Stories And Inspiration

If you’ve been to one of the last few GO FAR race events, you’ve seen him. At the starting line. At the finish line. And running around in between. You may have had too many butterflies to stop, smile, and say cheese. But maybe he caught you cheering, yelling, stretching, or on your mark getting set anyway.

He’s volunteer David Haynes—the man behind the lens at Triad GO FAR events. He’s taken about 8,000 photos at the last three GO FAR races. He serves on the race committee and enjoys promoting GO FAR in the community, getting more corporations involved with the program.

A former distance runner in high school and college, David was immediately drawn to GO FAR and its focus. “I’ve just fallen in love with it,” he said. “I see a unique bond between the coaches and the children on race day. There seems to be an element of a magical accomplishment that is shared by all classmates and teachers and coaches.”

He said the training the students receive through the program shows on race day. “I have not seen disappointment from any runners of their finish position. It is not about who wins but who accomplishes their goals. Every medal is truly earned and properly rewarded. I believe this aspect of GO FAR is taught and well instilled in the students early on in the program.”

David has recruited the UNCG Dance Team to cheer on runners at the finish line. Many have mentioned to him that participating is one of the highlights of their year.

It means something to David too. “I keep hundreds of photos on my rotating computer screensaver as a reminder how much running and the GO FAR experience means not only to me, but to so many others.”

Photos below courtesy of David Haynes.