The Greenies
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

The green racing bib says it all.   First timers: the runners with new found courage. They are looking for the ultimate experience, one that transcends day to day existence. The Greenies will be embraced by running peers and spectators for joining the ranks; to be called a marathon runner. Here are a few of their stories.

John Colman, 65, Clinton Township: He was born and raised in southwest Detroit.   "I have run the Free Press Half Marathon the past two years and really enjoyed the international flavor, especially crossing over the Ambassador Bridge.   Looking toward the sunrise was breathtaking."

Colman started running in 1999 with the inspiration of his youngest daughter, Kathryn.   "Before I started running, I used to be amazed that she could run a 10K race and a couple of hours later be as fresh as if she hadn't run at all."   He foolishly suggested that we could run a 5K together.   The rest is history.  

"In 2000, I set a goal of a 10 Mile (The Crim). Since turning 64 last year, I have set personal bests in nearly every race. Completing the half gave me the incentive to try the full marathon this year."

"It is really a lot of fun to be passing those half your age and younger.   As a retired General Motors engineer, we were trained to establish stretch goals.   Mine would qualify me for Boston next year so I can run with my son-in-law, Doug Fry.

Hillary Clemens, 36, West Bloomfield:   D ecided to run the marathon because she was looking for the next frontier to keep me motivated to work out regularly.  She started doing triathlons about three years ago and wanted to do something new. 

"I picked Detroit because all the reading I did about doing a marathon recommended a local event for your first one.  Plus, one of my dearest friends is doing the half marathon.  I'm really excited about running over the Bridge. I started running about five years ago after moving to metro Detroit.  I feel a lot safer running the sidewalks than cycling in the road." 

"One of my best running experiences is whenever the smells/sounds are changing with the season.  In the spring it is the fresh cut grass and the sound of lawnmowers, in the summer it's the BBQs and ice cream trucks.   Now that it's turning fall, I'm starting to smell the fireplaces and hear the falling leaves beneath my feet." 

Bob "Bo Bo the Clown" Ammon, 42, Allen Park: "Last year, I remember reading in the Free Press about a young lady, Katie McCabe from Allen Park running her first marathon.  So I logged my first training run on Fathers Day with the hope of running the marathon".

"I like a challenge and I wanted to give back to the downriver community.  It has been a privilege to entertain the children and adults in the downriver area for over 18 years as Bo Bo the Clown.  So I am raising money for the Downriver Elementary Program for the Visually Impaired at Carr Elementary in Lincoln Park." 

"I have enjoyed running parts of the course on my training runs and have had friends go with me on their bikes.  Always get the same WOW comment when we go through Indian Village. I will be running the marathon wearing a clown nose so if you see me running by give me a shout out,   GO Bo Bo".

Bob Bender, 70, Middleville:   He is a retired Navy pilot and former state legislator. "Having run for about 20 years I decided that, if I was ever going to go for the big one, it would have to be now. I hit a new age group this year (70) and thought being on the young side of the new group should be a bit on an advantage.

"All three of our kids have done it. My wife has been running longer, and was the Female Masters and Senior Runner of the year. That's a tough act to follow.   They will be doing the half this year.

"I've had to adjust my original goal for the Detroit but I'll shoot myself if I don't make the Boston qualifying time."

Farookh Ahmed, 33, Royal Oak: Is an activity administrator with the Michigan Cricket Council. My squash tournaments helped me to start running again. Last year I ran the Race for Cure and also the Free Press Half Marathon in a respectable 1:45. It was so memorable that I wanted to be the first of my family or friends to run a marathon."