Enjoy the Village Fair....

Written 7^th July 2013, Brisbane

(At the 6am start to Gold Coast Half M 2013- 25,000+ starters)

Large Running Carnivals are great fun, and the Gold Coast is one of the biggest. This year there were more than 30,000 participants over the race weekend which means the chance of bumping into a runner in the lifts, bars and restaurants is a certainty. Just about everyone is in a good mood: on the Saturday there’s lots of energy, some nerves and a sense of expectation and on Sunday there is the usual boisterous carnival atmosphere at the start/finish precinct:  A case of energy, excitement, anticipation and nerves multiplied by 30,000 and centred on a singular activity. Yep, large running carnivals are great fun.  

Random conversations tend to be similar, with all of them focused on a mutually-agreed yet individually-faced endeavour: ‘Whatcha doing?’ ‘ Oh, just the Half’.  ‘First time?’  ‘Yes, I’m very nervous , hoping to do a good time but  really just want to finish’ or ‘Oh no, done it heaps before, going to be a good weather by the look of it’  ‘I hear the winners will complete the Half in just over an hour – imagine that’,  ‘Looking forward to a good coffee at the end- always the best part’ ‘ Good luck, hope you do well.’ ‘All the best’

These random conversations with strangers are fun and often inspiring. It’s more than just runners chatting about running: its brothers/sisters-in-arms, comrades, making small talk before entering battle; a companionship of shared nerves and anticipation then the sharing of success and the mutual feeling of winning, of conquering, of climbing the mountain (to merrily mix my metaphors – sorry, couldn’t resist)

Spectators add to the event too – They bring a sense of ‘community’, their presence creates mutual respect, and it makes for a warm connection between runners and spectators. I will never understand why anyone would get up at 6a.m. on a winter’s Sunday to stand cold and shivering on the sidewalk just to cheer on thousands of strangers, but I’m glad they do.  It’s wonderful to see, and it’s very very motivating.

The handmade signs are good too, and the effort taken is no doubt appreciated by every runner (especially the slow runners like me) -

• Your feet are hurting ‘cause you are kicking butt
• You are still faster than the person behind you
• Keep going, you inspire me 
• Not far to glory

Of course, the cheeky signs from the young female uni students are always fun….

• Why do all the good ones run away?
• You’ve got stamina – ring me

And my personal all-time favourite, the ‘blokey’ sign..

• Hurry up Gibbo, I need a beer

I believe large running carnivals are good for the community. They are, in essence, the modern day equivalent of village fairs. They bring random strangers together; they encourage friends to meet up, at least once-a-year; they join locals and travellers together in a strong yet temporary bond; they promote a healthy lifestyle; and they encourage people to ‘have a go’ or to get out and support those that do. Carnivals also bring economic advantages to the local community- as my wallet can testify.

 I know they bring some occasional hassles such as roads being closed but to me that’s a very small price to pay for the emotional, social and economic advantages that they bring.

So next time there is a ‘fun run’ in your area, why not consider either participating, or at least attending. It’ll be worth it and not just for your health. It’s good for your community, and therefore  good for your soul.

Till next time, 'keep living, laughing, lovin' and runnin'

Wandering James, the Slow Runner