I saw history made-up close

I had THE BEST volunteer assignment at the PF Chang's Rock n' Roll Marathon today. I saw history made, up-close and personal. I was the assistant to the announcers at the marathon finish, and had the honor to see Haile Gebrselassie SMASH the half-marathon world record by 21 SECONDS! He came in at 58:55, and the previous record was 59:16.

According to letsrun.com, "Haile Gebrselassie shattered the world half marathon record by 21 seconds Sunday while running the last half of the Rock 'N' Roll Arizona marathon.He also broke the 20-kilometer world mark en route. It marked the 19th and 20th times the diminutive Ethiopian has broken world records in his career."

And I was right there. To see it. Haile is such an inspiration. He runs with a crooked arm because as a child, he ran to school 20 miles one way with his books under one arm. He has done so much for Ethiopia and it seems like half of Ethiopia was there to see him make history.



After the awards ceremony, Haile climbed up on one of the giant PF Chang's horses "guarding" the finish line and the crowds went crazy!


















It was truly an honor to be part of this momentous occasion. I guess I picked the right year to be injured!