Editorial

Editorial

You’re all winners

At a road race, as at most sporting events, it’s easy to tell the winners. They’re the ones with the ear-to-ear grins, and often they carry trophies in recognition of their achievement.

But is it really so easy to tell?

The Fodderstack Classic is an occasion where everyone who participates is a winner. Just look at the smiles of accomplishment - and relief -- on the faces of the runners as they crossed the finish line.

Or listen to the cheers, the shouts of encouragement, from the people who live along the Fodderstack Road, as they recognized a friend, a neighbor - or urged on a stranger who seemed to need a lift.

And remember the efforts of the volunteer organizers, who worked untold hours during the winter and early spring. While the runners laid their training base, the race committee laid the groundwork which enables the race to go off without a hitch--year after year.

Come race day, a small army of other volunteers decended on the starting line to serve as split timers, water table staffers, traffic controllers, registrars of late arrivals, all the myriad small tasks which go unnoticed to all but which make the difference between success and failure for an event like the Fodderstack.

The Sheriff’s Department, the highway department, the Washington, Flint Hill and Sperryville Rescue Squads, they all pitched in as well to assure a smooth, safe event.

And last, but certainly not least, the runners. Sure, the ones who go home with trophies are winners. But they’re not the only ones. Just ask any roadracing veteran: the Fodderstack Classic is a tough race course. Everyone, ' whatever their finishing time, who competes in that event is a winner.

Congratulations to each and every one of you, whatever your contribution! We look forward to seeing you again next April.