8 Tuff Miles Sun Times Newspaper Article

8 Tuff Miles – the challenge

Since its inception in 1997, St. John’s 8 Tuff Miles road race has escalated into a mammoth event where 838 runners will gather on Saturday, Feb. 28 to summon up their inner and outer strengths to compete in one of the toughest 8.38-mile road races anywhere. The virgin run of this event had only 21 entries, who signed up on race morning. It is now the largest road race held anywhere in the Virgin Islands. It grows every year and has blossomed into THE premier running event of the Caribbean.
Runners are a dedicated clan. They run for reasons as diverse as the lifestyles that inhabit our islands, and they will all tell you how running has touched and changed their lives. We run to think, feel, and heal. We run to stay fit and strong. We run because we are driven by forces sometimes beyond our control. The hills on St. John are, of course, a metaphor for our lives, and as we propel our bodies and souls along these magnificent vistas we are reminded of the beauty in all things. The up and down nature of running here will leave you stronger in more ways than one might think. Running legend Steve Prefontaine believed that a race was a work of art. I concur. The 8 Tuff Miles race can be a simple fun run or an analogy for the challenges of living on a remote island such as ours. This race will mean a lot of things to a lot of people, and as a 21-year resident of St. John and entering into my third year of full-time running, it has a special meaning for me. It was my first race and one that drove me to become very passionate and dedicated to this sport.
I have offered support in various ways over the last few years to this event, and this year will be no different. I will donate one dollar to the college scholarship fund – created by Peter Alter, the race director – for every person who crosses the finish line in Coral Bay. Furthermore, I will match dollar for dollar any donation made by any runner who has a better time than me in the race. Last year 54 people finished ahead of me, so this leaves lots of room to raise money for the scholarships, which give $4600 to 6 children who win in their age groups, 3 male and 3 female, each year. Last year I donated the entire $4600, but due to the current economic crisis, I am unable to do so. This is where you come in. Please go to 8tuffmiles.com and make a donation, no matter how small. Our newly elected president raised money with this same tried-and-true way, one dollar at a time, and look at him now! Come race day we will push ourselves one stride at a time, one breath at a time and one person at a time to the completion of our journey. If you only have one dollar to give, your donation is equally important as any.
Saturday morning, the 28th of February, at 7:15am will be an exciting time on St. John. Thousands of people partake in the race as participants, volunteers and spectators. Each has a place in the success of the event, each has a reason for their involvement and each has a resounding effect on the state of running as a sport on St. John. I will be a cog in Peter's well-oiled machine and do my part come race day. The combined efforts of the community have made this race a jewel in the world of road racing and an annual event that any St. Johnian or Virgin Islander can be proud of. See you at the finish line!
Be Well,
Luigi Costello stjohnrunner.blogspot.com