For Richard Burrows and his son, Logan, the Barber Beast on
the Bay served as a family event.
Their
team, Amphibious Assault, was well represented in this year’s Beast. Richard
and his nephews headed the 10-mile course, while Logan participated in the
Maureen Riazzi Adapted Course.
With an
opportunity to bring their family together for a bonding experience, Richard
said the day couldn’t have been better.
“Our
family is big into sports and physical fitness,” he said, “so to share an
experience like this with my son as well as my nephews is fantastic.”
During
the inaugural Barber Beast on the Bay, Logan sat on the sidelines as he watched
his dad participate. After seeing his dad participate, Logan told his mom,
Mary, that he wanted to participate in the event, too.
And so
this year Logan, wearing matching t-shirts with the rest of his family, took on
the Beast, too.
“Logan
was really looking forward to participating and had a great time,” Richard
said.
One of
Richard’s favorite moments took place after Logan completed the adapted course.
Logan met Richard at the end of the 10-mile course to run the finish together.
They both really liked crossing the finish line together, Richard said.
He
added that there were other parts of the Beast he really enjoyed, too.
“I
really enjoyed the atmosphere and the excitement surrounding the event. I also
enjoyed running the obstacle course with my nephews,” he said. “We rarely get
the chance to do something together and this was a great opportunity for that.
“The setting of the beach was great
and the cause of the event was great. It seemed at times like it was one big
team event and the goal was for everyone to finish.”
Richard and Logan’s finish together
prompted Richard to already sign his team up for the 2015 rendition of the
Beast, and he said they will be looking to add more members to the Amphibious
Assault.
“We have a local treasure in
Presque Isle and one in the Barber National Institute and to bring them
together in an event like this is something special,” Richard said.
“To share it with my son makes it
memorable. It really was a great opportunity for people with disabilities to
take part in something a lot of us take for granted.”
