Easton Y's Hot Firecracker 4-Miler

These guys were busy

Around 300 runners and walkers braved the soaring temperatures to participate in the Easton Family's YMCA Firecracker 4-miler on July 4. Nobody died, although many of us thought we had. Despite an 8:30 AM start and a very flat course, the heat made the race a challenge. One participant did keel over, although that might be the old lady I pushed.

Who won?

I can give you some bullshit about everyone being a winner, but I won. I think I ran the race in about three minutes. Backwards.

Actually, I finished somewhere in the middle of the pack after hiding in the bushes while everyone else ran.

Bethlehem City Council member J. Willie Reynolds finished in a blistering 26 minutes, good enough to place second in his age group (12 and under). He was unable to stay for the awards ceremony, so I took his trophy and am selling it on e-Bay.

High bidder so far is Tony Simao.

Northampton County Recorder of Deeds Ann Achatz talked me into this very bad decision. Not only did I nearly hurl in the final mile, but I missed Nazareth's kazoo parade.

One of the race participants was this Obamaphile. Now that's dedication!

After we finished running, it was a "fun" run for the kids. I think they went about 8 miles. No shade, either. I stole their trophies, too.

Actually, the kids had a blast, and that's the race I should have run. There were balloons and ribbons and everything. I might have won that race. Besides, there were about 1000 volunteers like these lovely ladies. I could have asked them for help.

After the race was over, Accucare Chiropractic gave out a few free massages. Patti was unable to keep her hands off me.

Below, you'll see me (in my third T-shirt) with Ann's husband, John, and their niece.