According to a reliable source, Dave Farrall started running in 1982 after his wife Lisa teased him about getting “secretary spread” .He started running around the block and then two blocks and then, well anyway he recently completed his 17th marathon and his first ultra, the Harold Tucker SOK Beach Ultra Marathon. But backing up to 1986, fellow Space Coast Runner Club member, Don Dore, met our 8th recipient of the Golden Shoe Award at local race and encou1’aged him to join the Space Coast Runners Club.   

Much to our advantage, Dave did join the club and three years later became a board member. Fortunately for us, Dave races often, has a truck and has the attitude that he is willing to help, So, about three years ago when we were having problems finding a volunteer to bring the race equipment to races, Dave started to volunteer and eventually assumed the responsibilities for the SCR Equipment Manager and an Officer’ of the SCR Club. You now see Dave at practically every race along the Space Coast bringing the equipment, help setting it up and after the race picking it up. What you don’t see; he has to pick up the equipment from the warehouse the day before the race and charge the clocks and timers. The morning of the race he has to get up a little earlier then most of the other people who are racing in order to get the equipment to the race early enough to set it up. After the race when we are all heading home, Dave is at the warehouse off loading the equipment and inventorying it to make sure nothing is missing.   

According to Lisa, “it is not unusual for me to come home from work to find freshly painted mile markers, arrows and finish line signs drying on our front lawn. Then I find a large ticking clock in the spare bedroom.” Some of you may have noticed that we have had several problems with our overhead clock and some of our hand held timing clocks. Several times over the last couple of years Dave has had to send these clocks off for repair, “so large boxes appear on our front porch (courtesy of Fed Ex)” says Lisa. After several club members attempts at repairing the “swing set’ (the legs were corroding, weakening and bent), Dave not only fixed the legs but was able to lengthen the legs, thereby raising the clock allowing taller runners to come through with, less chance of hitting their heads.   

The next time you see Dave tell him how much you appreciate his efforts. I know, we as a club, appreciate his hard work, but individual thanks means a lot also. So, for the reasons stated above and for the many things not mentioned, we would like to take this time to express our appreciation and gratitude to DAVID FARRELL and present him with the 1998 GOLDEN SHOE AWARD.        

Prepared by Marty Winkel