Joplin Memorial Run 2014

The 2014 Joplin Memorial Run was held on Saturday, May 10.  What a fabulous race!   It was one of the most well organized races I have ever attended.  The 2 day event for TEAM 413 began on Friday with a 12-9 expo day.  They were so kind to serve the vendors lunch and dinner.  We had a fabulous time visiting with the runners and some old friends-and making new ones.

With Jim McDermott and Chad Speer at the expo booth.

After a long day, we were back at the room about 9:40 pm to wind down and get ready for the race. 4 of us girls sharing a room and asleep by 12am with a 4 am alarm set.  Up and out the door by 5 am for the 5:30 prerace prayer and raceside booth setup.

Laura Murietta setting up merchandise.  She worked the booth with Hope so we could run.  Love that girl.  

The race crew snapped this pic as we did a prerace devotional and prayer.  Spoke about 2 Timothy 4:7.  

Some stuck around for another pic after the race.  Love the Run 4 God Group.  They are so on fire for Christ and running.  Did I say I love these guys?!!!!

Finally time for the 6:30 am race start.  They called us into the starting line about 6:15 and had a barbershop quartet perform the national anthem-very good too.  There was a story shared by a young mother of losing her 2 children and husband in the tornado that tore at the heart followed by 161 seconds of silence to pray and remember the 161 people who lost their lives in the tornado.  It was a very somber moment.  I cried in silence as I waited to start, counting my blessings and praying healing for the families who had lost loved ones.

The course was filled with rolling hills and smiling volunteers passing out water and gatorade.  The aid stations were all wonderful as were the spectators that sporadically lined the course.  They had several bands on the route which was a great distraction.  Loved that most of the run involved turns and hills.  I'm not a huge fan of running straight courses (probably due to my short attention span, lol).  We went through some pretty residential areas and into downtown Joplin.  I loved it!  The finish line was packed with excitement and the race announcer was full of energy and enthusiasm.  Did I tell you they gave free photos?!!!  

Finished the race, praised God and went to our booth to wait for the others.  Jim beat me by almost a minute-he's an overachiever.   God willing, I would love to do this race again.  It had so much to offer for the money.  A really great race.

Spotted some TEAM 413 members in Joplin. 

Kelly Scarbrough coming down victory lane.

Happened to catch another member.  Look close, it's the runner in the gray!

Laura and Hopee worked the booth.  God bless them.  What troopers!

Another member we spotted!!

Caught Hopee watching the finishers.  Love this girl.

Sandra got a PR.  Praise God!

Jim and I had a great race.  

Chad Speer, Hope and Chad's fiance Stormi. Met Chad 2 years ago and the Mother Road Marathon in Joplin.  That was a God thing!

Posing before race start.  A tad bit chilly but a God given day to be sure.

A view from the booth to the finish line.  Love this race!

A well deserved Starbucks for the drive home.  The shirt is from our new friend at Naked Fruit Company who was our expo neighbor.  Love making new friends.  

Loved this race.  A big thank you to Ruth Sawkins and her crew for making TEAM 413 so welcome.