Running a different kind of race: talking to voters at the Beach to Beacon 10k Run

As any Mainer knows, one event takes the stage in early August every year. The Beach to Beacon 10K run, founded by the first-ever women's Olympic Marathon gold medalist and Maine native Joan Benoit Samuelson, was indeed a sight to behold. Nearly 6.000 runners from around the world pounded the pavement in Cape Elizabeth last Saturday, and we were right there with them, running a different kind of race.

Volunteers dedicated to protecting equality arrived at 7:00 AM to find supporters in the crowd of over 10,000 runners, friends, family and fans. We were a small group, but that was inconsequential. Emblazoned on our clipboards were the bright green words "sign here to support same-sex marriage in Maine".

Runners, dripping with sweat in the early morning humidity, approached us without the energy to speak.When asked if they supported marriage for same-sex couples, they nodded vigorously. Between deep breaths and groans as their body reacted to the 6.2 miles of non-stop physical exertion, they gave us their names, where they were from and their phone numbers. They promised to donate, to volunteer, and and to tell their friends and family. They promised to vote no. Even when November was the last thing on their mind, when all they wanted to do was sit, catch their breath, replenish the fluids lost in the race, they recognized that there was something more important for them.

Congratulations to those who competed in the largest road race Maine has ever seen. Ten kilometers seems like a lifetime when you're out there on the course. But you can't help but draw the parallels. Did you read the Press Herald, with it's special "Beach to Beacon" insert and think to yourself "I want to run a marathon." Now you can. Now is the time to get involved as this race nears the finish line.

In November, Mainers will decide whether or not to remove a law that is on the books. And we can win. But 88 days goes by much faster than 6.2 miles, and every volunteer makes the race that much easier.