‘Idiots’ commit to tie the knot

When Edwin Kibowen took a knee at the finish line and asked fellow runner Simeka Vaughn for her hand in marriage, it marked a milestone in the 18-year history of the annual Fellowship of the Idiots run in Albemarle.

“This event started in 2002, and this is our first proposal,” said Peter Asciutto of Vac and Dash, who founded the run and serves as event director.

Edwin Kibowen proposes to Simeka Vaughn at the Fellowship of the Idiots run Saturday.

Although a marriage proposal at a long-distance run may seem unusual to many, it is actually a very appropriate setting for the betrothed couple.

“We met about a year ago when I agreed to help Simeka train for an upcoming marathon,” Edwin said. “And it was love at first sight.”

“It took me a little longer, though,” countered Simeka.

Despite their differing views on when the relationship moved from friendship to romance, both Edwin and Simeka agree that their mutual love of running is what brought them together.

“We would not have met otherwise,” Simeka said.

And the bond among those who enjoy running is the reason behind the event’s popularity, according to Asciutto, as records show the event having grown from five “charter idiots” in 2002 to more than 300 in 2019.

“The run is not timed, and we don’t give awards, so there is no pressure on anyone,” he said. “People come from all over to just share a good time running with friends. They can take their time at aid stations, run a pace at which they can converse as they run, and take time at the top of Morrow Mountain to enjoy the view of the sunrise.”

The event is an economic boost to the county as well.

“Of the 300-plus runners, about 90 percent were from out of town,” Asciutto said. “That means about 270 participants are visiting our restaurants and businesses, and many are staying in local hotels, motels and B-and-B’s.”

Asciutto noted that although most runners came from other North and South Carolina locations, a few came from as far away as Kentucky and Minnesota.

The local economy, however, was far from the minds of Kibowen and Vaughn as they discussed how running has enabled them to draw closer to one another.

“Running helps you see what people are really made of,” she added, while recalling an experience that proved Edwin’s devotion and care for her.

“I’ll never be as fast as he is,” said Simeka —Edwin finished first overall in Saturday’s run, “but when I cramped up in a marathon a few months ago, he slowed down and stayed with me all the way to the finish.“

“He inspires me,” she added.

Edwin cites Simeka’s never-say-die attitude as an inspiration as well.

“She never quits, no matter the challenge,” he said.

The couple, both of whom live in the Raleigh area, where Kenya native

Edwin is a fast-food delivery driver and Simeka works at Truist Bank, have yet to decide on a wedding date.

But perhaps the bigger question is where the nuptials will take place.

Maybe at the finish line of their next marathon?

Toby Thorpe is a freelance contributor for The Stanly News & Press.

SportsPlus

News

Global Packaging Solutions receives $80,000 grant

News

N.C A&T Cooperative Extension’s Small Farms Week to explore ‘Next Gen Agriculture’

News

West Stanly women sweep basketball series with North Stanly

News

Toy drive helps keep daughter’s memory alive

News

BBB offers 6 ways to keep packages safe from porch pirates

News

American Red Cross: Create a new holiday tradition by giving blood, platelets

News

Stanly commissioners approve new community board members

News

BBB alerts consumers about social media advent calendar scams

News

Stanly commissioners elect new chair, vice chair, assign committee appointments

News

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU: BBB’s 12 Scams of the Holidays

News

Pfeiffer scholarship endowed in memory of Cook

News

DHHS LIEAP accepts applications

News

TCC offers Angel Tree lighting, luncheon and more

News

Red Cross: Extreme weather creates massive humanitarian needs amid nonstop disaster responses

News

Fire marshal rules house total loss due to electrical issues

News

BBB reminds consumers to be mindful on Cyber Monday

Community

SENIOR LIFESTYLES: Tips for seniors to safeguard their mental health

News

BBB advises how to avoid job scams this holiday season

News

Marriage Licenses – October 2024

News

PEEKING INTO THE PAST: ‘Josh’ Furr

News

Oakboro has many activities planned at Christmas parade

News

Birth Announcements – October 2024

News

Albemarle Fire Department responds to fire at apartment building

News

PEEKING INTO THE PAST: Badin Presbyterian Church