Ep 192 Vella Shpringa with Bird in Hand Race Director Lowell Ladd

What does it take to create a race experience so special that runners travel from across the country to participate? Lowell Ladd, race director of the Bird in Hand Half Marathon, joins us to reveal the behind-the-scenes magic of organizing this beloved event in Pennsylvania’s Amish country.

The episode kicks off with a intro from Brandy from the Cinco Cinco 10k and Kate at Springtime Surprise.. If you’d like to introduce an upcoming episode, please reach out to us on our social media. You can also email us, or leave us a message on our hot-line (727-266-2344).

Camels, Road Apples, and Horseshoe Medals: Inside Bird in Hand with Lowell Ladd

The Rise and Run podcast welcomes Lowell Ladd, race director of the Bird in Hand Half Marathon. He discusses what makes this Pennsylvania race such a special experience for runners. This event is held each September in Pennsylvania’s Amish country. It has become increasingly popular among the running community. Many consider it the “runDisney North” due to its sense of community and unique character.

Lowell shared that while he now directs the race, his first experience with Bird in Hand was back in 2011. He was actually a participant and also a winner. His journey from competitor to race director shows how special this event is. Many who experience it want to become more deeply involved. The race began in 2010. It has maintained its strong community roots throughout its growth. The local Amish community plays a central role in its organization and execution.

What makes Bird in Hand truly unique is its nature as more than just a race. It’s a complete weekend experience. The event features a large pre-race festival with an enormous tent. It includes an expo and a pasta dinner. Perhaps most famously, it has a community picnic that’s open to everyone. The food is extraordinary, with ribs and chicken that begin cooking at 3:30 am race day. As Lowell mentioned, the tantalizing aromas are almost torturous to smell when you’re preparing to run!

Another extraordinary aspect of this race is the medal – an actual horseshoe that’s handcrafted for finishers. This attention to detail and connection to the local culture exemplifies the race’s authentic character. For those who complete both the Bird in Hand race and the Garden Spot Village race (a sister event), there’s the coveted “Road Apple Award” – an actual preserved horse dropping mounted on a plaque, representing the ultimate Amish country running achievement.

Unlike many races that struggle to find volunteers, Bird in Hand has such strong community support. They frequently have to turn away potential helpers. The event has grown steadily each year. This growth presents the challenge of balancing increasing popularity. At the same time, they must maintain the intimate, special experience that draws runners in the first place. The weekend includes a 5K on Friday evening. It is followed by the half marathon on Saturday morning. There is an option to complete both as the “Fireman’s Challenge.”

For those interested in the Bird in Hand experience, registration is available through runsignup.com, though online registration closes about 1.5 weeks before race day. In-person registration is available on Friday at the expo. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to avoid lines. This is important before the 6:30 PM 5K start.

The Race Report Sponsored by Stoked Metabolic Coaching

We are joined by the Sponsor of The Race Report to announce the 3 winners of his fitness scholarship.

The real star of the Race Report this week is our friend Marina. She participated in the Ottawa International Marathon Weekend on May 24th and 25th. where she ran the 5k and 10k on Saturday night and the half Marathon Sunday morning. Plus we hear about her not resting and recovering the next day. Instead, she stood around to catch a glimpse of a special visitor in Ottawa, King Charles.

vvsvs

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