Houston County man chosen as support runner
Posted: 1/8/02
A Houston County man was ìtickled to piecesî to be selected as a support runner for the Olympic torch as it traveled last weekend through the city of Milwaukee.
Lauren ìMortî La Fleur, who lives just off CTH 21 between Hokah and Houston, was nominated for the honor by his daughter Julie. His wife, Sue, was also nominated. La Fleur said he doesnít really know why he as selected.
ìMy wife is actually a better runner,î he admits.
The people selected to actually carry the Olympic torch are generally local celebrities in each city the torch passes through. They are required to carry the torch about two tenths of a mile, but support runners must be prepared to run up to two miles.
La Fleur reported Monday that the run went ìabsolutely great.î
ìIt couldnít have been better,î he said.
He actually had the opportunity to carry the torch when one of the torch bearers, an elderly woman, tired. He estimated that he carried the torch about six-tenths of a mile.
ìI was revved up to go further,î he said. ìIt was a real thrill.î
The event was very well organized, he noted.
La Fleur, who is an agricultural inspector for the state of Wisconsin, began running while active in the Wisconsin National Guard. He and his wife are active in the La Crosse Exercise and Health Program and run 4-5 miles daily. Last May, he ran his first marathon, which is 26.2 miles.
La Fleur learned of his selection when he received his ìuniformî in the mail. The uniform is an official Winter Olympics periwinkle blue running suit, hat and gloves.
La Fleur and his wife started their day with their exercise program before heading to Milwaukee Friday, January 4, for the event. Their three children were on hand to share in the celebration.
Torch Facts:
The Olympic Torch send-off was held December 4 in Atlanta. The torch will arrive in Salt Lake City, Utah, site of the Winter Olympics, on February 8. The torch travels about 208 miles per day and will be carried through 46 statesóMinnesota is not among them. There are 4,300 support runners along the route.
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