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Following the passing of Nancy Reinisch on Feb. 15 after a second battle with breast cancer, plans were quickly put into place to bring back the Mother’s Day Mile, an event she helped create many moons ago.
For several years running, the race celebrated mothers and benefitted the local Advocate Safehouse Project and its work to help provide a safe haven for victims of domestic violence.
The race ended a few years ago, but with Reinisch’s passing Advocate Safehouse Project Executive Director Julie Olson and Reinisch’s husband, Dr. Paul Salmen, thought it fitting to bring it back for one last tribute run.
On Sunday, Mother’s Day, the Mother’s Day Mile will honor Reinisch and her many contributions to the community.
The free event will be held at the Glenwood Springs High School track and will feature three timed heats: Those who believe they can run a mile in under 8 minutes; those who want to run it competitively but don’t believe they can finish in under 8 minutes; and those who want to casually walk and enjoy the atmosphere.
“I think it’s a good idea [to do this one last time],” said Olson. “It’s great, because we definitely never said it was the last one. Now it’s for sure the last one.
“Nancy always tried to have some sort of human interest story behind it. Now, she’s the human interest story,” Olson said. “This is a great way to come together for the community, whether they knew Nancy or not. It’s a great send off and a great thing to do for Mother’s Day.”
While it is a free event to all, Olson said it is important for those planning to come out to register. Online pre-registration can be completed at http://www.advocatesafe house.org in the events link. Online registration closes at 6 p.m. Saturday, however race day registration will also be available at 10:30 a.m. at the track.
As of Friday afternoon, Olson said 155 people had pre-registered for the event.
In years past, planning for the Mother’s Day Mile — with its street mile format near Glenwood Medical Associates, a large silent auction and a slice of pie for every participant — could be difficult for Reinisch and her band of helpers.
This year, though, it’s simple, which is what Reinisch would have wanted, Olson said.
“It brings back really great memories of a great community event,” Salmen said. “For 14 years, Nancy and I put together the event. This turned into just a great family event. Our family is really happy that this event is coming in this compact version.”
After shutting the race down, Salmen said people would ask Reinisch about bringing the large event back for one year.
“Her answer to that was always, ‘Over my dead body,’ so I guess we can do that now,” Salmen said. “That was Nancy.”
The weather is also expected to be good for the final version of the Mother’s Day Mile on Sunday. Those participating are asked to wear something that reminds them of Reinisch. Commemorative bibs will be handed out for the celebration, which takes place a day after Reinisch’s funeral service in Carbondale.
“We’re just going to take away more gratitude that there’s been so many wonderful families and friends that want to express their condolence and their love for all that Nancy did in the athletic communities as a coach, participant and as a triathlete,” Salmen said.
