Welcome Back, Road Warriors

Starting Thursday, one of my favorite events of the year will kick off: The Last Annual Vol State Road Race.

If you’ve never heard of it, the race consists of over 100 people from all over the country (and the world), who set out on foot to walk or run 314 miles in the middle of July.

The race begins with a ferry ride across the Mississippi River at Dorena Landing, Missouri, and ends days later at Castle Rock, Georgia.

That’s 314 miles of open road, heat, pain, and perseverance. But it is also a journey full of joy, generosity, and human connection.

Every summer, the course brings racers through Carroll County, from McKenzie, down SR-22 through Clarksburg and into Henderson County.

Last summer, I was introduced to the race and those involved in it, and absolutely fell in love with the culture within the ultra-marathon community.

Something about it makes you believe in people again.

As I learned last year, it isn’t just a race, it’s a journey of the mind just as much as a physical one.

Much of the racers’ success is made possible by the kindness of strangers.

Locals leave coolers filled with water and snacks along the road, churches open their doors, and businesses offer meals.

Some people even sit roadside just to cheer racers on.

These acts of generosity are not part of a marketing campaign or coordinated or sponsored. They are pure.

And the runners are every kind of person you can imagine.

Some are elite ultra-marathoners with dozens of races under their belts. Others are just trying it for the first time.

There’s no prize money at the finish line. The reward is having completed the race.

What brings me back to it, and what I’m excited to experience again, is the authenticity of it all.

Last year, I met so many wonderful people! I look forward to seeing some of those familiar faces again this year—and hopefully make a few more friends before it’s all over with.

LAVS Racers, I cannot wait to welcome you to Carroll County once again!