It'll be interesting to see if I remember what to do.
Tomorrow's the 24th annual Noquemanon Cross Country Ski Marathon, the first one in two years, and as one of the few people who's volunteered at each & every one of them, I wonder what it'll be like. The same? Different? A smaller field of racers? A bigger one?
We'll find out tomorrow, I guess.
I have no idea how whatever changes there are will affect my job announcing at the finish line. Will there be the usual gaggle of people at the finish line cheering on the participants while ringing cowbells? Will they stay home? I don't know. Part of me hopes there are at least a few. I know skiers are exhausted when they come across the line, and hearing a cheer or a cowbell always helps them cross the line in style. That's especially true during my favorite part of the race—the last hour, when stragglers slowly make their way “home”-- and are looking for any reason to keep going.
However, if wouldn't be surprised—and, if we're being honest, I'd almost be a little more comfortable—if the crowd is thin to non-existent. While that might not be a good thing for the skiers, it might be for public health, and while it's a big pain in the butt that IS something we have to think about these days.
Let's just hope that next year's race—the 25th—just gets back a little closer to “normal”.
On that note, have a great weekend. And if you happen to know or see anyone involved in trying to put this year's race together, let them know they've done a great job under the strangest of circumstances!
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