Editor, Gazette-Journal:

On behalf of all the volunteers, supporters and sponsors of the Gwynn’s Island Race Event on Saturday, April 29, thank you Mathews County for the outpouring of community support. You all really “showed up” this weekend and rolled out the red carpet to our own-of-town visitors. Our race attendee list included folks from Maryland, New Mexico, New York, South Carolina and across Virginia—and prompted feedback like this from Pete in Richmond: “So many reasons to like your race. The wonderful small race atmosphere, the pre-race prayer and Our National Anthem. A simple photo link for allowing us all to see ourselves and others participating without having to pay for the privilege. Please let me say I will definitely return!”

The Gwynn’s Island Race—now in its ninth year—was Mathews Outdoor Club’s first event of 2023 and our longest running event—and just became our largest with 130 registered! MOC is grateful to be joined this year by the Mathews County YMCA who co-hosted the event at Gwynn’s Island Civic Center: while we were running our race (4-mile run, 10-mile bike and run/ride duathlon), the YMCA held their annual Healthy Kids Day event. All of this coordinated by Race Director Hope Lowe and supported by her amazing crew of volunteers.

Events such as the Gwynn’s Island Race would not be possible without support from local businesses, local volunteers, and local residents whose hospitality was on full display this weekend. Hope is already planning for Gwynn’s Island Race 2024: our 10th anniversary edition. Thanks again for supporting the Mathews Outdoor Club.

Christine Johnson
Mathews Outdoor Club
Mathews, Va.