Forced Family Fun RUN

Shortly after last Christmas I presented a challenge to my extended family; I asked them to train for and complete a 5K when we all got together for my brother, Sean's, wedding in May 2009. To some this may not seem like a big deal, but "Graff's don't run." That's a well established and accepted truth; in fact, I'm pretty sure it's written somewhere in our family creed. I knew it was an extreme request and I was quite unsure what the reaction would be. To my great surprise and relief, most family members seemed supportive and were willing to commit. I was thrilled when grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends also expressed enthusiasm and pledged to participate. My brother-in-law, Stew, even offered to sponsor the race!

Over the course of the following five months, as we all prepared it was so much fun to follow-up with everyone's progress. I know it definitely helped keep me motivated and excited about jogging and staying in shape. It turns out that at least one member of my family, my sister Katie, has an inner-runner she never realized. Once she started training, she was quickly running 4, 5, and even 9+ miles at a time!
Time sped by and soon the time for Sean and Paula's wedding (and the 5K) arrived. Although excited about the race, I couldn't help but feel nervous as the day we'd all planned for and anticipated approached. What if it ended up as a total flop? What if someone got hurt? What if people had bad attitudes or flaked out? What if everyone hated it?
Again, I was amazed at the response. Everyone arrived bright and early Memorial Day morning with cheerful attitudes and a friendly, but slightly competitive spirit.

Getting ready for the race

The racers picked up their t-shirts and with a simple, "Go!" took off.

My brother-in-law, Andrew, modeling our t-shirts (the devil is freezing and asking "what's going on up there?")

At the starting point

The "Boys" (Ian, Rob, Mark, Seth, Brian, and Andrew) set off at a brisk pace.

This is about 1/2 way through the race (Ian in the lead)

The rest of us followed suite, with some jogging, some walking, and others doing a combination of the two.
With just .3 miles remaining in the race, Ian was still in the lead. Rob took the opportunity and sprinted to the finish, completing the race 15 seconds before Ian (since everyone was either participating in the race or babysitting, there was no one at the finish line to take pictures of the first racers). Congratulations to Rob! Katie took top prize for the female racers. The winners received a gift package and a $50 gift card to Sports Authority.

Katie crossing the finish line (that's me not too far behind her)

Ultimately, the race was a smashing success. My dad even walked a MILE!
Those who finished first either went back on the course to support those still plugging along or stayed at the finish line to cheer for the others as they crossed. It was such a fun family activity.

Kira ran the whole course & finished 3rd for the girls!

Paula, Tina, & Becky finishing strong

Baby Grace Carter - youngest (unofficial) race participant

Grandpa Bunker - oldest race participant

Everyone seemed to have a fun time and (shock of all shocks!) there is serious talk of making this a regular event!!! Hades really did freeze over!
After the race we went back up to my parent's house and had a drawing for more prizes and a fantastic BBQ lunch. Everyone who participated in the race got a fun prize (Thanks Stew & Universal Aero Support!).

I can't begin to thank everyone enough for their willingness to participate. You're AWESOME!