The Acoustics of Lars Larson and Run All Day 002
If you’ve ever run in the Issaquah Alps, chances are high that you may have seen Lars Larson. Larson, a Pacific-Northwest transplant from Big Rapids, Michigan, is a trail runner. A dedicated one, too. His Facebook is overflowing with pictures of the places his legs have taken him. Larson’s passion for trail running is emotional and raw. It’s the kind of passion you find in the third row pew of a Sunday morning church service: hands raised, eyes closed, and enthusiastic swaying as the choir sings.
This excerpt is from a testimonial written by Larson called, I Am My Brother’s (and Sister’s) Pacer:
“I believe that running is what made us humans who we are. I have found that running on trails connects me to that past, and exposes a modern truth, both about the world and about myself. Running trails brings me health, both mental and corporal. Running trails brings me into focus with my own life, a focus which I have always sought.”
Larson ends the piece with a solemn of ratification: Amen. But trail running through the mountains hasn’t always been his sanctuary.
Thirty years ago Larson didn't run. He moved to Washington searching and looking to rebuild after a few uphill battles that sent him spiraling for answers. He tested his fortitude in triathlons. Bought the bike, the shoes, the helmet, the wetsuit. Saw it through and then stepped away. For Larson, the wetsuit cheated the swim and the idea that you can practically buy speed during the bike portion dulled the sense of accomplishment. He needed to feel the fruits of his labor had as little influence from external devices as possible. His head up, his eyes open, and his heart palpating with energetic rhythm Larson found trail running.
The community of trail runners in Washington became Larson’s brothers and sisters, the mountains a balcony to sing, and the valleys a humble reminder that it’s not always easy when you look up at the trail ahead. Yes, it’s cloudy. No, there are no high altiutide mountain ranges. But there’s a fire that burns inside the foot soldiers of the trails in Washington. Larson felt their excitement, and found a renewed faith in the amiability of other trail runners he met along the way.
Describing himself Larson says, “I like being on the front end of change instead of bringing up the rear.” The front end of change is what Larson hopes to bring to the area on Saturday, May 18. Run All Day, is a trail running relay. Unlike other running relays there are no vans, there’s a drum circle, a soup contest, and the proceeds benefit Stand For Change. Stand For Change is an organization of Seattle-area citizens that provide education facilities for women in Cambodia in an effort to put an end to human trafficking.
Run All Day is designed to give everyone a chance to learn, experience, and teach about trail running. Larson has designed a series of trail loops, in St. Edward Park, that vary in difficulty and distance. Teams are made up of two to five members, and can be formed prior to the event or race day morning. Evangelically explaining the simplicity of trail running Larson says this, “You don’t have to tune them [trail running shoes] up; you just have to put them on.”
The decision to use loops instead of a point-to-point course is based on the idea that even someone that has never laced up a pair of shoes can complete one of the three loops. The loops are 1.5 miles, 2 miles, and 2.5 miles. Each team can have up to two members on the course at one time, and at the completion of each loop points are earned. After three hours the team with the most points wins. There are score keepers to keep the points organized and recorded properly. This is especially important because Larson is continually adding in bonus opportunities. This year, Larson will explain on race day how to use the Shadow Runner bonus. The relay doesn't have to end after three hours, by the way. If two or more teams want to keep going, the teams can elect to begin another three hour race period. And that’s part of the vision Larson has for the event, “If teams want to keep going at it, let’s do it. That’s the point. I want Run All Day to become a day to spend outside with family and friends in a safe environment” During down time, participants can play musical instruments, cheer on teammates, refuel, or just sit back and relax. For family and friends that just want to support the event there’s a soup contest to enter.
Entry to the event is $50 per person. If you are under 18 years of age, use the promo code “RAD_YOUTH” to register for half price. Solo runners are encouraged to attend and will be put on a team prior to the 9 AM start time. If you’re running with a team, each person needs to individually register.
