Runners Can Tell From Way He Fires Starter Pistol That Race Director’s Heart Just Not In It Anymore
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A local race director is “clearly not doing so well,” Dumb Runner has learned, according to runners who have participated recently in the man’s events, including yesterday’s Ozland Park 5K.
“Even the way he started the race was just, like, meh,” said one runner, who requested anonymity. “He fired the starter pistol, as usual, but you could tell his heart wasn’t in it.”
The race director, Jack Haley, 41, has been a fixture in the local running scene for more than 10 years. For most of that time, runners said, he’s been energetic and enthusiastic—especially during the several road races he organized. Lately, however, that energy and enthusiasm has waned.
“Jack is a great guy, and loves the sport, obviously,” said another runner who ran yesterday’s race. “But during his past few events, he’s appeared distant and listless. Sad, even.”
Several sources agreed with that assessment, mentioning Haley’s firing of the starter pistol specifically.
“Normally, he holds the gun high and really gives the trigger a good hard squeeze,” said one. “You can tell he really enjoys it.”
“[In yesterday’s race], though, he didn’t even bother lifting the gun up,” the source continued. “He just held it limply, at his side, and barely managed to pull the trigger.”
Runners standing near Haley at the start line reported that he sighed shortly before firing the pistol.
Haley did not respond to Dumb Runner’s request for comment, or its offer to meet for a beer or coffee or something, just to check in.
