Privileged to be part of a great day

Dear Editor I thought I would be writing to complain about the ‘inconvenience’ caused by the first Stirling Scottish Marathon, as we had to cancel our Sunday service, due to road closures.

But actually I’m writing to say what a privilege it was to stand with neighbours, friends and other members of the Dunblane community, like one big happy family, cheering some people we knew, but mainly total strangers, through our streets.

I was humbled, as the competitors `thanked us’ for being there to encourage them and send them on the next part of their journey. As our eyes met for a few seconds, it seemed for those few, precious moments in time, we became their personal supporters: their family, standing there, just for them, encouraging them to keep going and complete the race.

The atmosphere was electric, as we cheered, clapped and shouted words of encouragement. Competitors doing `high fives’ with the children lining the streets and then, if they saw a friend or family member, some stopped and hugged, giving them fresh incentive to continue their run.

I experienced everything that is good about human nature, as I was swallowed up in the atmosphere of love pouring out from competitor and spectator alike, on a rainy Sunday morning in Dunblane.

Was it inconvenient? Of course it was, but we were given plenty of time to figure out what we would do on the day. Was it wrong to cancel our church service? Absolutely not! It was an awesome privilege to be able to join with so many other people and say `good job, well done, keep going’ to the thousands of runners who had worked so hard to take part in the run.

Will we cancel our service next year to support the second Stirling Scottish Marathon? After today’s experience, most definitely. For me, and I’m sure for the thousands of spectators, it was a great day and truly a `Great Run’.

Duncan J Strathdee (Jnr) Pastor Dunblane Christian Fellowship Roman Way Dunblane