I would be arriving etc.

I arrived in Moline on Thursday ₅th August 2004 and attended the 5K final race meeting — this was a relaxed and friendly affair meeting other runners and most importantly Detective Williams. Following the meeting he generously took me out for a meal which is always welcome after a flight to the US.

Early Friday just after breakfast I received a phone call from Detective Williams — "have you unpacked all your stuff yet?" was the unusual question. "No" I replied "not yet". "Don’t because we are moving you into the Radisson Hotel — you are our guest!" No amount of telling could persuade him that this was not necessary. So bags gathered I moved into a slightly move up market hotel than I had originally planned. The rest of the day was spent sightseeing; boat trip on the Mississippi

Saturday arrived, the day of the race. At 0630 I walked to the start/finish line from the Radisson Hotel, rather than take one of my typical map orientated ‘lengthy’ car journeys —what a pleasant change, I arrived unstressed. My unusual attire made me a magnet for the members of the local press and I was photographed that many times I lost count.

At the beginning of the race I was given Race BIB number 1. The 5K was a joyous occasion, a friendly and party atmosphere with all age groups taking part, and the support from spectators was wonderful. At my age, close to retirement I never expect to win, just to take part and finish is my challenge.

The race finished I was again interviewed, this time by the local TV station. The interview finished I presented the Chairman of Crimestoppers with a money order for $1038, which was half of the sponsorship money that I expected to collect. I thanked Detective Scott Williams for his overwhelming hospitality and presented him with the Police helmet for the Moline Police Department. I was about to walk away when Moline’s Chief of Police stood up and presented me with a display case with all the Police shoulder patches which are worn by officers of the Quad cities. What a wonderful surprise and how very generous.

I left Molineto run in Columbiana, Ohio and Hell in Michigan but Moline was definitely the high point, the atmosphere and their hospitality will take some beating. I should raise over £1,350 to be divided between my two charities. This now takes my USA State Race total to 41 races in 34 different states and I am looking for my next ones.

On my return home I checked my e-mails. . . .I was pleased to be told that the Police helmet is to be mounted on a plinth and will be competed for by Police teams from the Quad cities in years to come.

Not a bad ending for an old helmet!