09/02/2026
🏃♂️ MEET OUR RACE DIRECTOR: RON ABRAMSON
(Pictured here with granddaughter, Violet, after he completed the 2018 Boston Marathon )
If you’ve taken part in the High River Half, you may already know Ron — or at least recognize the person working tirelessly behind the scenes to make race day possible!
Ron has donated countless volunteer hours to FAIM and the High River Half over the years. I sat down with him to talk about running, volunteering and his somewhat unconventional pre-race meal.
How many marathons and other races have you completed?
I’ve run well over 100 races. Ten of those were full marathons, and at one point I counted close to 100 half-marathons. There have also been many other races over the years!
What first inspired you to become a runner?
I started running cross-country in high school. I had watched a race, and it looked like everyone was having a good time. I decided I wanted to try it because it seemed enjoyable and fun. There really wasn’t much more to it than that—and I’ve been running ever since.
Of all the places you’ve run, which was the most beautiful or memorable?
Maui. My wife, Donna, and I spent a lot of time there and ran several races during our visits, including the Maui Oceanfront Half Marathon. Maui is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, so that would have to be my answer.
You’ve raced in some incredible places. Which cities stand out?
Chicago, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Lahaina, London, San Francisco, San Diego, Orlando and Huntington Beach—plus too many smaller cities to name!
How did you first become involved with the High River Half?
Gerry McCallum and his wife were among the first friends Donna and I made when we moved to High River. Gerry was already working at FAIM when the organization became involved with the race.
I don’t remember whether Gerry asked me to help or whether I volunteered because of my interest in running—but I do remember that Gerry was definitely the reason I became involved.
What motivates you to donate so many volunteer hours to FAIM and the race?
FAIM is a really good cause, and that is the main reason. Government funding doesn’t cover everything the organization needs to provide opportunities and services for adults with developmental disabilities. People have to contribute their time and effort to help raise the additional funds.
If you can do something that benefits others and doesn’t cost them anything, that’s a pretty good reason to do it. I’ve been involved with FAIM for many years, and I don’t mind doing it at all. It benefits everyone—and there are a lot of wonderful people here, which certainly helps.
What is your favourite part of race day?
The kids’ race is probably the part I enjoy most. Seeing the little ones run around the park and watching their excitement brings running back to what first inspired me—the joy and the fun of it.
I also enjoy watching people cross the finish line and hearing them say how much they loved the race and the entire event. It’s hard to choose just one thing because the whole day is special.
What might people be surprised to learn about the work happening behind the scenes?
The sheer number of hours, people and small details involved. There are so many little pieces that people may not think about—but if even one of them were missing on race day, someone would notice!
We try to ensure nothing is overlooked and that everyone has what they need. It takes many people working together to make the event run smoothly.
What advice would you give someone considering signing up for their first High River Half event?
Do it! It’s a lot of fun and a great day. There are hundreds of people in George Lane Park of every age and ability, all enjoying the event together.
If you’re from High River, especially, I would encourage you to get involved, come out and enjoy the day.
Finally, do you have a favourite running song, pre-race meal or race-day tradition?
I don’t listen to music while running—I’d rather be in my own head. But my favourite running song is Running on Empty by Jackson Browne. It became my favourite after hearing it during the running scene in Forrest Gump.
My favourite pre-race meal is two doughnuts—either chocolate frosted or glazed!
When Donna and I were travelling and running races together, we also had a post-race tradition. After the race, we would shower, change and go out for hamburgers. No matter where we were, the meal after the race was always a hamburger. 🍔
Thank you, Ron, for the extraordinary amount of time, knowledge and heart you give to the High River Half and FAIM. This event simply wouldn’t be what it is without you. ❤️
