As I sit here mourning the loss of Tom Coleman, I also reflect on the memories of the beginning of the Anniston Runners Club. Tom was one of the “ founding fathers” who formed this club. Ironically, Tom had been on my mind as the Woodstock 5K was nearing.
I had once started to phone his son, Gibson, to ask if he would bring him to the race to let him see just what he had started 32 years ago. However, I had learned in July that since he could no longer go to church (of which he missed so much), I knew in my heart that he would not come to see the Woodstock.
He would have loved seeing and knowing how this race has evolved.
Tom was such an inspiration to me, not just as a runner, but as a person who loved his God, his wife, his three children, grandchildren, his church and his community. He was such a kind and loving person to all who knew him.
I will always remember running with Tom (though I could not keep up with him) in the early beginning of the Anniston Runners Club and how he pushed me to run faster and harder. Not only will I always remember him, but I will miss him terribly.
Nancy Grace
Anniston
