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Grizzled Vets
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... an Unrelenting Band of Stalwart Souls Who've Started and Finished Every Big Sur International Marathon since 1986 ! |
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| Beginning in 1986, BSIM was graced with 1800 runners. From the late '80's to the early '90's, fewer and fewer people could say they completed each and every marathon. In 1993, "Grizzled Veterans" or "Grizzled Vets" became part of the Official Race Results Book lexicon thanks to Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Bill Burleigh. He coined the name to better recognize that special group who kept coming back over and over again. By 1994, there were exactly 68 Grizzled Vets (50 men and 18 women). One year later, Shell Fisher, a local cartoonist and contributor created a contemplative Zen-like bear to help capture staying power and unbridled spirit. This humble, androgynous character has lovingly adorned BSIM as the time-honored Grizzled Vet mascot ever since. |
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Twenty-Two Many?
This year’s presentation caused a double-take for the Grizzled Vets.
One quick glance at “22” suggested twenty-two many marathons to see straight any more. But when reminded “With Pride We Stride”, the motto became its own vision correction.
From a participation standpoint, the ranks were clipped by one in 2007. So, for the first time in BSIM history the official roster dropped below total marathon mileage. Although fractionally disadvantaged, the number now favors 26.2 miles versus 26 people.
How the Grizzled Vets look at this ongoing journey after 22 years is hard to quantify. In a broad sense, BSIM is viewed differently to the same end – the finish line. With vision congruence and collective sight-setting, the road ahead will remain northbound, run-filled and intact.
Rest assured the ‘eyes’ have it for #23! |
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- Bob Utley,
Grizzled Vets Liason |
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Official 2007
Grizzled Vet
Roster
26 Members |
Barry Alexia
Donald Arthur
Khartoon Brown
Pierre d’Avenas
Rick Edson
Larry England
Mike English
Dale Fambrini
Bill Fenley
Hugo Ferlito (BSIM Board Chairman)
Joyce Friedlander
Peter Hackbert
Fredric Hermann
Charles Jensen
Jake McGuire
Thomas O’Neal
Steve Paski
Sargeant Pepper
Steve Radigan
Manuel Ramirez
William Roden
Thomas Rolander (BSIM Webmaster)
Michael Suchomel
Dina Talbert
Donna Troyna
Bob Utley (BSIM Board Member) |
Honorary
Grizzled Vets |
Bill Burleigh
Neal Dempsey
Jonathan Lee
Shell Fisher
Larry Wilson |
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"A journey of a thousand miles
begins with the first step."
-- Ancient Chinese
Proverb |
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"As you go the way of life you will see a great chasm.
Jump.
It is not as wide as you think."
-- Native American
Proverb |
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