Lake Tahoe Marathon Engagement
On October 8th of 2005 Julie and Brad ran in the Lake Tahoe Marathon and while trying to finish the race they started their lives together, here's the story...
A few months prior to the marathon when Brad purchased the celtic braided engagement ring he knew he was planning on proposing to Julie during the Lake Tahoe Marathon but he didn't know what point exactly. He was debating between a finish line proposal, and half way proposal or something even earlier in the race so they could work together on the marathon in front of them.
Things were no different when they arrived in Reno and headed up into the mountain pass that would lead them to Lake Tahoe 2 days prior to the big race. They planned to drive the course and spent the afternoon wandering down the road they would be racing. During this drive the special location Brad was seeking hit him.
The morning of the race Brad hid the small box containing the ring in the tiny pocket on the inside of his race shorts. He wasn't sure that the tiny bulge on his waist line would go unnoticed but he didn't have any options.
Miles came and went and Julie and Brad battled through the biggest climbs that started around mile 13 and proceeded through mile 20. Nerves had finally started to settle in as they climbed the final big hill that peaked at a place known as Inspiration point. This was the highest point on the marathon course at just over 7000 feet high. It was also the spot Brad picked out.
Just as they reached this high point where the road dropped off sharply on both sides with Emerald Bay far below on the left, Cascade Lake far below on the right, and Lake Tahoe spread out in front of them Brad brought up that it was time for them to assess their energy gel status. Julie quickly began going through what was still on her and Brad began struggling to get the small heart-shaped box from the tiny pocket.
After Julie reported on her energy packet status Brad said, "I think I've got something that will give us a little boost." Then, he asked Julie to stop. Julie wondered why they were stopping but as Brad literally fell to a knee, it hit her. Brad then looked into Julie's already tearing eyes and said. "Well, we've come this far together, let's start the rest of our lives together. Julie Ann Delaney, will you marry me?"
In perfect timing, as Julie was crying and nodding "yes" Brad's brother Jeremie came up over the hilltop in a van he and his wife Lis rented and happened to be carrying Julie and Brad's daughter Samantha, Julie's parents Chuck and Patty, and Brad's parents Ron and Donna. After a few brief minutes of celebration Brad and Julie started the last 6 miles of the marathon, but more importantly started the first 6 miles of the rest of their lives together.
