Honored to have raced against Bill Pinkham

I chased Bill Pinkham for about 15 years and it wasn’t until about three years ago that I finally crossed the finish line ahead of him at a 5K road race. For me it was a milestone, for him it was probably just another of the many races that he enjoyed running without any particular significance. Bill was always a formidable and fierce competitor. He seemed to approach every race with determination and focus, yet running and racing were, above all else, fun. Bill was not one to make excuses or whine when he ran slower than he expected.

His easygoing manner and calm demeanor reflected his attitude toward running and life. When I would pass him during a race, which was rare, he would shout words of encouragement. And if I crossed the finish line before him, he would be the first to congratulate me. He was always gracious whatever the competitive outcome. I knew Bill’s running style – he would go out fast and he did not like running uphill. So after passing one another a few times during the Walter Hunt Memorial Fourth of July 3K Road Race, I thought my lead was solid as we were approaching the finish. After all, what could he have left this late in the race as we started a slight uphill? I no sooner thought that when Bill zoomed past me and at least seven other runners with a finishing kick like I have never seen him display before. He went by me so fast that I had no chance to catch him and my thoughts were: I will get him at the next race for sure and I owe him a sincere congratulation for such a great performance.

I never did have an opportunity to congratulate Bill and for him there will be no next race. Within minutes of crossing the finish line Bill collapsed and soon died. He died among his friends of the running community; those who admire and respect him for not only what he did but for who he was. Bill demonstrated to us that running, like life, allows us to be connected in ways that foster the very best elements of human nature.

Dave Samuelian

Bangor

Congratulations to all

Congratulations to all the runners in the Walter Hunt Road Race.

Cassie Hintz, it’s a joy to watch you run; may it always be joy for you.

Charlie and Leona Clapper, you’re an inspiration! Thanks for your example of commitment and love for each other in your long marriage, which has literally “gone the distance.”

To the family and friends of Bill Pinkham – may you find comfort after such a sudden and tragic loss, a sobering reminder to all of us that “man knows not his time.”

Priscilla Dorman

Hermon

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