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Stogie Exclusive: Running Against the (Smoky) Wind

5 Oct 2006

There’s weird and then there’s utterly bizarre. The Samford Stogies Racing Team falls under the latter category.

This motley crew of adventurous Samford University graduates tackles the Mercedes Marathon in Birmingham, Alabama each February – cigar in mouth. Apparently they just can’t put off that celebratory stogie until the end of the race.

Legend has it the concept originated when, in 2005, five untrained misfits banded together to form a haphazard relay team to complete the 26-mile contest. Patrick Crandall recommended they run under the name “Samford Stogies” (for some reason, Patricks make great cigar enthusiasts). The team ingeniously decided to run with cigars in their mouths to seal their identity. As they say on their website, “Who says you can’t smoke your victory cigar during the fight?”

History was made when the team completed the challenge in an impressive three hours and 21 minutes. Drew Roberts, one of the squad’s founding fathers, was kind enough to share the following words with me:

Well, we started the tradition of smoking victory cigars during the race for the challenge. It definitely does make the run tougher, but the reactions from the fans watching the race and from the other race participants make it all worthwhile. It also builds camaraderie between our team members knowing that the other guys are experiencing the same pain of not only running, but the stupidity of doing it with a stogie. Additionally, we enjoy the added benefit of using the cigar to talk trash for us. You don’t have to say a word because when you pass other runners during the race with a lit cigar, they understand.

When you think of complimentary activities for cigars, you think of drinking, golf, womanizing, pool, and other leisurely endeavors – not running. We therefore applaud the Samford Stogies for incorporating cigars into a previously untapped activity. If you’d like to join their team for the 2007 Mercedes Marathon on February 11 in Birmingham, please click here.

Patrick A

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25 Responses to “Stogie Exclusive: Running Against the (Smoky) Wind”

  1. Anonymous Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 6:04 am #

    These young guys have nothing on Jack McKeon who at age 75 smokes 2 cigars during his daily 3-5 mile jog. Thats impressive.

  2. Anonymous Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 6:17 am #

    Jack McKeon aside, these dudes are pretty kickass. Great article!

  3. Anonymous Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 7:17 am #

    run, forest, run!

  4. Anonymous Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 8:40 am #

    I like these guys… I already sent an email to join them in February, who else is with me?

    Don't be scared to run with a cigar!

  5. Anonymous Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 9:42 am #

    When you think of complimentary activities for cigars, you think of drinking, golf, womanizing, pool, and other leisurely endeavors – not running.

    womanizing???

  6. Anonymous Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 10:01 am #

    Yes, womanizing.

  7. Anonymous Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 12:19 pm #

    One question mark is a question; two question marks is an interrogation; and three question marks is an articulate critique. What part of 'womanizing' is beyond your understanding? You might also check your dictionary for 'wry', 'ironic', 'humorous' and 'flame'. Online anybody can be an anonymous smartarse.

  8. Anonymous Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 11:39 am #

    Only in America…Fuckin’ A right!

  9. James Day Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 4:27 pm #

    This is great! You can not get me to run. If I'm about to miss the train and be half and hour late for work, I might consider running… These guy might just make me wanna dust off my sneakers. We gotta make a list though of the cigars that produce the most amount of smoke when, or if, we run past anyone. Love it!

  10. Anonymous Friday, October 6, 2006 at 8:15 am #

    Well, apparently these guys are capable of both running and smoking at the same time. However, are they able to do all three activities… running, smoking, and womanizing at the same time? That is the question.

  11. Anonymous Friday, October 6, 2006 at 12:39 pm #

    definately bizarre.

    i like their style

  12. Anonymous Friday, October 6, 2006 at 10:04 pm #

    rock on!

  13. Anonymous Sunday, October 8, 2006 at 7:56 am #

    roll tide!

  14. Anonymous Monday, October 9, 2006 at 10:13 am #

    I hate to admit it, but i think i am going to have to step up to the challenge and join them in Feb. I checked out their website at samfordstogies.com and the inspiration hit me.

  15. SamfordStogies Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 8:57 pm #

    I appreciate the support. Thank you for the positive comments.

    Please check out our new message boards and forums:
    http://www.TeamStogies.com

    We look forward to meeting y'all and having some fun runnin' and smokin' in February!

  16. Максим Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 10:12 am #

    Дурное употребление материальных благ очень часто является вернейшим путем к величайшим невзгодам.

  17. Мое ИМХО, не стоит обольщатся по этому поводу. 🙂

  18. дeткa Friday, July 24, 2009 at 12:01 pm #

    Отлично. Чувствуется позитив 🙂

  19. Ern1911 Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 6:55 pm #

    I'm a runner and road biker. This story reminded of a time when my cousin and I were doing a circuit bike ride, and he whipped out a stogie in the middle of the ride. As serious team riders were whizzing by him they were in disbelief and those looks on their faces were priceless! Some even gagging and coughing as they took in some of his smoke. LOL! I'm gonna have to e-mailhim this article!

  20. Approach Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 3:12 pm #

    Первые два комментатора дело говорят 🙂

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