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Show 15 SPANISH FORK NEWS Speedy Spaniard: From RACE • 13 required to do it for football. It was also fun for me when my home used to' be on Powerhouse Road, (which is the first part of the race) My boys would come out and ride their bikes with me for a little ways to help push me along." Leifson's mother's house has always been on the course as well. In the early years, if 150 people showed up to run it was considered a success. Former SF football coach Doug Snell helped increase the number of participants in 1987 when he required all of his players to start and finish the race. Even though the biggest of lineman were seen huffing and puffing, they somehow crossed the finish line. Many former residents live out of town and out of state, yet return home for the Fiesta Days celebration and run the Speedy Spaniard. There are also those with no connection to SF that have entered this race just by word of mouth. For many years the number total was around 300 participants, but as of last year, the number of runners skyrocketed to a record 500 entries. A few changes have been made concerning this traditional event. At first it was called the "Fun Run" but today it is called "Road Race." Maybe so since many current and former college track stars are seen burning up the course. The city parks and recreation department now provides a shuttle which transports runners after the race, from the city park, to Canyon View park. Through the years, SF recreation has benefited with the extra help from different departments. With their assistance, stress levels have been reduced and the entire event is smoother sailing for everyone. Another change occurred in the mid 1990s when the course was altered somewhat. The starting point was moved from the Little Acorn to Canyon View Park. However, many traditions have remained the same. The finish line is still marked at the city park. After participants finish the race, they enjoy tables displayed with fresh fruit, juices and other tasty foods which help restore hydration. Once the race is finally over, the recreation department has been known to give out medals and recognize individual performances. Awards have been given to both genders for their overall finish and age group divisions. Rather than seek outside sponsorship to promote the race, SF recreations has always kept this event as a local tradition. Recreation's administrative assistant, Karen Bradford, explained why the department only promotes the race on a local level. "We could go out and get outside sponsors which would bring in more runners and money, said Bradford, "but we didn't want to do that because the original idea was to keep it on a local level. It's been a great tradition, and the race has always had good local flavor." Several native Speedy Spaniard runners expressed their thoughts on the event's milestone and why they've enjoyed past participation. Local resident Mike Erickson has been running it off and on for at least 15 years. "It's a good course and it's nice to run in your hometown with people that you know, a lot 6f them," said Erickson. "It's a good race and has a lot of tradition to it." Carol Davis, another native resident, has run the race for at least 10 years. "It's just a lot of fun," said Davis. "You just get to know a lot of the Spanish Fork people as you're down in the River Bottoms running around the area. It's so neat to see them not only race but just around the community." As many runners approach the city park, cheers can be heard from several blocks away. Once a runner reaches the turn at Barry's Drive Inn, he/she turns on the jets before making that final burst down victory lane. Due to the excitement of a roaring crowd, an adrenaline rush kicks in which inspires runners to reach from within and finish strong. But for most, it's simply the motivation of a family member or friend that helps them cross that finish line. BUILDING LOTS AND CUSTOM HOMES Let us custom build your new home Tack 8 Feed Purina Mills Animal Feed, Pet Supplies, Saddles, Tack, Shavings, Gifts, Horse Shoeing Supplies i, Omolene fiSorse Feed i i Buy 3 get 1 w 8 1 11 2 SUBDIVISIONS TO CHOOSE FROM Exclusive Pet Food MOUNT LOAFER VIEW regular retail I e&fr" ™! ! . ,™^'!iw*s- -CMI/ price • <er household f Expints Aug. 31, 2007 | limit one per haus<ho!d>££xmrvxAug', 31j>2007A F Lunii one per liousety Under NEW Ownership — Come See Our New Look and Large Inventory Purina Mills • 10 South 900 East • Payson • (801) 465-7765 Lots in cul-de-sac with stone fence 300 E 1100 S, Salem .26 to .50 acre lots From $119,900 to $189,900 THOUSAND OAKS IN WOODLAND HILLS Beautiful, wooded and serene from $225,000 to $995,000 UVHBA Builder of the year 1996 & 1999 • Presidential Service Award 2004 Salem, UT • www.robertconstruction.com • 423-1141 |