W.H.O.R.s & Faster Pastors - September

Generally this section only spotlights one team, but when we met these two teams we thought they were a match made in heaven (or hell depending on how you look at it) and we had to make an exception.

The night before the Great River Brian Ferguson and the Faster Pastors (yes, they are all real pastors) were hanging out at a pub "preparing" for the race. As fate would have it, Leah Swedberg and her team Women High On Running (W.H.O.R.s) just happened to be at the same pub (guess that's what the Pastors get for hanging out at a pub).

The pastors, realizing that "there is always work to be done," made quick friends with the W.H.O.R.s. It just so happened that the W.H.O.R.s and the Faster Pastors had the same starting time and were able to hang out throughout most of the race. We aren't sure if the Faster Pastors were able to save any souls, but we are praying for the W.H.O.R.s nonetheless.

The W.H.O.R.s were decked out in pink hair and big boots. They placed 85th overall and 4th in the Open Female division. When asked about their Great River experience team captain Leah Swedberg said, "It was an incredible experience. We didn't really know what to expect, but we left with much more than we anticipated. You will likely see two W.H.O.R. teams next year." The W.H.O.R.s represent the Women High On Running Club from Fargo, North Dakota. The women who make up Women High On Running have been running together for 3 years.

The Faster Pastors kept a lower profile during the Great River. They ran in normal running clothes, sorry no pink hair. They placed 88th overall and 4th in the Ultra Male division. The Pastors belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Brian Ferguson, team captain of the Faster Pastors, said, "The Great River was a great experience over all. It was also a great challenge. Fortunately, we ran well and had a great time. It was good to get out and have fun together." In addition to trying to save W.H.O.R.'s along the course, they also raised $8,600 to provide theological training for Lutheran Ministers in Malawi, Africa.