Couple preps for marathon with Valentine’s Day race
A real sweetheart of a race. That’s what many were saying of Bruce McHaney, 76, who supported his wife, Faye, 65, and his daughter, Sara Nehring, 46, all the way to the finish line and back again at the annual Valentine’s Day 5K, 10K Run/Walk on Feb. 11, hosted by Bartlett Parks and Recreation at Bartlett Baptist Church.
The McHaneys joined hundreds of participants for the run featuring two courses, one for the 5K and another route for the 10K, and official scores kept by the Memphis Runners Track Club. Although they were separated for a bit during the race, when Bruce and Faye ran the 5K instead of their intended 10K run in the Couples Division, all ended well. Realizing their mistake, the couple got back on track and both completed the 10K run.
Bruce crossed the 10K finish line first with a time of 48:36. Staying true to the family’s moto, “Families that run together stay together,” he quickly caught his breath and went back for his wife and daughter. He met up with his daughter first, and escorted her towards the finish line. Sara who has lost 90 lbs., in a year, from a routine of walking and running, finished the 10K with a honorable time of 1:15:54. She was met by her supporting husband, Ben Nehring, as she crossed the finish line. Determined to see his family through to the end, Bruce once again turned back, this time to meet up his wife, and cheer her on to finish the run. She finished with a time of 1:34:24.
Despite the mix up in courses, Bruce and Faye, and Sara, and her best friend, Cherye Faughn, 50, who also ran the 10K, all completed their journey. It was a journey that brought Bruce and Faye all the way from Grace Harbor, Mich., to Jonesboro, Ark., where Sara and Ben reside. They drove in from Jonesboro to run the 10K in Bartlett. The elderly couple are avid runners and enjoy participating in marathons all over the country. Saturday’s race was all part of their training regiment, preparing them for an upcoming marathon in Little Rock next month.
“We got our training in,” said Faye. “We (she and Bruce) ran a 15K today. Because of God, is why we run. I truly believe in Philippians 4:13.”
As for the mix up in 5K and 10K courses that cost each of them some time in their official scores, that didn’t bother them at all. “If you can’t beat them, then out dress them,” Faye said. Dressed in Valentine red from head to toe, wearing tutus and heart-painted faces, that was a given.
After their run, participants were invited inside the church for refreshments and an award ceremony. The event also featured event sweatshirts, delicious food and some great door prizes. For a complete list of winners by race category, visit raceonline.com/events.