thedrifter
11-17-08, 09:06 AM
From the heart, through the feet
by: ALTHEA PETERSON World Staff Writer
11/17/2008 12:00 AM
Three loved ones of Marines in Iraq run in Sunday’s event in honor of their sweethearts.
Military wives were among the thousands of people gathered Sunday at Veterans Park for the annual Route 66 Marathon.
Their fiances and husbands had brought them together originally, but Sunday’s competition put Jamie McAnulty of Tulsa, Katelyn Banes of Joplin, Mo., and Erin Ward of Blackwell together again.
They trained for the latest addition to the annual Route 66 races, the Mayor’s 5K Fitness Run and Walk.
Wearing shirts that read “USMC Sweetie” and “To My Marine,” they were united in their cause: to run in honor of their significant others, all Marines who are at Camp Korean Village in Iraq.
“The hardest part at the end of the run was thinking about Spencer,” Banes said, referring to her fiance, Lance Cpl. Spencer Galasha.
As hard as the run might have been, Ward said, they were determined to finish for the Marines.
“We just figured that what they do overseas is much harder than this,” said Ward, who married Lance Cpl.
Tyler Ward before he was deployed.
Just as they were united in their determination to race, they crossed the line together, exchanging hugs and smiles afterward.
“I was just thinking, ‘Do it for Denton,’ ” McAnulty said, referring to her fiance.
Jack Wing, a spokesman for the marathon, said the three were among an estimated 5,000 racers participating in the 5K, kid’s, quarter, half and full marathons.
The race, which had representatives from all 50 states, Mexico and Canada, is beginning to be a draw for race lovers everywhere, he said.
“The word’s getting around the country that Tulsa puts on a good marathon,” he said.
Chris Lieberman, the marathon’s executive director, said that with all of the di3erent races to participate in, the event will probably continue to expand.
“With the addition of the 5K, it allows anyone to participate and possibly allow others to move up to the larger races in the future,” he said.
For McAnulty, Banes and Ward, however, the 5K was a way to see what their loved ones “do every day,” plus a chance to relay a message to them.
“We can’t wait to see you again,” Banes said.
“We miss you,” McAnulty added.
Ellie
by: ALTHEA PETERSON World Staff Writer
11/17/2008 12:00 AM
Three loved ones of Marines in Iraq run in Sunday’s event in honor of their sweethearts.
Military wives were among the thousands of people gathered Sunday at Veterans Park for the annual Route 66 Marathon.
Their fiances and husbands had brought them together originally, but Sunday’s competition put Jamie McAnulty of Tulsa, Katelyn Banes of Joplin, Mo., and Erin Ward of Blackwell together again.
They trained for the latest addition to the annual Route 66 races, the Mayor’s 5K Fitness Run and Walk.
Wearing shirts that read “USMC Sweetie” and “To My Marine,” they were united in their cause: to run in honor of their significant others, all Marines who are at Camp Korean Village in Iraq.
“The hardest part at the end of the run was thinking about Spencer,” Banes said, referring to her fiance, Lance Cpl. Spencer Galasha.
As hard as the run might have been, Ward said, they were determined to finish for the Marines.
“We just figured that what they do overseas is much harder than this,” said Ward, who married Lance Cpl.
Tyler Ward before he was deployed.
Just as they were united in their determination to race, they crossed the line together, exchanging hugs and smiles afterward.
“I was just thinking, ‘Do it for Denton,’ ” McAnulty said, referring to her fiance.
Jack Wing, a spokesman for the marathon, said the three were among an estimated 5,000 racers participating in the 5K, kid’s, quarter, half and full marathons.
The race, which had representatives from all 50 states, Mexico and Canada, is beginning to be a draw for race lovers everywhere, he said.
“The word’s getting around the country that Tulsa puts on a good marathon,” he said.
Chris Lieberman, the marathon’s executive director, said that with all of the di3erent races to participate in, the event will probably continue to expand.
“With the addition of the 5K, it allows anyone to participate and possibly allow others to move up to the larger races in the future,” he said.
For McAnulty, Banes and Ward, however, the 5K was a way to see what their loved ones “do every day,” plus a chance to relay a message to them.
“We can’t wait to see you again,” Banes said.
“We miss you,” McAnulty added.
Ellie