Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I have always felt that running a marathon or even a half marathon is a team sport, not just an individual event. This feeling came racing back to me (no pun intended) on Main Street during the first half mile of the Mathews Marathon this past weekend.

Thank you to the Mathews Outdoor Club for offering an amazing opportunity to anyone seeking a full, half, or even a new relay segmented marathon. Thank you to the volunteers who handed me the water I so desperately needed and cheered “not much further” even before the halfway point.

Thank you to the race sponsors who provided post-race snacks, gift cards and other swag. Thank you to those out driving vehicles that morning that slowed their speed and gave extra space to runners on the course.

Thank you to my own personal cheering squad with the somewhat heavy-handed yet comical reminder to “run faster Mom.” And last but not least, thank you to the organizers and especially the superwoman, Christine Jo...