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River Bank Run notebook: New prosthetic leg allows teen to race first 25k Page 2
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Unlike many River Bank Run participants, the training for their race didn't steer far from the ordinary routine for the young men and women, as they'd be preparing for such activity anyway.
"Every day," Desmarais said. "We're Marines."
High school freshman a natural in first 25K
The River Bank Run 25K offers something different to many participants. But for Simon Reidsma, it was somewhat familiar also.
The 15-year-old freshman at Calvin Christian High School runs cross country for his high school team, but said he'd never done anything like the 25K. With a finishing time near the one hour, 46 minute mark he was near the front of the pack and well ahead of most participants of his age.
"It was fun," he said. "I liked it. It was a nice route and lots of people and it was a fun race. There was a good adrenaline rush at the end."
Running with his father, Reidsma said his performance on Saturday wouldn't guarantee a return next year.
"Coaches want me to do conference next year," he said. "So I don't know."
Iraq veteran returns to run race with girlfriend
The last time Johanna Gomez ran the River Bank Run 25K race, she did without the company of her boyfriend Simeon Switzer. Switzer, who was stationed in Iraq last May, promised his girlfriend of a year and a half that he'd be there this year to run alongside her. As the two crossed the finish line clutching an American flag and holding hands, they embraced and kissed after running the race in about two and a half hours.
"It's awesome." Gomez said. "We're doing it next year."
Switzer admits Gomez is a better runner, but the two Grand Valley State University students felt the support of one another and the crowd nearing the finish line.
"Seeing all the people at the end and seeing the encouragement at the halfway point is really what's keeping you and pushing you," Switzer said.
Father, daughter enjoy run together
Granting his daughter's wish of running the River Bank Run 25K with her on Saturday, John Serini only wishes the conditions could have been better.
"It's probably one of the worst days for running I've ever experienced," Serini said at the finish line with his arm around his daughter Jessica's shoulder. "But I enjoyed being with my daughter.
This was really special for us."
Jessica, 22, was running her first 25K in her time home before studying to become a physician's assistant.
"It was really fun," she said. "I'm really glad I did it."
Her father called the course "hilly and hard" but relished in the opportunity to spend the time with his daughter in the race he has run before.
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Submitted by Aaron