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Hello all...I received an emergency email indicating a shortage of runners in eastern Arizona, so I hopped in the car at 1930 last night (Tues Nov 6) and caught up with the flag somewhere east of Showlow AZ. There was no cellphone coverage as I approached the area so I hailed a trucker on the CB radio. He said ;"they're coming your way 6 miles ahead and lots of luck to you all!"
In the distance I could already see the lights coming down one of many endless hills. Then closer I could see THE FLAG!!! What a sight. A crisp dark sky, millions of stars in pure darkness, and the stars and stripes faithfully running along, illuminated by the chase vehicles. A quick U-turn and I was on their tail, managed to hop aboard the RV and meet the crew. Even though it was pushing midnight, all were in high spirits as we approached the next stop at Carrizo AZ.
And what an unexpected greeting party we had there. A great turn out of an Apache Indian Tribe who were eager to welcome flag, runners and all. Cameras were flashing, lots of smiles, and everyone wanted a t-shirt, as we braced for the next leg: through the Salt River Canyon!
The tribe Chief lead the way for a superb 3 mile run using borrowed running shoes, accompanied by a handful of enthusiastic friends of all ages. Then my turn! I do not consider myself a runner by any means and hoped for a nice long downhill slope as we approached the canyon. Not so! A warm UP it was and it was wonderful. The energy exuded by the group and the adrenaline shot one gets the first time holding the flag was amazing. My first run and 1 hour segment went by in no time. Almost 1AM. Perfect weather with cool temps and CAVU skies. I stayed with the group until noon the next day. Ran twice more and enjoyed watching the energy of the new runners as they joined up.
Even if you're not a runner, the minute you hold that Flag, your legs will RUN! It might hurt for a while as did my knees and back, but it is nothing compared to the pain the thousands suffered in September. Thank you all for making it possible to participate in this event of a lifetime!
Martin Gerhard
UAL Pilot
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