Editor:

    We hear all the stories about the elite athletes
from all over the globe who come to Cape Elizabeth, Maine to compete in
the infamous Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race. We also hear the sagas of
the average citizens who decide to challenge themselves to get in shape
and take part in what will probably be the biggest race of their lives.
But somehow we neglect to recognize the true champions of the
Beach to Beacon. If it wasn’t for them, many of us would not be telling
the tales of our attempts at beating the Kenyans to the finish line.

    I am talking about the emergency response personnel
who staff not only the medical tent at Fort Williams, but those who are
stationed along the course waiting for us average folks to stumble into
their hands after reaching the point of dehydration, exhaustion, and
delirium.

    They are the ones who recognize the runners who are
in trouble, pick up the exhausted bodies, and rush them to the tent
where they can get the further medical attention that they need.

    I was one of those folks this past weekend. This was
not the first time I had ran the race and I thought I had adequately
prepared, but it turns out that the conditions this year got the best
of me.

    I became dehydrated and overheated and was very
lucky to have friends who delivered me to the capable hands of the team
of Cape Elizabeth Firefighters who were stationed at Mile 5 on Shore
Road.

    Not only were they well trained and efficient at
what they had to do, but they were also incredibly patient as I rambled
on in my state of delirium.

    I don’t remember most of what was said, but I was
told that there was some discussion of me wanting to finish the race
and them telling me (as they strapped me to a backboard for the wild
ride in the “Gator” to the medical tent) that it wasn’t going to
happen. Of course they were right.

    So, to all the personnel from Cape Elizabeth,
Scarborough, and South Portland who man the 6.2 miles of the course,
and especially to the “Mile 5 Team”, a heartfelt Thank You and
congratulations, you are the real champions of the Beach to Beacon.

Christy Harmon

Scarborough