I travelled from Iowa to do this:

I started in Noble, OK at 10:42 a.m. on Mon. the 29th of Oct., 2001, the streets were lined with towns people from one end of town to the other, it was very emotional.

I ran approximately 8 miles to the O. U. campus where there was a 20 min. ceremony involving some OK dignitaries.

We left the campus heading thru Norman on a snake-like route to let several elementary and middle school children experience the flagrun.

Somewhere in Norman (I had no idea where because I had never been there before) I was asked if I could drive the RV for the coordinators because some of the drivers did not show up. I drove to the Murrah Memorial site picking up and dropping several runners along the way. It was very neat to see all of the people that wanted to be involved in the event either by running or just by standing along the route and showing their support by cheering the runners on.

Once we reached the Memorial site there was about a 30 min. ceremony and off I went as a runner again, this time running a very fast pace with a high school xc team leading the way. I ran around 10 miles or so until we met up with the runners from Mustang.

Then I hopped in the RV again and refreshed myself until we reached the Mustang Wal-Mart. Once I gathered my belongings, I was ushered into a huge motor home belonging to the parents of Susan Weaver (one of the OK coordinators). Susan's Mom fed me a delicious home made meal that was incredible. We chatted for a few minutes and my ride showed up to take me back to my hotel in OK City.

I checked in about 11:30 p.m., called a cab and they took me back to Norman to get my car. Drove back to the hotel and finally went to bed around 1 a.m.. I got up and hit the road for home at 6 a.m. and arrived back in Stanwood by 3:45 p.m..

This endeavour was something I will always remember, I am not a very emotional person (outwardly) but there were parts of this event that brought tears to my eyes. There were many times I had goose bumps, especially when the kids would sing God Bless America.

I took part in this run because I wanted to represent Iowa, Stanwood and North Cedar. I also wanted to honor four of my brothers that were in the military and most of all for my son Captain Joseph Bails (Army) who is also a runner but could not participate because he is in Hawaii. I am very proud of all these guys and was honored to run in their name.

It was the best non competitive experience I have ever had.

Click on the Links Below to Visit Our Sponsors Registered Event Promoters