The history of the Empire Runners Club includes
many great runners and many self-less volunteers, but certain members
stand out as exceptionally inspirational. These are the few whose
extraordinary personal courage, generosity of spirit, or dedication to
the sport of running far exceeds the norm, the exemplary few who in
connection with us as runners show us the way to be better citizens and
better human beings.
Kathy Dalton (Van Riper) emerged as a running star at Sonoma High School
in the 1980's, where she set the girls' two-mile record before
continuing an outstanding running career on athletic scholarship at
Northern Arizona University. After college, she returned to Sonoma
County, continued running recreationally, joined the Empire Runners, and
met her husband-to-be, Marc Van Riper in an EMT training class. Marc,
who had passed Coast Guard and firefighter fitness tests, thought he was
a runner, but Kathy expanded his consciousness and fitness as they
dated "on the run" on the trails of Sonoma County parks. They married in
1995. Their daughter, Jillian, was born in 1997, and son, Ian, in
1999.
When Ian was 8 months old, Kathy, then 30, was diagnosed with breast
cancer. For nine years Kathy has fought her battle with the focus and
perseverance of a dedicated runner. Running has always been a part of
her regimen-as healthful exercise, as mental therapy, and as celebration
of her passion for life. She shares her love of running with her
husband and children, all of whom participate regularly in Empire
Runners Club races.
Cancer is a sword of Damocles, omnipresent and threatening to patient,
family, and friends. Both disease and treatment can be brutal. Kathy's
lesson for all of us is that life under the most difficult
circumstances can be precious and joyful, full of promise, purpose, and
hope. Every moment counts and a life worth living is one dedicated to
others.
Kathy's voice and story have spoken loudly in the fight against cancer
and its consequences. She has rallied friends and strangers alike,
inspired by her and by her commitment, to support the Susan G. Komen for
the Cure foundation and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. In
relishing the lives of their own children, Kathy and Marc have
recognized the special burden born by all families touched by cancer and
have established Kathy's
Camp for Kids, a non-profit organization offering
activities, support, and encouragement to children of cancer patients.
In 1985, 15 year-old Kathy Dalton ran the Kenwood Footrace 10K in 38:54.
That time puts her 11th on the women's Kenwood All-Time 10K list and
2nd in the 19 and under age group. That's faster than the best times of
high school superstars Sara Bei, Trina Cox, Jennie Aldridge, Phyllis
Blanchard, and Sarah Sumpter. Faster than legends Becky Simmie and
April Powers. Kathy didn't place first in '85, but in 24 out of 37
Kenwoods her time of 38:54 would have won the women's division outright.
Today, Kathy runs a much tougher race, but it is one she will not
lose. It is a race she has already won.
Nominations for the Kathy
Van Riper Inspiration Award may be submitted at any time to Hall of
Fame committee chair, Ralph Harms, harmsway@sonic.net, 707 538-3035, 4926
Fernglen Dr., Santa Rosa, CA 95405. Nominations should be received by
November 1 to be considered for presentation at the club party the
following year. Nominations should include statements supporting a
nominee's qualifications for the award. At the committee's discretion
more than one award or no award, may be presented in any given year,
depending on nominations received and the qualifications of candidates. |
| 2009 Winner |
Kathy Dalton Van Riper |
| 2010 Winner |
Dave DeSelle |
|
