Race director, Jen Casey, welcomed hundreds of runners, firefighters, police and EMT workers to the 2019 edition of the 9-11 Honor Run 5K, Sept 7. The website says; “The 9/11 run is to honor those who lost their lives in the September 11th, 2001 terror attacks, as well as Local First Responders and Veterans. Proceeds will go to the Grand Traverse Region Public Safety Alliance. This non-profit fund was set up to recognize emotional wellness for our first responders (Police, Fire, EMS, Emergency Management, 911 Dispatchers and Coast Guard) and offer programs and support for those going through PTSD. Runners, Walkers, Wheelchairs and Dogs were welcome.” Prizes were awarded to the top male and female runners and the top three in each age group. Tee shirts were provided to all runners and volunteers.
Sponsored by Baird Wealth Management, Local 646 of the Traverse City Firefighters, Rotary of Traverse City, State Street Market, Up North Live, MYDOGTAG.COM, Blarney Stone Broadcasting, WLDR Radio, Alfie Embroidery, Oryana Community Coop, and Pure Water Works, results can be found at the following link: 9-11 Honor Run 2019 Results.
Let’s get right to our “winners”. As author, I am privileged to pick the race “winners”. These “winners” are not necessarily the fastest runners, but the runners inspiring us with their unique form of courage. Our race director, Jen Casey, had to be a “winner”. She did not run the 5K but she is a “winner”. Jen has directed this race from the beginning, but never before did we learn why. Jen tearfully told us she was present in New York City on 9-11 to witness the devastating attacks of the World Trade Center. Her stepmother and dad Jacquie and Fran Gingras, who walked the race, told me Jen’s inspiring story. Jen worked in Manhattan near the World Trade Center. She witnessed the attacks. As the events were occurring, Jen called her parents to tell them about the horrid situation as the attacks were being covered on the news. Is Jen the only person in TC to witness the attacks, the only person in Northern Michigan, the only person in the entire state? Witnessing the attacks is a unique distinction that will live with Jen her entire life. We are grateful to Jen for conducting this race and for sharing with us her memories of the event. We congratulate and thank Jen for keeping the memory of the heroic firefighters and EMTs and the devastation of the World Trade Center alive for us all.
Meet our next “winner”, I met Kris, age 58 and Barb Catton, age 56, from Webberville and their son, Patrick, 23. Patrick is in the Army at Fort Riley, thank you for your service. Because his son in in the Army, Kris wore conflicting clothing, a U of M hat, Kris is a fan of U of M, and an Army Shirt. For the game today, Kris rooted for Army. But the real story in this amazing family, is Barb. Barb has MS and uses running as a preventative to keep her loose. Without, running, the MS would take over and her body would tighten up. Barb has won her age group before, but this is her first race as a “winner”. Their daughter, Reilley, is a senior at U of M studying actuarial math. As a result of an internship, Reilley already has a job lined up with Nationwide at, of all places, Columbus, OH. That’s OK. Bo owned a pizza franchise in Columbus. Daughter, Nichole, joined in the event making for a real family affair. Joe Coleman ran the race. He controls his blood measurements by running. His dad was a famous ultra-marathoner. Homer Nye and his wife, Becky Mang, conquered the course. Running gives them more energy and allows them to play pickle ball and dance Zumba. Claudia Lopez, 43, of Pinckney, is another “winner”. Claudia is a veteran of 13 marathons and uses running as a mental therapy. She teaches spinning and loves to motivate and inspire others. Claudia says “Happiness comes from within. Believe in yourself”. She inspires others to overcome obstacles and by overcoming obstacles, folks can achieve good health”. Claudia’s marathons include Boston, Rome and Barcelona. Her PR is 3:31. She hopes to run the six “majors” including Berlin, Tokyo and London. She has completed three Ironmen. She normally trains 40+ miles each week, but is currently recovering from a knee injury, forcing her to shorten her training mileage. Her good friend accompanied her in the race. Sherry Lenz, 50, of Pinckney, ran a marathon in Spain. Together, these visitors from Pinckney, spent three nights in a motel, ate in restaurants and shopped, proving the wonderful economic impact of these races.
