This is an amazing picture. Although it does give me just a little bit of anxiety. I don’t like huge races and I hate large crowds. But as I mentioned before, I love my city. Not like- love, love -love. Well truthfully, I don’t think I’m capable of feeling lukewarm about anything. To my own detriment. (Sigh). But in this case, I know I’m not alone in my sentiments. Pittsburgh really does have a lot of character. The breathtaking skyline, sunny yellow bridges, murky brown rivers, The Terrible Towel, fries in the sandwiches, cookie tables, and Sally Wiggin. I just love it all. It’s a city that’s proud, but not pretentious, hard working and gritty, but warm and inviting, it embraces diversity and progress while still cherishing traditions. It’s because of my love for this city that I will brave that dreadful crowd to participate in one of its long-standing traditions.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the City of Pittsburgh Great Race, established in 1977 by mayor Richard S. Caliguiri. Mayor Caliguiri was one of those true Pittsburghers that felt a deep pride for the city and a strong connection to the people here. As mayor he helped restart the stalling economy. He initiated the Renaissance II project which resulted in the construction of One Oxford Center, PPG place, and the BNY Mellon building. In addition to creating thousands of jobs, he was in a very real way responsible for reshaping that beautiful skyline. He was known as a great leader and a good listener. He paid attention when the people of Pittsburgh spoke up and genuinely cared about improving the city. He was the type of politician that all politicians should be but few actually are.
Caliguiri suffered from Amyloidosis, a rare and serious protein disease. If you’re like me you’ve probably heard little to nothing about Amyloidosis before. That’s one reason I started this site, to discuss and raise awareness of the different causes out there (to all 5 of you that will actually read this!). In this disease, protein build-ups attack vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. This attack can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, numbness of extremities, and often eventually organ failure. There are several different types of the disease each targeting different organs and approximately 4,500 new cases diagnosed each year. There are treatments but no known cure as of yet. That’s why research is so important. And that’s why the Great Race donates $1.00 from every entrant to Amyloidosis research. You can visit http://www.amyloidosis.org to learn more or make a donation. In 1988, during Caliguiri’s third term, he succumbed to cardiac complications as a result of the disease. His heart failed in one way, but in a more profound way it served him by creating in him a character to admire. No doubt he is fondly remembered by many.
So on the last Sunday in September, some 16,000 participants will line up at Frick Park to run for a good cause. I’m not sure how many of the runners actually realize the potential good they may be doing for so many others. But just the same, the Great Race serves to commemorate a great man’s legacy. I’ve placed Richard Caliguiri on my list of Pittsburgh heroes. In my biased opinion, I’d like to think that the vibe of this city helps to breed heroism. I’m going to save my story about Pittsburgh heroes for the next race. In the meantime, I’m all signed up to join the 16,000 and run some of my favorite spots in Pittsburgh! If you want to try pick me out in the pics, I’ll probably be wearing black and gold.
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