By Tom Rohrer
When an individual crosses the finish line at the finale of a marathon, they are joined by support and well wishes from their closest friends and family.
For those who undertook the task of completing the Capital City Marathon, it was a special moment.
For those watching a loved one or a friend complete the marathon, the moment was just as special.
On Sunday, May 20, thousands of runners and walkers from across the region participated in the Capital City Marathon, the course beginning and ending at Sylvester Park in downtown Olympia.
Around 12 of those participants were running for a fallen friend and colleague, Trooper Tony Radulescu, a member of the Washington State Patrol who was shot and killed while on duty last February in Kitsap County.
The dozen or so runners ran as part of the “Troops for Tony” group, and were supported by friends and loved ones close to Radulescu.
“We have a picture of Tony smiling for the runners to see when they go by, as encouragement,” said Gina Miller, a Public Disclosure Coordinator for District One of the Washington State Patrol, and Radulescu’s fiancé, as she clapped for passing runners. “It means a lot to see the support in his memory.”
Running in honor of a fallen friend was one of several causes for race participation in the marathon.
Keith Morgan, husband of runner Anjyl Morgan, was joined by the couple’s three children to cheer for the first time five-mile participant.
“It was awesome to see her prepare for the race and focus on the race,” Keith Morgan said. “She woke up at about 4:30 every morning to train and accomplish her goal.”
Some fans standing on roads all across downtown Olympia and the surrounding area had more previous experience with the event.
Jim Cutter, who teaches school bands in the Tumwater and Olympia area, has participated in the marathon nearly a dozen times before with his son, Scott Cutter.
While Cutter can no longer partake in the demanding event, he still enjoys watching his son run for the finish line.
“He is carrying on the family tradition,” Jim Cutter said of his son Scott, who is a science teacher from Tumwater. “It’s a tradition we feel strongly about and it’s going to get passed on. My grandson was chomping at the bit to run in it, but he’s too young. He is waiting patiently.”
Jim has not ruled out a future appearance in a half-marathon yet, but he gets a familiar feeling from his past running days while being an observer.
“You get déjà-vu, and certainly an adrenaline rush when I see him or other runners go by,” Cutter said. “It brings back a lot of memories from my own experiences, and it makes me think ‘can I get back out there again?’”
Although there were several other marathons or races in the region on Sunday, such as in Portland and Seattle, the Capital City Marathon drew participation from all across the country.
Ian Coble, a Seattle area photographer, was on hand despite the rain and windy weather to support his wife Karlee, a frequent participant in marathons of all kinds.
“She’s run about twenty or so before,” said Ian Coble said from underneath his hooded jacket. “Yeah, it sounds like a lot to me as well.”
Coble, who stays physically active himself, says it’s rewarding and a pleasure to support his significant other, as she has done the same for him in other avenues of their life.
“She supports me in the stuff I do, so it’s always good to see her thrive and enjoy and accomplish things,” Coble said. “I’ve been doing athletic activities and sports for my whole life, so it’s easy for me to draw parallels and relate to her as she goes through these tiring and physical events. She trains a lot and has made the sacrifices to run at this level, and you cannot do anything other than respect that and be there to support her.”
While one individual crossed the finish line first at the Capital City Marathon, it is clear that all involved were winners, both on the street and the sidewalk.
Additional Capital City Marathon Photos
