Trenton Revolutionary Mile

I met Tom in July on my first Trenton Walking Club stroll through Trenton's Downtown district. Back then he announced he was creating a 1.55-mile run/walk event on October 16th called the Revolutionary Miler. I marked the date on my calendar, and joined their email list. I also started running with Tom and the Trenton Fit group on some Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Tom's plan was ambitious. He wanted 30 people to stand holding yellow umbrellas and signs identifying Trenton landmarks. At the last minute Debbi signed up to hold an umbrella, but where she was supposed to stand was not clear (okay, it was clear in Tom's head, but did not get conveyed clearly to Debbi). She was a good sport.

Bib pick up started at 4:30. The race started at 5:30 after a few speeches by local politicians, with runners going first, followed by the walkers. There were 60 runners, ranging from 10 minutes to 45 minutes. The price for runners and walkers was the same. We each received a $10 gift card to be used at a downtown establishment within the year. I don't know how many walkers.

Right away I spotted Debbi and Mike, then pastors Jeff and Karen. I saw Caroline and Breshen from Passage Theater (I signed up to be on team Passage). I also saw Micah and Jason from Trenton Fit, and of course, Tom. The weather was stunning -- in the 50s and sunny with a crisp blue sky. He truly lucked out in that regard.

We started on Warren. Went past Mill Hill Park, turning away from Passage Theater, up one block to return on E. State Street. Back on Warren we went up to the Battle Monument and came down the other side. We made a similar detour on the other side forming the shape of a sword. As the crowd was light, I returned to this picture often to make sure I was going in the right direction. I used it mostly after the race when I did the course in reverse to try to find the last participants. I'll suggest to Tom that next year he include a cyclist to keep an eye on the runners and walkers.

I slowed my pace and ran with Mayor Reed. When he complained about being out of shape, I invited him to join us on a Tuesday or Thursday evening run.

The crowds were the best I have seen in races. When I left the path to check on Debbi, they pointed me back in the right direction. They laughed when the wind took off my hat. They dispelled the rumor that Trenton is a scary place. 

Businesses stayed open later than usual in order to drum up some business.

Towards the end of the event I started talking to a man from Virginia. He is a furloughed federal worker who used to live in Trenton. We reminisced about the Trenton Half Marathon. He asked me if I remembered it, and I unzipped my jacket to show I was wearing my race shirt from 2017. Yes, I do miss that race. 

I felt in my element. I parked by the War Memorial and strolled to the start. After living in Mercer County for nearly 40 years, Trenton is finally starting to feel like home thanks to the Trenton Walking Club and Trenton Fit.