Saturday, April 9, saw a race like no other.
Runners 1,400 strong aided by more than 500 volunteers competed in the Garden Spot Village Marathon and Half Marathon in New Holland.
The Garden Spot Village Marathon is believed to be the first marathon hosted by a retirement community. Beginning and ending on the community’s 104-acre campus, the USA Track & Field (USATF)-certified course is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
World famous for its run through the beautiful Amish farmlands of Lancaster County, the race was greeted by the “onion snow” – the Pennsylvania Dutch term for the spring snow that falls just after the spring onions are planted.
Snow, sleet, wind and hills made for quite a run. Five to 8 inches of snow began falling at 8 a.m. and quickly was turning to sleet and slush.
“Though we had some unusual weather, race day was filled with enthusiasm and excitement,” said Scott Miller, race director and chief marketing officer for Garden Spot Village who is himself a marathoner. “It made the race even more of a memorable experience, for the runners, volunteers and event staff.”
He added they came from all over the globe including the United States, Australia, Canada, Barbados and South Africa.
Miller said, “A man from California said it was the first time he had ever seen snow.”
Along with them were the Amish of Lancaster County. The girls and women ran in their long dresses and the men in their typical black pants, colorful shirts and suspenders. One Amish man ran without his shoes.
The full marathon is 26.2 miles and the half-marathon is 13.1 miles. Two residents participated and finished: Duane Tice and Janie Hutton.
The race was divided into age groups of half-marathon runners ages 11 to 85 and full marathon runners ages 19 to 80.
The race also partnered up with the Lancaster Family YMCA for a kids run for kids ages 6 to 12. The kids were required to have already logged 25 miles and then added the 1.2 miles and get the thrill of coming down the shoot and crossing the finish line and medals and having the full racing experience.
Steve Buchanan, of Lancaster, said, “What an amazing opportunity to run the half on Saturday. Great event, love the challenge of the ‘Hill’ and the snow was a bonus. GSV does an excellent job with this race, and the course is beautiful even if you couldn’t see it.”
Phil Lapp, of Lancaster ,a competitive runner who runs all over the country, was generous in his praise for the course and said he was undaunted by the weather, which created stunning wintery landscapes.
“Of all the places that I run, by far this course is the best as far as coordination and volunteers. They think of every detail and are the most organized and friendly,” said Lapp.
“It was the workmanship of what you would expect of Lancaster County coupled with a rare culture of the Amish people who are rising up in the country as very fast runners, “he added.
Lapp was enthusiastic about the amenities. He mentioned there were heated tents, massage tents, locker rooms, an indoor heated pool and whirlpool, beverage stations and a Pennsylvania Dutch smorgasbord for which the Amish are known.
There was also a presence of volunteers, EMS, police and fully staffed pit stops and people at the intersections cheering them on and ringing cow bells.
Miller explained that this year each runner was given two shirts; instead of just the tech running shirt, they added a T-shirt to the packet.
“One to run in and one to run around in,” he joked.
Finisher medals specific for the half and full marathon were given out to the participants.
“The marathon is such an enjoyable time, with all of the racers, volunteers and Garden Spot Village team bustling about. This year, the weather managed to take an already exciting event and make it even more memorable. I know I certainly won’t forget the year over a thousand dedicated runners ran in the snow!” said Trish Lauer, media relations and storyteller for Garden Spot Village.
Complete results are posted at PretzelCitySports.com under Road Races.
Proceeds of approximately $30,000 from the marathon benefit the Garden Spot Village Benevolent Fund, which helps support residents who need financial assistance.
In addition to Garden Spot Village and the Lancaster Family YMCA, this year’s sponsors included Sodexo, Sensenig’s Feed Mill, Shady Maple Smorgasbord, Warfel Construction Co. and Lapp Valley Farm.
For more information, visit gardenspotvillagemarathon.org.