A couple weekends ago I had the chance to work the Ironman Louisville finish line. It was such a great experience and think it's something that everyone should do. I got the chance through one of my fellow athletic trainers, Kevin Brown, and al so glad that I did it. I was at the finish line for about 5 hours and watched all sorts of people cross the finish line. It was a much more emotional experience than I thought it would be. As everyone finisher crossed the finish line the announcer would read their name, age, hometown and I know it made everyone feel very special. The best part was that whenever there was a special story, (survived breast cancer, lost 150lbs, etc) the announcer would also tell that story, if he knew it. He also made a special note whenever a member of our armed forces or a fireman or policeman made it across the finish. There were many moments that nearly brought me to tears even though I only knew one person that crossed the finish line. It was very special to get o watch one of my husband's good friends from high school, Tony Rudd, cross the line and complete such an amazing feat. Just weeks before we were celebrating my marriage and now we were celebrating him. Such a neat thing.
My job at the finish line was to catch people as they crossed and help if a further medical condition presented itself. We were very lucky during my five hours there and didn't see anything that we weren't expecting. Many exhausted people but all happy (well except one, haha, clearly a pro not happy with his time.) We were thanked by families, participants and fans. It was so nice to feel so wanted and needed. I know that many athletic trainers will agree that we often go unthanked, not this day.
This is not an event where you have to have a medical background to volunteer either. There were "escorts" at the finish line that gave the athletes their medal and escorted through the finish line row. If you want to have a great experience, I highly suggest doing this. It was so rewarding.
Overall it was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and I look forward to doing it again. I would, however, like to take a moment to remember the man that died in the water that day. It reminds us how difficult it truly is and mass you appreciate everyone that finished and put their bodies through the ups and downs.
-Kate
