Spence Green

This morning I ran in the RAK Half Marathon in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE (about three hours from Abu Dhabi). H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi gave 1 million dirhams (about $350,000) to fund the prize money, instantly making it the world’s richest half marathon. Accordingly, an exceptionally fast elite field entered the race. Sammy Wanjiru broke Haile Gebrselassie’s world record, finishing at 58:53 on the flat course. I also achieved a personal best, breaking 1:30 for the first time (1:29:49). Several other luminaries were present including the Shaikh and this unassuming dude, who was chatting with Wanjiru:

That’s Paul Tergat, the world record holder in the marathon. Our exchange went as follows (my thoughts in italics):

Me: “Hello Mr. Tergat. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” (greetings, god of running)

Paul: “Hello Spence, how did you do today?”

Me: “Fine. May I have a picture with you?” (yes, I’m shameless, O god of running)

Paul: “Certainly.” Placing a long slender arm around me, we take the photo above. (Chatting briefly) Then grasping my neck as I step away, “It was a pleasure to meet you.”

Me: ????? Uhhh. ????? “Thank you so much Mr. Tergat.” (I’m a fan for life.)