“Running next to you may be
a surgeon, a lawyer, a stay-
at-home parent or a factory
worker. No one looks down
on anyone else.”
volunteers directing runners on the course. Volunteers also
hand runners their medals when they cross the finish line.
ERC members handle the more technical aspects of events
including confirming runners’ ID, issuing single-use RFID
chips that record the time that runners cross the starting mat,
and confirm that they all started within the 5-minute start
time window. They also ensure that timing mats and cameras
are in place on the course.
Runners themselves often volunteer, earning vouchers that
they can use toward their entry fees in future races. A family
of six, for example, could use vouchers that a parent collected
from volunteering throughout the year to cover the cost of
participating in the Turkey Trot.
“We’re set up so no one is prevented from running due to
finances,” Comi says.
Volunteers can also take pride in the fact that they’re
supporting an organization that gives back to the community.
The club funded the benches and water fountain on the Erie
Bayfront with proceeds from the Bayfront Connector Race,
and the club, along with local contractors, donated the Erie
Runners Club pavilion on Presque Isle’s Beach 1. ERC is
also committed to purchasing food, water, apparel, and other
items from local businesses.
HELPING PEOPLE LIVE HEALTHIER LIVES
Participating in ERC events has inspired some people to
take up walking or running as a way to get fit and stay healthy.
Comi recalls one woman who started walking at a Turkey
Trot one year, and a year later she had lost 105 pounds.
“She was thrilled,” he says. “Anyone at any fitness level can
get involved.”
He also points out that age doesn’t have to be a barrier—
the oldest participant in an ERC event was 96 years old
and the youngest, carried a short distance by his dad, was
just 7 weeks old. Moreover, no experience is required. ERC
members are happy to answer your questions on anything
from where to run to which shoes to buy.
“Come to a meeting, and we’ll answer your questions,” says
Comi,” and you can find groups that you can run with.”
Meetings are held the second Monday of each month, and
often include a presentation on topics such as sports therapy,
cryotherapy, chiropractic, carb loading, or walking and
running in general. For contact information and the ERC’s
calendar, visit erierunners.club. n
MILLCREEK
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SPRING 2020
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