Do you need to start young to be good at something? The answer is no… at least not for Sue Williams! Sue really chased her passions later on in life.
Sue wasn’t always a runner. She moved in 2003 from Wisconsin to Michigan while in her early 30’s, and her new neighbor got her into running. Growing up playing sports but never running, at the age of 36 Sue found that completing her first 5K was an amazing feeling! She started to challenge herself to run farther. A 5K turned into a 10K. And, of course, after the 10K, she wanted to challenge herself again. She was looking for 10-mile races and that is when she was introduced to the Crim.
Sue is a Midland resident that looks forward to the HAP CareSource Crim Festival of Races weekend year after year! “Doing the virtual race last year was fun, but I really missed the community feel! The Crim is very well organized and provides a positive experience for all involved while bringing thousands of people to this great city.”
“It was 2010 when I first heard of the Crim. Before that, I only did local races. After doing my first Crim race of 10 miles, I thought to myself, maybe I’ll go for a half marathon. A little bit later, there was a combo race in 2015, a 10 mile and 5K, so I ran that. That was my training for a full marathon,” Sue shared. She continued to run the Crim because she loved the atmosphere. What she remembers most is how the community is always so supportive. “One house had a sprinkler and I ran through it. Another house gave out beer and shots–I didn’t take any, but these are the things that keep me loving it. I am now in my 7th year of running the Crim and hope to continue running it as long as my body lets me!”
The Crim was a real eye-opener for Sue, as she is more of an introvert when it comes to running, but running the Crim races always seems to change that. “With me being an introvert, I enjoy running by myself. I don’t need someone to go with me. The Crim is different, though; when you run in a group like this, you just love it. It’s a party afterward when all the runners really celebrate. One of my favorite memories was finishing a race and seeing the mayor there. I loved the community leader involvement, the band, and the chance to people-watch, seeing this big community come together,” Sue shared. She registered for an in-person race this year, which she is really looking forward to.
Sue is an inspiration to not only the running community but throughout the whole Crim community. Her light shines through her work and true passion–social work. Sue grew up as an adopted orphan from South Korea and has always wanted to help others and give back. She does just that, working as a Client Services Coordinator at Shelterhouse of Midland, which is an agency (and shelter) that helps clients with domestic violence and sexual assault. Her role is to connect clients to the right services; whether it is crisis intervention, advocacy, shelter, and support groups. Sue has been at Shelterhouse for the past 8.5 years and has been living in Midland for almost 18 years.
Sue told us that you can do whatever you want to do at any age. “I didn’t go back to school until I started at a community college at the age of 36. I got my Master’s in social work. From my own experience, I realize that everyone needs to be cared for, no matter what sexuality, gender, or belief system one has. That’s why I went into social work. Whenever I see someone walking around, I wonder what their story is. No one is born homeless, and you do learn that people are good. I love my job and it’s really hard, but I always think if you don’t do it, who will?”
Whenever a friend is looking for a race, Sue tells them to do the Crim races. “It’s just so fun! You don’t feel judged; it’s unlike any other race. When you finish the race, it just makes you feel good.” Crim Race Director Joe Dimambro believes it is people like Sue that make the Crim what it is today. “You don’t have to be from around the area to look forward to Crim weekend, and just like Sue, you don’t have to start running or walking at an early age to find your passion for it. The whole Crim community will welcome you with open arms.”
Sue will be turning 50 in 2022 and debating if she wants to run 50 miles, 50K, or 50 races. As a crisis Social Worker, running provides her with self-care. She hopes to continue to support the Crim by participating in it as long as she can.
