Tom Norvelle | 2018 C-VILLE-athon Finisher

It's difficult to pick a favorite race when you consider having the opportunity to run on the grounds of the most beautiful home in America (Monticello) or, personally, being able to participate in UVA's Fourth Year 5K with my fourth year son, but would have to say my favorite race is the Charlottesville Ten-Miler.  The excitement of the huge crowd at the start, seeing the runners string out during the first mile of their ten mile journey and thinking about all the work those folks put in to get here, makes me feel like I'm joining something BIG.  Running with the new Pres of UVA and through the University is an added bonus.  But my favorite part of the race is the community support.  So many people are out by the course urging you on.  From Calypso bands, to bluegrass musicians to little kids wanting to fist bump even a slow person like me, it really gives you inspiration to keep going.  I think I smiled during the entire race.

I found the C-VILLE-athon to be a great way to stay motivated to keep running.  You have a race pretty much every month to look forward to to run in.  The Charlottesville running crowd is also so positive.  Being around people with great attitudes really gets you pumped and knowing your helping the community makes it even better.

I'm not a natural runner but enjoy participating in athletics.  I first got into distance running to help stay in shape for my second job as an NCAA lacrosse official.  At first I ran in a 5K to give me a goal, then the Bill Steers Four Miler to be able to "finish on the fifty."  Shortly afterwards I met Mark Lorenzoni at Ragged Mountain and he encouraged me work to towards the Ten-Miler.  Meeting Mark would be reason enough to join up for the C-VILLE-athon.  I doubt I will ever meet a more positive and supportive person when it comes to running.  I'm neither fast nor graceful running but Mark always has something uplifting to say.  Thank you, Mark.​