Over the weekend, the Burj to Burj Half Marathon took place—a race I had planned to participate in and had even convinced several others to join. However, things didn’t quite go as planned. Instead of running, I spent the morning supporting from the sidelines, and cheering on the runners. While I didn’t make it all the way to the starting line, I found a great vantage point around the 14km marker to watch the race unfold.
What struck me most while standing there wasn’t just the effort of the runners, but the sense of connection and community that radiated throughout the event. As I watched people push through the final kilometres, I saw familiar faces—members of our InnerFight gym. Some were people I knew well, while others were complete strangers, which felt a bit surprising given that I’ve been part of the gym for five years. Maybe they were new, or maybe I had just never crossed paths with them before.
But what was truly special was the reaction I received. Dressed in my InnerFight cap and shirt, I stood among the crowd, cheering people on. And even though a few of them may not have known my name—and I may not have known theirs—the recognition was instant. The power of community was evident in their smiles, waves, and nods of appreciation. It was a moment of shared appreciation and support, a silent acknowledgment that we were all part of something bigger.
Some runners were completely in the zone, heads down, grinding through the pain, while others lit up when they spotted someone from their gym standing there, offering encouragement. And that’s when it really hit me—this is what being part of a strong community feels like. Even if I were a total newcomer, just standing there in an InnerFight shirt, the response would have been the same. Because it’s not just about the name or the face; it’s about the shared values, the camaraderie, and the support that define who we are as a team.
I don’t know if I’ll ever run a half marathon or a full marathon myself. But what I do know for sure is that I will absolutely be there for the next one, supporting and cheering people on. The energy, the excitement, and the pure joy of seeing people push themselves and knowing they have a community behind them is something truly special.
Looking forward to the next one.
Have an awesome day!
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