Davidson: "It's just a fun day"

Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of profiles on the two Bonner County runners who have finished every Bloomsday — Gary Berg and George Davidson.

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint’s George Davidson might have been one of the least likely of the more than 1,000 runners at the starting line of the first Bloomsday in 1977.

“A friend talked me into it,” laughs Davidson, a 62 year-old self-employed accountant. “Before that, I had never run a mile in my whole life.”

Fast forward 33 years and Davidson is one of the most likely, one of a select group of 112 “Perennials” to have run every Bloomsday. At 12K per race (7.46 miles), Davidson has pounded the Spokane pavement to the tune of more than 246 miles, enjoying every step.

He’s also witnessed the popular road race grow from just over 1,000 runners in 1977, to 5,000 in 1978, before exploding each year and eventually boasting more than 60,000 participants.

Davidson jokes that he’s one of the Clydesdales, not a quarter horse, but he crosses the finish line without fail every year, buoyed by the Rocky theme song. He pays an extra $12 each year to start up front with the rest of the “Perennials,” noting it’s fun to see who returns each year.

The Bonners Ferry native shares some of his Bloomsday experiences with the Daily Bee.

Q: What made you run in the first Bloomsday, and what has kept you coming back every time?

A: A friend from Colville, Washington talked me into running. The theme song from Rocky, played at the finish line, keeps me coming back.

Q: How has the race changed through the years, either for the better or worse?

A: Bloomsday organizers have tweaked various things over the years but have focused on keeping the run fun. Watering the shoulders of the road outside of town to control dust was huge. I’m always impressed with the timing. They get the runners started by their ability and they don’t seem to get in each other’s way. It used to be you’d have rabbits in with the tortoises.

Q: If you had to pick one story, either funny, sad or strange, from all of the years, what would it be?

A: I don’t think we’ve ever gotten rained on during the race itself. It’s rained before and after, but never during the race. The first race was right in the heat of the day. It’s a good thing people were out there with water hoses.

Q: What do you love most about Bloomsday?

A: I love the people — the runners, the volunteers and the spectators and performers along the course — all having a good time. Everyone has a great attitude, everyone wears a smile and it’s just a fun day.

Q: What is your fastest time, and what is your typical race strategy?

A: I think my fastest time was 63 minutes. I’m one of the Clydesdales, as opposed to the quarter horses. I haven’t quite broken an hour, and it’s not going to happen at this point.

Q: How do you train for the race?

A: My race training and strategy has never been overly-focused. That’s probably why I’ve never broken an hour. I ski during the winter and do some jogging.

Q: How do you celebrate each finish?

A: Very well! I used to go to Cyrus O’Leary’s for tailgate parties, but that’s gone by the wayside.

Q: Do you have a favorite shirt?

A: I have all the shirts except for Bloomsday one. I like them all.

Q: How long do you see yourself running Bloomsday?

A: Until I can’t walk. I don’t really know. I don’t see any reason to quit yet.