Organizers pass directing torch for Springtime 10K

“I have much appreciation for the Gulf Winds Track Club and its many great members. Mandy and I directed the Springtime 10K for the final time yesterday, and I could not have been more proud of how the race became a perfect ending for us. It all starts with great weather, but this race relies on many super volunteers, great sponsors and other supporters of this race. We would like to thank all those who helped us for this race. We are looking forward to supporting Zack and Rachel Scharlepp as they take over as Springtime race directors next year. They will do a great job and please don't forget to show them the same great support we received.”

And with those words, except for a few cleanup items, Sean and Mandy Hudson turned the title of director(s) over to Rhys, Rachel and Zack Scharlepp. Still navigating his first four months of life Rhys is lacking in experience (but not enthusiasm), but we have confidence Mom and Dad will make sure the job gets done right.  Zack is serving as GWTC president now as well and Rachel has taken over the job of merchandise coordinator.  I am confident the Springtime Races are in good hands.

A look back will show the Springtime Races have had 16 directors (counting couples as a single director).  That seems like a lot until you realize the first race was held in 1976, over 40 years ago. Tom Perkins and Jeanne O’Kon started an excellent trend in 2001 by directing the race for six straight years, bringing a strong sense of stability and quality to the race. Judy Alexander and Brian Corbin had a tough act to follow, but they directed the races for seven years, added a 5K race and oversaw the two years with the greatest number of finishers in the race. here were 1877 finishers in 2011 and 1870 in 2013.

Mandy and Sean moved to Tallahassee in September of 2002 and started running in 2006, and became members of GWTC in 2008. The Palace Saloon 5K introduced them to the world of racing.  Despite full-time jobs, they have been active members serving on committees, volunteering and being otherwise involved. There was a lot of noise in the room when someone asked if they would direct Springtime. Thinking someone said “is Springtime one of your favorite races,” they answered “yes.”

There are races that are easier to direct than others, especially when you have the GWTC timing team led by Peg Griffin, Bill Hillison and Bill Lott covering the finish line. Springtime, however, is not one of those races. At the very beginning is the process of securing the course for runners, including making sure it is correctly marked and manned by volunteers to keep runners going in the right direction, with enough fluids, and to the extent possible out of harm’s way.  The twists, turns and overlapping nature of the course, as well as the fact there is a one-mile run starting at 7:45 a.m., while two more races, the 5K and 10K, begin at 8:10.  And the race is in the spotlight. When something goes wrong…a lot of people will know. Oh yeah, did I mention also that all those hours the directors of the Springtime Races put in are totally volunteer.

Sean and Mandy swallowed hard in 2014 and calmly stepped up to the task.  Of course, they had a lot of good help; the task cannot be done without that.  But it is, in the beginning and the end, almost always the race director(s) who determines the success of an event.  The Hudsons were challenged their first year as the night before the race severe thunderstorms began rolling through town and reporters from the weather channels began predicting the demise of the city.  Sean and Mandy remained calm, however, consulting with club officers, other experienced race directors and city officials before deciding the race should go on.  And while a drizzle fell on the start of the race, the worst weather was long gone by the start of the race and the day was uneventful as far as the storm went. Many runners stayed home, but many more had a great morning. The Hudsons passed their first test and have kept Springtime at or above the level we all expect.

As the directorship moves on to the Scharlepps, I am reminded again what a good, healthy organization GWTC remains. The transition shows how the club regenerates with new people gladly accepting big roles in an organization that works hard to keep its community a great place in which to live. Sean and Mandy, we know you will stay active.  We all owe you a great big thank you for your stewardship over the Springtime Races.

David Yon is addicted to running. In his spare time, he's an attorney with the Radey Law Firm.