The Cowboy Hat

My local running club has existed in some form or another for at least the last fifty years. The non-profit tax ID number was issued in 1980, making it an official organization with both the IRS and Road Runners Club of America. Of the original board members, only two remained, the club treasurer, Bill, and Charlie. Although cancer was eventually the reason Charlie stopped running, he didn’t stop volunteering and giving his opinion on tough decisions at the board meetings.

One of his most notable jobs, one that stretches back at least one decade, was monitoring the course split at the fall marathon. I can still hear his voice. “Full marathon to the left, half marathon to the right!” he shouted from beneath his billowing cowboy hat.

Charlie accepting an award at the club party in January.

Charlie passed away in a car accident last month. As I ran through the final mile of the half marathon yesterday, Rachel and I wondered who would be there standing in his place. When we emerged from the forest and onto the bridge, I was surprised to see the cowboy hat, same as every other time, greeting me.

For a second, I thought my eyes were deceiving me. As the figure under the hat came into view, I noticed it was Harry, the club VP. Instead of the usual, “Thanks Charlie!” as I went by, I grinned from ear to ear. “Thanks Harry, Charlie would approve of your hat”.

From this angle, it almost looks like Charlie.

What a fitting and beautiful tribute to one of the men who made this running club so great.