$100,000 richer

While over 24,000 marathon runners returned to work today, two runners' lives are forever changed.

It was a privilege to watch the 22nd LA Marathon in the media center room, just a few feet from the finish line, observing all the camera shots, while the rest of America watched commercials, or whatever NBC chose to show on air.

I was in awe of 29 year old Abebe Tola as she ran the first 19 miles alone, and several minutes ahead of everyone else. I saw in her a strong, determined, and highly capable woman.

The commentator questioned her strategy and whether it was a good idea to break away from the rest of the elite women runners.

I didn’t care for strategies. I was simply rooting for Tola.

As the race came to a close, I walked out of the media center, proudly displaying my all-access pass. My task was to wait for the Elite winners and escort them back to the media center for the press conference.

I excitedly waited for Tola to cross the finish line, but Fred Mogaka crossed first, taking with him the title and $100,000. A few more men crossed, then two women… then Tola.

Camera men swarmed her immediately while I introduced myself. “I am Mary Joy and I will be escorting you to the press room.”

She smiled faintly, and murmured, “water”. Then I noticed she looked fatigued and unable to walk. I cried out for the paramedics and asked for water and blanket. We guided her to the infirmary where the professionals took care of her.

I stood by her side, worried to death. There I was, a complete stranger to the woman I had just watched and adored on television. The woman who looked so powerful and strong just an hour ago was now laying on the bed shaking.

I prayed for God to rescue her.

She was dismissed half an hour later and we trotted back to the media room. People who had watched the beginning of the race, then ran over to the finish line were sure Tola had won and congratulated her.

I could not imagine what was going on in Tola’s head. I was so sure she had the title and the $100,000. I would have been thinking about the ways to spend it. In Tola’s case, how she would support her family and young children back in Ethiopia. For twenty long miles, she was on a roll. Just a few more miles and her life would have been changed forever.

Another person’s life is forever changed. His name is Fred Mogaka, 26 and from Kenya. His sponsor told me in the bathroom that before coming to America, Mogaka had asked her husband for $50 to feed his family while he was away. Now he has $120,000 and a car. Mogaka called his wife when he recovered and said, “honey, you know that vegetable garden you’ve always wanted? You have it… and as big as you want it to be!”

$100,000 would have changed some aspects of my life. I would probably buy a new car. A better dresser. Get my hair done. And purchase a year supply of MAC makeup... and yes, a vegetable garden would be nice.