Sir Walter Miler Diary: Southern Hospitality is alive and thriving in Raleigh, North Carolina

After electric races and finishes Friday night, it was an early, yet rewarding wake up call for one of the last Sir Walter Raleigh Mile events - "The Rise N' Run" Event among the soft, but hilly trails of North Carolina's Ulmstead Park.

Hitching a ride from newly-minted sub-4 club Member Jacob Thomson, we all arrived into quite a crowded park, as over 200 joined with some of America's elite milers for a social and fun time running through the trails.

Jeff Caron (ElliptiGo), presents Sir Walter Miler award to Lauren Johnson, photo by Jeff Benjamin

Leaving Raleigh, this writer has come to the conclusion that, despite portrayals on the national media, Southern Hospitality is still alive and well. From generous strangers (now friends) offering rides, to genuine care and compassion towards people, I'd hope that people out there would attempt to look into the so-called "other side of the story."

Craig Engels with running friends, photo by Jeff Benjamin, 4 August 2018

The strong running community of Raleigh epitomizes that hospitality. To think that it all began with Sandy Roberts wanting to run a local Mile here, five years ago. Then, getting brother, Logan Roberts, Pat Price and others to continue to help pursue the vision of a community- supported, yet high end world-class Mile Race, along with the super-knowledgeable Stephen Furst announcing and great elite organizational skills of Jeff Carron. The Sir Walter Raleigh Mile has successfully carved out a unique niche for American Milers , whose format is being imitated, or at least, the attempt is being made to imitate this fine event in some other America town.

Please take note - After all, "Imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery!"