Page 27 - Abilene Living

The anticipation of the coming race is visible in the athletes as they each begin limbering up; stretching hamstrings, arms, legs…bodies that will soon run a 5K. The event, the Samaritan’s Purse , is a fun-run to beneft “Turn on the Tap,” a charity that helps provide water to families in Africa. This is one of more than two-dozen races the Abilene Runner’s Club supports each year, every event helping fund another good cause.

“With these running events, it’s just amazing to see how people respond to them,” remarked Bob Taillon, President of the Club. As we stood on the sidelines, watching the participants, Taillon explained that only a handful of events are “owned” by the club. The Turkey Trot , which last year alone had 900 participants, the Steamboat Challenge , held every April in Buffalo Gap, and the Summer Solstice Endurance , a race that kicks off at 9 p.m. and lasts until the wee hours of the morning. At other events the club just helps where they can. “Some we just give advice, some we record their times and get the results, and some we help organize from the very beginning to end. It’s getting to the point now where we’re going to have to start saying no, because there’s just too many events,” explained Taillon. The buzzer sounds, and the runners take off. Some immediately begin a steady and fast pace. Others walk. Even two mothers tow along their children in strollers. Amidst all this, Taillon explains the purpose of the club is not centered on running events. He says the Abilene Runner’s Club’s main goal is just to offer support. “When you have a running partner, or a running group it’s amazing how motivating