The thrill of the race...

The gun has sounded, the times have been posted, the winners have received their medals and congratulations to them.

For me, I'm a winner too, not because I started the race, and not even because I finished it; the thrill of my race was spending time with family during the Tely 10 weekend and connecting with friends and co-workers who were also involved with the event.

I was happy to "compete" for a second straight year, but even happier to watch my sister burn up the course in 82 minutes - you could sense her pride, and rightfully so, I hope she could sense my pride in her accomplishment too.

I was thrilled to watch two co-workers enter the race for the first time after being inspired by our family only a year ago. I waited for them to finish and was honoured to be able to jog with them as they crossed the line for their first, but probably not their last, time.

I was inspired as I ran and walked along side of others, each battling with every step to reach the finish line - want to see courage and determination, spend some time at the back of the pack.

I was moved by complete strangers who stood on the sidewalks along the race course calling out my bib number and telling me "keep it going, you're almost there".

There's a lot more to these events than coming in first, second or third, and if they haven't already done so, I hope one day the "real runners" can take time to soak up what's happening behind them.