(The following article was written by Todd Hoffer)

ETNA GREEN –  In January, 2014, as I was preparing for the first Randy Miner Memorial Country Run, I wrote several stories about my good friend.

Most of which were inspired by fond memories I hold close to my heart. I shared those stories because I wanted those who didn’t know Randy how much he affected my life and why resurrecting this popular event from the 80’s and 90’s was so important to me.

When I decided to organize this event in his honor I knew it would be tough. Randy is an extremely hard act to follow. During the months leading up to the race I worried myself sick wondering if anyone would show up; but they did. They showed up in glorious fashion. Friends, family, and many of his old running buddies who used to meet at the local races every weekend all came to Etna Green on a hot summer evening to show their love for an old friend and support me in honoring him. I was quite overwhelmed to say the least!

Now, the time is winding down and the second race is drawing near so I thought I would write another article. But after sharing so many stories in the past it seemed I had exhausted my reserve. How many good things can I say about one person?

When talking about Randy Miner, the answer is: alot.

When I was a teenager he hired me during the summer to do general contracting. We painted, roofed, plumbed, etc. Whatever it took to make a buck, we did it. He was always a showman and one of his favorite gags was to whip out the end of a tape measure for me to grab and then ask, “watta ya got?” Holding the end I would look down at it dumbfounded and then back at him smiling from ear to ear. It fooled me every time. He also taught me how to look cool in a tool belt. We not only did the work, we did it while looking good.

Randy taught me a lot of things through the years. Some of which I picked up on and made habits of my own. One example is the way he wrote the number eight. Instead of a continuous motion like most, he broke the simple task into two separate actions. One circle on top of the other. I always thought that was so weird but to this day I make my eights the same way and when I do, I think of him.

There are many other examples of things I learned from him that stuck with me. Hopefully his kindness toward others is one.

I seemed to have been blessed with many of the same gift God gave Randy. Sometimes I feel like there is part of him living inside me. Almost like we were soul mates. I could never possess the quick wit and charm he radiated but the ability to use my hands to build things, my love of music, and even my athletic endeavors seem to be in direct correlation to the time I spent listening and learning from my dear friend.

I’m working very hard to insure the Randy Miner Memorial Country Run improves with each year. This year it will feature traditional handmade clocks as awards and will offer an abundance of door prizes. It will be held on the afternoon and evening of June 13, 2015, at Heritage Park in Etna Green. Come join us for food, fun, festivities and “the biggest little race you’ll ever run.” To register online go https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/etnagreen/RandyMinerMemorialCountryRun.

My mission is to make this race a must stop on every local runner’s schedule and reunite old friends in Randy’s honor.

Randy has been gone awhile but even now I want to call him for advice. I still have his number in my phone. I loved him, admired him, and miss him dearly.