2018 Rochester Marathon

Congratulations are definitely in order. On Sunday, September 23rd 2018, we celebrated a decade of Xerox inspired relay teams. What started off as one team, turned into 6 relay teams 10 years later. Additionally, we created out first (though hopefully not last) super-team - the XRX Panthers, who came in 2nd place – missing 1st place by 2 minutes and 6 seconds.

The rest of us did what we’ve been doing – we stuck together. We waited until everyone passed the relay exchange, then we started off and ran the majority of each leg together as a team. Suddenly the hilly runs became a bit easier to swallow. In keeping up with our Xerox tradition, representatives from all of our teams, sprinted together at the end.

About the race:

Andy – What else can we say: Andy Roberts, the G.O.A.T. He inspired us to do a fast team, and he is one of those people who you can always count on to be ready.
Shauna – Well coach, you killed it as usual. Your track team has a lot to be proud of. Help us get that number one spot next year. You got this Shauna.
Bill – What a pickup. Bill, we watched you crush it practice after practice and, as expected on race day, you did not disappoint. Way to go Bill. Thanks for being a part of the team.
Nikolas – Nikolas didn’t even break a sweat. He ran 8.5 miles at lightning speed, then went straight to RIT to study for an exam. Nikolas, our hero.

Lauren – She was finally in town for the relay, and she came in, in style. Celebrity Lauren graced us with her presence. You really should buy a pair of those shades for my oldest daughter – she will love them.
Sharon – Sharon has done so many of these relays that she decided to run a little extra this year. Next year we want to see you and your hubby run a leg together.
Prashant – What injury? President Prashant gets through another relay. Glad that you are someone we can always count on.
Bryan – I think Bryan is still cursing me out for getting him to sign up for this. I told him that I wasn’t worried and I was right - he didn’t train, and he still crushed it. He paid for it the next day, but he got through it.
Monika – Superwoman in disguise. You could have done this in your sleep. We were so happy to have you as a part of the team.

Luke – You said you would join us again, and you were a man of your word. Your cross-fit training paid off; you got through the race with no problems.
Vinny – Frank bailed on us, and you absolutely crushed it. I think you could have run two of the legs and still would not have broken a sweat. Oh, do we have plans for you next year.
Naji – No Days Off, buddy. The weather was perfect for you, and as usual you were the perfect teammate. You must have been a Marine in your former life. No man left behind.
Geoff – I still remember when you said that you couldn’t run 2 miles. Look at you now -- running 6.5 miles without much training.
Laura – Talk about setting the bar high. You take “No Excuses” to the next level. What a summer for you. Can’t thank you enough for being a part of the team again. You are awesome.

Jose – You didn’t have to drive a few hours away, run through mud, get electrocuted, and attempt death defying stunts in order to complete a race. This was so much easier. Come on, you have to admit it.
Joel – “The Weekend” took time off from partying to fit us in his schedule. As usual, this guy was ready as soon as we took off. No Days Off!
Carlos– X-Cats; Basketball; Relays; Parkour. This guy literally excels at everything he does. We are happy to have him as a fixture on the relay teams, and I am happy to run with him year after year. It makes the run go so much easier.
Ben – We’ve been doing this for 10 years, and you have been complaining about half-marathons for almost as long. Well, you didn’t complain this year. Half the distance you usually run, and you didn’t walk one time. Go Doc.
DaTwan – Relay for life! What can I say? Practicing for this always has me feeling better, feeling lighter, and the comradery is priceless. Thanks for taking this journey with me.

Sanil – Seriously? You said that you have wanted to do a relay for years, and I am just finding out about this as you move out of state. It was great having you on the team. Maybe we can convince you to visit Rochester once a year in September.
Mikey – Can’t stop talking about you man. Where in the world did you come from? You were so eager to cover for Roberto, you offered to do 7-minute miles instead of 8, and you jogged 6 miles to get to your leg before running the 8.5 miles. Incredible. Oh, do we have plans for you buddy.
Bruce – You did it. You conquered leg 4. It got the best of you last year, but you certainly overcame it this year. You could have called it in with your injury, but you ran anyways and killed it. Great job Bruce.
Rich – You finally agreed to do a relay with me, and I am so happy to hear that you were not disappointed. You already have plans for next year. Welcome to the relay club, Rich, welcome to the club.

Kim – You have no idea how badly we needed another driver this year. We are so happy that you volunteered to help us. You were incredible. I told you it would all work out, and it did.
Winona – MVP again. Everyone keeps talking about you, wondering how in the world I got you to agree to do this. I still don’t have an answer, but we all are thankful for you and your wonderful sense of directions. Thanks for being a part of the team.

We do relays like no other relay team. We truly know how to make this a team event. Congratulations on making our decade of running a huge success. Six relay teams! We pulled that off in style. Thanks everyone for participating, and see you next year.