May 20, 2007 (Page A1, A14)

By Kristen M. Daum

kdaum@forumcomm.com

If the gray skies, brisk wind and temperatures in the 40s were supposed to be an indication of the atmosphere in Fargo on Saturday morning, Mother Nature was way off.

Radiating bright smiles and warm spirits, thousands of people filled the metro area with contagious energy and excitement for the Fargo Marathon.

And they weren't even running.

Runners might make the race, but it's the spectators along the 26.2-mile course who encourage and cheer each runner from the first mile to the last.

MILE 1

North University Drive, Fargo

Decked out in green and gold, about 30 North Dakota State University alumni and friends with hot drinks and insulated coats kept warm under the university's gateway during the race's first minutes, as lively music blared from a nearby speaker.

Exuding camaraderie, the spectators waved "Go Bison" flags and rattled clappers while searching for faces they recognized.

"We all have people we know who are running, people we can cheer for," said Bill Law of the university's fine arts department.

MILE 3

Broadway, Fargo

Near the Fargo Theatre, Fargo resident Tom Lenertz cheered for unknown passers-by while looking for his wife, Sandy, a marathon runner.

"Sandy's excited for this; she could hardly sleep last night," said Lenertz, 51.

More than 100 spectators lined Broadway to greet the main pack. Crowd members battled the bitter wind with hats, gloves and blankets, bringing back memories of marathons past.

"It's actually a lot like last year when it started," Lenertz said. "It would've been nice if it was 60 degrees and sunny."

MILE 4

Eighth Street South, Fargo

Spectators lined nearly every portion of the Eighth Street South stretch, with stereos blaring music, endless applause and sporadic shouts of support to runners.

Alight with smiles and bundled in winter coats, 8-year-old Dennis Gundberg and 7-year-old Summer Gundberg held out their tiny hands, offering high-fives to passing runners.

"They have enough energy to support everyone," said the children's father, Dean Gundberg, 40, as Dennis and Summer cheered excitedly.

MILE 11

River Drive, Fargo

After passing through the course's "blue zone," runners faced energetic spectators and residents along the Red River.

"Everyone seems to be in a good mood," said James Simonson, 50.

Simonson watched with friends outside his home while clanging together trash can lids to reinvigorate runners.

Farther down the block, rhythmic words of support resounded from the Fargo South Bruinkix dance line team.

"It's a blast," said Bruinkix member Bria Dimke, 15. "It lets 'em know we care for them and we want them to do their best."

MILE 16

Main Avenue, Moorhead

Patty Keeling energetically rang her cow bell and screamed, welcoming the runners into Moorhead.

"I know when I ran a marathon, this helped," said Keeling, 53, of St. Cloud, Minn. "You see a lot of people clapping, and this definitely helps (the runners) keep going."

MILE 23

Elm Street, Fargo

A string of supporters near Trollwood Park welcomed worn-out marathoners into the races final miles.

Michelle Borowicz, 43, needed only to step out of her door to cheer for the runners with her family and soak in the friendly environment of marathon day.

"The music and everybody here cheering, we love it," Borowicz said.

© Kristen M. Daum, 2008-2009. All published content and associated logos copyright of respective publications.