Community Spirit

Today was the annual Om Die Dam race. It is a 52km ultra marathon with a 21km half marathon, 10km and 5km fun run/walk. This is the 3rd year that I have participated (in the 5km walk) and it is one of those days that I look forward to each year now.

I had to wake the family up before 5am as we had to be at the start around 6am. The whole family were entered and we were all excited to get going. Mr G was not feeling well and decided to stay home, but the 3 children, daughter Ts friend and my sister-in-law all got ready to go. We had to travel around to the other side of the dam through thick mist but were glad it was not raining. The traffic jam at the parking and start area is very crowded and it takes 20 minutes just to get to a parking stop along 2km of road.

The beginning of the race is always inspiring as they play the call of the fish eagle and then the soundtrack from Chariots of Fire as we all walk through the start banner.

The community spirit of this little town amazes me. The race is co-ordinated by local residents who volunteer and start their duties around 4am. Most of them are retired and come out on the day to support the athletes. The spirit is amazing especially when the real runners come past.

The route of the race goes through the town with the main event going around the whole dam. As soon as the athletes have passed a section the volunteers move in and tidy up the area and re-open the road to traffic. Incredibly the weather also cleared up as the morning progressed. Nobody would say that a race with a field of more than 9000 entrants had taken place today.

My Blip captures the crowd of walkers being offered water sachets by the elderly volunteers who encourage everyone with such warm smiles. What a joy to greet them and realise that you are part of this community!