On Oct. 5, in the midst of national and international turmoil and tragedies, an event was held, which, for a good portion of the day, brought smiles and a sense of possibility. The Portland Marathon/Half Marathon/Relay and wheelchair race was held. 

It was heralded by armchair athletes encouraging participants to attain whatever goal they had set for themselves that day. The day was a classic fall New England — clear, cool, a slight breeze and gorgeous egrets in Back Cove. 

Cowbells and screams encouraged the elite, the fit, the obese, the disabled, the ones who had a story that propelled them to join the event, though many were not athletic or fit to do so. Smiles and encouragement were offered to all, be they known or not. 

Participants were graced with music along the route, from bagpipes, to driveway stereos to an African dance and percussion ensemble. Volunteers offered fluids along the way with smiles and yells of “You can do this!” Many of us were not so convinced. 

The elite runners were viewed with awe and deservedly so. The rest of us in awe of the acceptance of the task so many assumed also contributed to some local nonprofit groups and agencies. 

To the organizers, volunteers, folks who tolerated the inconvenience of traffic reroutes and businesses that benefited from the incursion of participants and supporters, a well deserved thanks. Portland did it right.

Rob Boudewijn
Portland