Phoenix Runs Boston
On Monday April 20, (Boston Marathon Day), Runner’s Den took on a rapidly assembled project to produce an event we titled PHOENIX RUNS BOSTON, a virtual treadmill marathon relay. The idea was sparked by an inquiry made by one of our local TV stations, the Friday prior to the race.
In short order, we decided to show our support and PRB was born. By 2pm, on the Friday prior to the race, we had arranged for the use of a treadmill, generator and had recruited a relay team of 26 area runners who would run as part of a relay team to cover the Boston course in one mile increments in conjunction with the race being run in Boston. It should be mentioned that the team was filled within eight minutes of it being posted on Facebook.
Race day started with our arrival at Runner’s Den at 4:20am, only to find all five stations already parked in our lot, ready to start coverage during their 5am broadcasts.
At 7am, Arizona time, our race started in conjunction with the start of Boston’s Citizens race. One by one, mile after mile, each of our team members took the baton and ran their leg, while watching a feed of the actual race being broadcast on a TV set up next to them. As they clicked off their miles, the stations continued to broadcast interviews and updates.
Finally, 4:03.15 after the gun went off, our team crossed the virtual finish line with everyone thrilled with the outcome.
Special thanks go out to Fitness 4 Home for the generous donation of the treadmill and to SUNSTATE EQUPMENT CO for providing the generator to keep it running. Also, a special shout out goes to all the Phoenix TV stations, 3,5,10,12 and 15 in addition to KTAR radio, all of which provided phenomenal coverage.
And to all of our friends who supported the event by buying raffle tickets and making donations, a big THANK YOU from Runner’s Den and The One Fund of Boston. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
In short order, we decided to show our support and PRB was born. By 2pm, on the Friday prior to the race, we had arranged for the use of a treadmill, generator and had recruited a relay team of 26 area runners who would run as part of a relay team to cover the Boston course in one mile increments in conjunction with the race being run in Boston. It should be mentioned that the team was filled within eight minutes of it being posted on Facebook.
Race day started with our arrival at Runner’s Den at 4:20am, only to find all five stations already parked in our lot, ready to start coverage during their 5am broadcasts.
At 7am, Arizona time, our race started in conjunction with the start of Boston’s Citizens race. One by one, mile after mile, each of our team members took the baton and ran their leg, while watching a feed of the actual race being broadcast on a TV set up next to them. As they clicked off their miles, the stations continued to broadcast interviews and updates.
Finally, 4:03.15 after the gun went off, our team crossed the virtual finish line with everyone thrilled with the outcome.
Special thanks go out to Fitness 4 Home for the generous donation of the treadmill and to SUNSTATE EQUPMENT CO for providing the generator to keep it running. Also, a special shout out goes to all the Phoenix TV stations, 3,5,10,12 and 15 in addition to KTAR radio, all of which provided phenomenal coverage.
And to all of our friends who supported the event by buying raffle tickets and making donations, a big THANK YOU from Runner’s Den and The One Fund of Boston. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
