SAYMCA Holds First Race

Designed as a way to gather the community at the Y to honor Fitzgerald, the event had a dual purpose, serving to wrap up the main fundraising push for the organization’s Annual Giving Campaign (AGC), which launched in February.
The race held personal significance for one small group of longtime local runners gathered near parked cars to stretch and reminisce. Jimmy Atkins, Gary Micheal, and Paul Titus arrived early and donned their bibs with pride.
Atkins used to run with Bobby several times a week. “It seems fitting,” he said, “for as much as he loved to run.”
It wasn’t long before the trio motioned for Tom Hughes to join them. In addition to his bib, Hughes pinned a large printout – a photo of himself, Fitzgerald, and another runner – to the front and back of his neon green shirt.
“I was one of the first to register – wouldn’t have missed it,” Hughes said. “I think it’s great what they’re doing. A good way to bring awareness about Bobby’s story and to help the Y.”
Training in Togethernesss
The race had less visible outcomes as well: Participants like Grant illustrate a growing collaboration between Y branches in the neighboring cities of Staunton and Waynesboro.
Grant is a resident of Waynesboro and her “home Y” is the Waynesboro Family YMCA, which is where she noticed advertising for the 8K. It was an easy “yes” to register, since she was already familiar with the Staunton-Augusta Y. Recently, Grant has been making use of her dual membership while her young daughter attends daycare in town.
Anne Hudlow, Executive Director of the WFYMCA, has a front row view of how this cooperation is building a stronger, more efficient network. By leveraging the strengths of each location, encouraging staff members to shadow their counterparts at the other Y, and cross-advertising events and programs, both sites are beginning to expand their reach in the community.
“I’m excited to see what growth will come from these initiatives, particularly where we can pool our resources and offer a seamless experience between locations for our members,” Hudlow said.
“I do believe we are stronger together,” she added.
In partnership with SAYMCA leadership, Hudlow envisions building on Waynesboro’s successful Turkey Trot 5K in November and the Bobby Fitzgerald 8K to establish an annual three-race series that will create a new tradition.
“Adding another event – possibly tied to CCC (Community Childcare Center, which operates under the SAYMCA umbrella) – would get awareness of the YMCAs out in the public and bring members together on a regular basis,” she explained.
Local business owner and certified race organizer Heidi Austin-Cook is on board with that idea.
“I know at the local races, it feels like a big family reunion, hanging out afterward, meeting new people,” said Austin-Cook, owner of Sole Focus Running store in downtown Staunton.
The YMCA reached out to Austin-Cook early on during race planning for her expertise in organizing runs like the popular Firecracker 5K in Gypsy Hill Park. She often looks for a race to enter when traveling, and knows their power to unite a community and show visitors the sites and spirit of an area.
“A lot of times, people who don’t really consider themselves runners will get out and participate when they have a connection to the organization or person being honored,” said Austin-Cook.
“What we’re really delivering is that sense of community that organically happens.”