The Birmingham Track Club (BTC) has a regular runner exchange with Birmingham’s sister city of Maebashi Japan. Three runners from Birmingham are selected by the Birmingham Track Club to represent the city. To be chosen, runners enter an essay context explaining why they should be chosen as an ambassador for the city of Birmingham and the running community.
Bluff Park’s own Wesli Turner was chosen as one of this year’s ambassadors.
“It is an honor to represent Birmingham and Bluff Park,” Wesli says. This years Maebashi Shibukawa City Marathon/ 5k is held April 21,2019.
“Japan, holds a special place in my heart. To me, it is an endearment, a symbol of friendship and budding love. Vincent, my boyfriend, lived in Japan for three years. It was during his time in Japan that he decided to pursue a career in medicine. The decision that would one day lead our paths to cross,” Wesli explains.
One hope that Wesli has as an ambassador is to demonstrate to the running community and those who aspire to become part of the running community – that runners come in all shapes and sizes.
“We represent a unique common aspiration to move and seek freedom through movement whether on a trail or pavement. It is a common drive that brings us together across body types, cultures, and languages.
Wesli also will be using this opportunity to encourage runners by sharing her journey to Maebashi through an online blog called THE MAEBASHI CHRONICLES embracing the similarities and differences of both beautiful cities and runners that span across the globe, but hold a unique bond formed through running.
Read more from Wesli and her winning essay here.
Wesli also has a Gofund Me set up to help with air travel.
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