
Once again, an intrepid Group of Rotarians and friends provided person power at the York marathon on Sunday 20th October. We were charged with receiving, and more importantly returning, some 5000 items of baggage from and to the marathon runners despite the vagaries of wind weather and other impediments. The morning shift received the packages and arranged them in as accurate order as possible; by midday when the first runners returned, we got an early test of our accuracy when we tried to find their specific packs. Thankfully, the first indications were positive, and so it turned out to be throughout the rest of the day. The afternoon shift depend very much on the accuracy of the morning people; if packages are misplaced, then a considerable amount of embarrassment and annoyance can ensue. I'm very happy to report that there were very few misplaced items and my title used above was indeed very appropriate.

There are other factors which make the task less than trivial: although some packages were very light, that was the exception, and it seemed for some competitors that they had planned for a six weeks holiday rather than a few running necessities. Some items weighed, or appeared to weigh, several tons! Some come with other attachments, a change of shoes, another similarly heavy bag, a large jacket looped round the rucksack straps and various other appendages designed to make storage a challenge. Also, although each item is carefully numbered with the runner’s race number, it does help to locate it if we know the colour. However being told that it is a “black rucksack” doesn't really help to distinguish it from several hundred identical looking items😔. We are considering offering a bonus if the package is red, pink, yellow or some other eye-catching colour😊.

Probably the most overwhelming time of the day is around 9 am, when the vast majority of runners hand in their baggage. The pile of packages grows very quickly to above shoulder height; this year the doughty Kevin was trapped on the outside of the baggage tent in the pouring rain, but undeterred continued to receive baggage, and even seemed to remain cheerful.


The runners were always appreciative and friendly, which really is what makes the whole day worthwhile, as well as the experience of again working with a friendly committed and very hard-working Rotary and Friends team. This year, I feel that everything worked particularly well, a view backed up by various team comments, and the "supreme" epithet was indeed fully justified. As well as the thanks of the runners, we also receive a donation to our Charity Fund, so definitely a day well spent! Very well done, teams and thank you😊
Pres Mike Hay
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