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Long Road Award 2022:
THE 2022 LONG ROAD AWARD GOES TO PAUL AND BRENDA GILL
Paul and Brenda joined the BRRC 15 or more years ago. Paul's passion for the club and our mission to promote long distance running was immediately apparent. He became everyone's best friend in a very open and sincere way. Brenda was a new runner and a little more quiet, and she sought to learn all about the club and get to know its members. Dori mentioned that she told folks DO NOT ASK PAUL FOR THE SHIRT OFF HIS BACK - HE WILL GIVE IT TO YOU! Seriously - that phrase is not just a saying to him. He lives it! As a couple they're fun to interact with and volunteer for. Let me give you a rundown on some of their important positions in the club: RACE DIRECTOR: Recycle Run, Sunday Sundae 10 Miler, Spokane Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K. ORGANIZER: In 2016 (I think) the BRRC hosted the RRCA NATIONAL CONVENTION at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, and Paul did an outstanding job of organizing the whole multi-day event. Many compliments from attendees and speakers from all of the U.S. were received. LET ME GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE OF PAUL'S DEDICATION: Last year we didn't have Gatorade for the aid stations, and Paul drove all over IDAHO buying everthing at every store he could get to. OTHER VOLUNTEER WORK: Organized and/or helped with the Colbert Autumn Half Marathon (which sadly no longer exists) Provided pizza for the BEER AND PIZZA RUN Provided food for our annual HOLIDAY PARTY Organized and provided Lasagna for the annual AWARDS BANQUET Brought a giant grill to the ANNUAL PICNIC AT COMSTOCK PARK, and provided the meat, buns and condiments. And while we all enjoyed visiting and eating, Paul was busy keeping the burgers and hot dogs coming. And he always looked like he had the time of his life doing it. PAUL works harder and spends more money on things so other people don't have to. He added CLASS to many of our events. He is a hard worker. For instance, he puts up tents, takes things down, even cleans porta potties. You name it - if something needs doing HE DOES IT! BRRC BOARD AND OTHER BUSINESS: BRENDA was membership chair since 201. She is always at late registration and packet pickup at the races. Runs many of the races' registration. Was club secretary. PAUL was club treasurer. PAUL'S pride and joy was the FESTIVAL OF MILES. It was his brainchild. People came from near and far to run a mile on the track against people their own age. And when you were done running, you could shoot baskets and win a prize if you happened to get the ball to go into the basket a few times. If you've ever participated or volunteered, you couldn't help but love the event. He procured sponsors for the scholarships for the kids. He had free food for everyone. He recruited some of you to be chefs and enjoy the day cooking for everyone. There were more prizes at this race than any other race anywhere, probably in all of the country. Like free pizza punchcards, merchandise, cash drawings, gift certificates and more. It was amazing! I probably left out a whole bunch of wonderful things Paul and Brenda have done for the BRRC since they've become members, but that's not to say I, and the club, don't appreciate them and hold them in the highest regard. And with this I'm proud to present to the LONG ROAD AWARD to Paul and Brenda Gill. Sadly they couldn't be with us to receive the award in person. It's my understanding that because Gonzaga won the Sweet 16 and play tonight in the NCAA tournament for a place in the Final Four, they're extremely busy making pizzas for all the fans. |