Cross Country Volunteers at Free Press Marathon

While manning their station on beautiful Belle Isle, the teams were able to assist with an event that ushered in 20,940 participants from 49 states and 17 countries. The participants included Marathon runners, walkers, hand cyclers, marathon competitive walkers, and wheelchair participants – ranging from ages 16 – 71. These participants traveled the unique international course in Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, Canada by crossing the border at both the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

The team set up their station at 6:15am with cups of water, sports drinks, and first aid equipment to begin their part of the course at approximately 7:45am when the first runner cruised by. The team then attempted to hand out the last bottle of water for the day to a 71-year old male walker, who refused the water, determined to finish the final six miles. The team cheered him on and helped by running with him part of the way. In the end, the team wrapped up their service around 12:30pm.

The community service opportunity, engineered by head coach LaCema Womack, is just one of many examples of how the cross country teams give back to the community. Like all Mustang teams, the cross country team completes community service which aligns with the strengths of Marygrove’s mission and the NAIA’s Champions of Character Program.