Commissioner challenges Mayor to friendly competition
Mayor Tom Henry announced he's accepted a bet from Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters on the outcome of Saturday's Fort4Fitness 4 mile race in downtown Fort Wayne.
“Commissioner Peters has been making comments about my running prowess,” said Mayor Henry. “I tried to tell him I may not look it, but I'm an incredible athlete.”
Saturday's event is the inaugural Fort-4-Fitness health festival. Activities include a certified half marathon course that provides a scenic view of historic Fort Wayne, and a run/walk over a 4 mile course that shows off the city's parks and downtown area. Many local restaurateurs will be showcasing their healthy cuisine, and fitness organizations will provide information and display products that support a fit lifestyle. Parkview Health is the Diamond sponsor of this festival celebrating Northeast Indiana's commitment to healthy living.
“I don't think the Mayor realizes I've been in training for this race for quite awhile,” said Peters. “Just last week, I passed up French fries in order to have a healthier snack and tomorrow I'm going to do some stretches and possibly walk up the flight of stairs to my second floor office.”
The two elected politicians debated over what to wager on the race. Eventually, through several grueling rounds of negotiations and give-and-take, they agreed that , in the event Mayor Henry crosses the finish line ahead of Commissioner Peters, Peters will pick up the tab for dinner at The Green Frog Inn, a neighborhood dining establishment in the heart of the City at Sherman and Spring Streets. Should Peters make it across the finish line in front of Henry, however, Mayor Henry will treat the Commissioner to dinner at a well-known establishment in the County, Billy's in Zulu.
The two figuratively shook hands and wished each other well. “May the best official win,” they said in unison.
“I'll bring the Ben Gay,” said Peters.