This candidate for the Golden Shoe Award is known by many but her contributions to the running community are often behindthe-scenes, so less well-known.  Barbara Linton has contributed countless hours and resources to local races for many years.  

Barbara is most recognized for managing the Candlelighters’ Run for the Light.   She has managed this race for years. Passionate about the cause the race benefits, she has continued to manage it year after year, in spite of the hundreds of hours required to manage a good race.  As if one race wasn’t enough, when a new race director for the Cocoa Beach Art Festival Turkey Trot was needed, Barbara stepped up to the task.  Twice as large as the Run for the Light and having to work with a committee of non-runners, this race provides its own challenges.   

Not only does she give back to the running community by directing her own races, but assists countless others.  Space Coast Runners is indebted to Barbara for assisting with the 15k, Eye of the Dragon, and Marathon/Half-Marathon over the span of many years.  In the past 6 years, she has been a cash sponsor of SCR races on 8 separate occasions.  For many years, she took on the responsibility for coordinating and procuring all the food needed for the races, and continues to do so for the Eye of the Dragon.  Not only does she pursue donations from local vendors, but she purchases food directly at her expense and bakes on her own, as her contribution to the race.  

Barbara’s race management skills go beyond supporting runners directly and have reached into the high schools.  She has mentored her own two children in managing races for their community service projects.  She is now pursuing plans to do the same with high school students from Cocoa Beach High to help them with their projects in conjunction with the Turkey Trot. She has a wealth of experience to share with these young people.   

Barbara is always there to lend a hand – before, during, and after a race.