The old saying “what goes around comes around” can sneak up on you at any moment. In 2007, I had convinced the Bermuda Track and Field Association to create the Bermuda Triangle Challenge (BTC) by allowing runners to compete in Friday’s Front Street Mile, Saturday’s 10K and either the marathon or half-marathon on Sunday.
The Fairmont Hamilton was the race headquarters hotel, conveniently located on Front Street near the start. Kathrine Switzer had been hired as a consultant by Fairmont Hotels to organize some fitness programs for them. I had first met Kathrine in Bermuda for Bermuda Race Weekend in 1979. I contacted her to suggest that she compete in the inaugural BTC, including the half-marathon. I knew that she had retired from running races to concentrate on writing, TV commentating and promoting the sport. After some moaning and groaning about having to get back into half-marathon shape, she reluctantly agreed to race. As expected, she ran well, received four medals and it lit some competitive fire in her belly.