Another “winner” is Jamie Carter, 52, of Lake City. Three weeks ago, Jamie had surgery on her stomach and esophagus. Her friend, Adri Fowler, 30, also from Lake City, joined Jamie. Adri has run since high school. Janice Beyer, 52, of TC, is a breast cancer survivor-using running as part of her therapy. Robin Mosher, of McBain, is a breast cancer survivor who professionally fits clients after breast surgery. Now, she is her own client.
Meet our family “winners”, the Chindlund’s. Chad, 38, Kate, 37, Caleb, 12, Avo, 10, and Sam, 6, ran the race as a family team. It gave me my first chance to beat Chad. Normally, Chad is among the race leaders, but today he slowed down to run as a family. Chad is also a fire fighter with the TC Fire Department and directs the Global 6K for Water in the spring, part of a Global initiative to raise water funds. Kent Lubbers, 56, from Zeeland, is our “Big Loser”. Kent lost 50 pounds and improved his overall health. For Scott and Kristy Lakari, both 56, of Ludington, running gives them an opportunity to travel around the state.
Firefighters were prominent at the race. Conducting the opening ceremony were Ken Funk, Chris Jackson, Thomas Thompson, Keith Fritz, Sargent Steve Sivek, Officer Paul Elliot, Jake Steichen and T.T. Taylor. In addition, other firefighters ran the race in FULL gear. Pat Parker, of the Metro Department, Alex Johnson of the Whitewater department was running his first 5K, Jon Williamson, of Grayling and Metro Fire Department, Tammy Hinson, of Beaver Creek (Jon and Tammy carried USA flags in the race, no less). Diane Ott, 56, from Chesining and the Brady Fire Department ran the 5K and lost 10# and enjoys the meditation she gets from running.
The race could not have taken place without incredible volunteers such as Jack Casey, Jen’s husband, who handled the announcing at both the beginning and end of the race. Jack was most welcoming to arriving runners, even in the middle or end of the pack such as me. Dr. Ramona Pleva, sang an inspiring National Anthem in front of a huge USA flag hanging from a giant hook and ladder truck, to start the race. John Noonan, of the TC Rotary Club, was chief photographer, memorializing the events for the Rotary website. John also flew a drone, capturing the event from the sky. (He promised to keep the drone out of my hair at the start). More Rotary volunteers acted as course marshals were Herb Lemcool, Randy Kamps, and John & Linda Racine. And lest we forget, age group winner, 80-120, was my eye doctor, Dr. Ken Musson. Hooray, Kenny. You represented the Rotary proudly.
Race Director, Jen Casey, encourages you to join her at next year’s 9-11 Honor 5K run honoring all fire fighters, police and EMTs and remembering the horrid events at the World Trade Center in 2001. Jen was there. What more fitting memorial than a 5K race? You will feel better for the effort. Remember to ask your doctor for permission to start an exercise program. See you next year.
Your author, Mickey Fivenson, age 77, of Traverse City, lost over 100 pounds and has trained 150,000 miles in 48 years of running. He completed 60 marathons (3:01 PR) and holds a marathon world record with his sons, Zack and Adam. Mickey is the former director of the National Cherry Festival Runs, which were ranked in the top 25 races, nationally. Mickey’s doctors credit running toward surviving several strokes. He is an ordained rabbi, an Advanced Scuba Diver and credits his running fitness and his scuba skills with surviving a fall through the ice in over 600’ of water in middle of West Grand Traverse Bay,,,,,, and saving his dog! A U of M graduate, like his kids, (GO BLUE!!), he plays a mean blues harmonica globally and with area bands. Today, Mickey took first place in his age division, 70-80. If you would like Mickey to cover your race, if you need training tips, email mickey@telecomclassifiedads.com.
Traverse City Runner 