The Other Side Of The Table

Aid stations are the best. 

I recently had the opportunity to volunteer at an aid station for the Uwharrie 100, and it was an impactful experience for me. I’ve never been on the other side of the table before, so it was a chance to try something different and give back to a sport and community that I care so much about.

For the uninitiated, aid stations provide food, fluids, assistance, and good vibes to runners at critical points throughout a race. And they’re usually operated by volunteers.

They’re a place where you can see and feel the best of humanity. 

Here’s a short list of some of the awesome things I witnessed over the course of a few hours:

• people pushing beyond their preconceived limits

• people encouraging others to keep going

• people supporting one another

• people creating connections

• people showing vulnerability

• people expressing gratitude

• people getting inspired

• people laughing

• people giving

And the most interesting part was that most of these people were strangers, meeting for what was most likely the first time and just for a few brief moments out there in the forest. 

Ultrarunning brought us all together and created an environment for us to cut through the barriers of social awkwardness, opposition, and disconnect. Topics of politics, race, religion, or any other areas where we like to choose sides were nonexistent. 

It was beautiful.

I walked away from the experience feeling positive and rewarded, and it only strengthened my love for the sport of ultrarunning.

Sometimes giving back to something that gives so much to you is the most important thing you can do. 

That’s how community works, and I’m happy I’ve found my way into this one.