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On Sunday morning, residents from
Logan County and across the state gathered to cheer on Relay for
America runners as they crossed U.S. Highway 136. The relay began in
San Francisco, CA, on Flag Day, June 14, and runners are expected to
arrive in Washington, D.C.
Runners were escorted through Logan
County by the Emden Fire Protection District. Several residents
gathered at the Sun Ag parking lot just outside of Emden on Highway
136. Others gathered on side country roads and waited to cheer on
runners from the tailgates of their trucks. Many waved flags,
cheered for runners, and wore patriotic T-shirts. Some of the
spectators had traveled from as far as Rockford, IL, while others
were participants in the St. Jude Memphis to Peoria run, offering
their support. Among the runners was Morgan Sheley of Logan County.
Rob Sembiante, whose primary job is
to help ensure runners' safety, explained that the relay was born
out of the friendship between runners Joe Nail and Wyatt Moss. They
wanted to create a run that would span from the Golden Gate Bridge
to the Capitol in Washington, D.C. The run spans 3,016.7 miles, and
with each mile, the American flag is passed to a different runner.
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The relay celebrates America’s
250th birthday, honors veterans, and hopes to bring unity to the
country.
Sembiante explained that the
website features a wall of honor where they are accepting
nominations to dedicate a mile of the run to a veteran. There are
two crews running in 12-hour shifts. While one crew rests and
refuels, the other crew documents the run and ensures the runners'
safety.
To track Relay for America’s progress, honor a veteran, or learn
more about the run, visit their
website.
Relay for America passes
through Logan County video
[Joli Boerma Crane]
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