Letter to the editor: The untold run

By David Riggs, Claremore - 11/7/2009


I ran in the 32nd Tulsa Run. This was my first experience and will not ever miss it again. If I cannot run, I will be a spectator and help cheer on runners and help in any way. The race was a personal goal I made for myself and I was so gratified and proud. The Tulsa citizens were so encouraging, shouting "Good run, keep it up" or "you can do it"! This encouragement went a long way during the challenging 15-kilometer course. I saw firsthand the challenges and sacrifices that were made that day. When it was over, I watched others cross the finish line with a huge sense of relief, but most important, dignity and pride. It did not matter the time, just finishing for some was the goal.

However, I was disappointed with the press the race received in the Sunday paper. The Tulsa World did a fine job posting the finishers, however, the World missed the real life stories I saw that should have been shared. Where was the story about the Tulsa firefighters who ran the race with complete gear and tanks? What about Jack Gentry from the Male 80-98 age group who finished in 1 hour, 21 minutes and 48 seconds? What was his story? I understand you can only write so many stories, however, with 3,793 competing in the 15K and 2,151 competing in the 5K, I figure there are at least 5,944 pretty darn good stories that could have been told!



Letters to the editor are encouraged. Each letter must be signed and include an address and a telephone number where the writer can be reached during business hours. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published. Letters should be a maximum of 250 words to be considered for publication and may be edited for length, style and grammar. Letters should be addressed to Letters to the Editor, Tulsa World, Box 1770, Tulsa, Okla., 74102, or send e-mail to letters@tulsaworld.com.


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Tulsa World Reader Comments
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M_Sizzle, Tulsa (11/9/2009 3:44:03 PM)
The Tulsa World is not going to interview every runner at the race, this would take way too much time.



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