George Ferguson Column: Running in it or not, Havre Marathon is something we can all get behind

I started running seriously nearly four years ago now. Of course, I never intended to run in order to become a runner.

No, I like so many, decided to join a gym and run, simply because I wanted to be in better shape. I wanted to be in better shape for a number of things that are important to me — first off, my health, but also things I have a passion for, including hiking in Glacier National Park and playing tennis and golf.

Yes, I got to a point where those things were so important to me that I needed to start getting in better shape and, after a long time of fighting the urge to give up, I can indeed say I'm in better shape now than I was 10, 15, maybe even 20 years ago.

Needless to say, I'm pretty proud of that fact.

But, as good of shape as I'm in now, I have never, ever considered running in a road race, let alone a marathon. I just don't think that's for me. However, thanks to the hard work of some incredible people, and a generous grant from the Department of Commerce's Tourism Program, I at least have a choice of whether or not to train and run a marathon in my very own home town.

Yes, that's right, it was announced late last week that, just over a year from now, there will be a Havre Marathon.

The idea was dreamed up by Havre resident Rachel Dean, and now, thanks to the hard work of many and the generosity of many, the Havre Marathon will be a reality, as in, it's set to be run on June 6, 2020.

And Dean's idea got two major boosts recently, including a $12,700 grant to the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce from the Department of Commerce's Tourism Department. Then came a major sponsorship from Enell Sport Bra, the company owned by Havre entrepreneur Renelle Braaten.

The combination of the grant, and Braaten's generous offer to sponsor the event, has now helped turned an idea and a dream into a reality and, as a fan of sports and someone who has become at least a fringe fan of running, I couldn't be more excited.

First off, a marathon is one of the ultimate tests of one's will and determination. Yes, running is one thing, but running, or walking, for 26.2 miles, that's something that tests our very will, our fortitude as human beings, our mental and physical strengths. I may not know that from personal experiences, but I know plenty of people who have run and completed marathons, and, to a man or woman, they all say it was the accomplishment of an ultimate challenge. It was a mental and physical test unlike anything else, and regardless of the time they crossed the finish line, every single person I know who completed a marathon said it was something that forever changed their lives, and that it was an accomplishment that they would never forget.

The second reason I'm excited and pleased to hear this idea come to fruition is, what a great thing for Havre, the Hi-Line and our community.

No matter where they're run, marathons bring in people from all over. I've actually been in Missoula multiple times for their marathon, and it's quite the event.

Yes, a marathon in Havre can not miss. It will bring people into our community for a common purpose, it will be a boost to the local economy from hotels and eateries, to stores, bars and more. Make no mistake, a marathon is a big event, no matter the size of the location or the name attached to it, and I for one honestly believe this is a can't-miss proposition.

Lastly, as a sports nut, and as the Havre Daily News' sports editor, a marathon in Havre will be exciting to cover. I look forward to previewing the event, covering the event, and putting it front and center on our sports pages next summer. With the summer being a less-crowded time in the world of local sports, the Havre Marathon, I promise, is going to get a lot of coverage from us.

That is something that has me excited, for sure.

And who knows, maybe, just maybe, I'll be covering the Havre Marathon with a number attached to the front of my shirt. I at least have a few months to think it over, and a year to train if I decide to do it.

But, whether I decide to run or not, thanks to all of those who got this idea going because, now, at least I have the choice. I have the choice to run in a marathon in my very own hometown and that's really cool.