IMAGINE
you’re standing on the start line of another marathon.
This time it’s Florence.
You glance to your right.
Something familiar.
A running vest.
“Where did you get that?” you ask.
They smile.
“Came over from Chicago. Just in time. Looks like this is its 30th marathon”
“I know that vest” you say.
“I ran Sydney in it. Five years ago.”
They turn to you.
“No way.”
You both laugh.
“Have a good race.”
“You too.”
The gun goes off.
ONE VEST
Owned by no one. Shared through miles.
THE HANDOFF
You choose your marathon.
Maybe you already signed up.
Maybe you’re waiting for registration to open.
That’s where it starts.
The person who last raced in the vest decides who it moves to next.
If it’s you, the vest gets shipped your way - at their expense - ideally early enough to take it our for a few training runs.
Then it’s yours for a while.
Train in it.
Race in it.
Add another chapter to the story.
And once your marathon is over, you pass it on to the next starting line.
THE CODE
Treat it like your favorite race kit.
Wash it carefully before sending it onward.
Blood, sweat, and marathons belong together. Keep the vest out of the first one - tape the sensitive spots.
Don’t choose who gets it next based only on shipping distance. If the next starting line is across the ocean, so be it.
Ship it safely and fast enough for the next runner.
Share your marathon time and a few photos, so one day your kids and grandkids can look back at the story too.