If you are grateful, I will surely give you more.
Quran 14:7
The finish is a different kind of test. After hours of effort, the families are cold, muddy and tired. The job now is to welcome them, warm them and help them make sense of the day.
Take your time here. It matters as much as the course.
At a glance
| Topic | In brief |
|---|---|
| When | As each team finishes |
| Where | The finish area, with changing space, a place to pray and shelter |
| The heart of it | Warmth, rest and reflection |
Crossing the line
Spectators cheer every team in, not only the first. Greet each family by name. The order of finishing is not the point, though you may announce it lightly.
Warmth first
The first priority is getting everyone warm and dry. Have these ready as each team arrives.
- Towels and blankets
- A private place to change into dry clothes
- Hot drinks
- A first aider, to check everyone quickly
Watch for shivering, slurred speech or confusion. Treat those signs seriously and get the person warm at once.
Handing back what you carried
A marshal receives the doll, the suitcase and the backpack with care. Thank each person for what they carried. It is a quiet moment, and it can mean a great deal.
Food and prayer
Offer hot, halal food. Make sure there is a clean, warm place to pray, with water for wudu. If a prayer time has passed during the day, allow time for it.
Being together
This is when families reunite with children and relatives who watched from the sidelines. Let them hug, laugh and tell their stories. Keep the area calm and unhurried.
A reflection circle
When people are warm and fed, invite the families to gather in a circle. Ask one gentle question and let people answer in their own time.
Some will want to talk, and some will not. Nobody should be pushed. For anyone with personal experience of displacement, the day may bring up feelings. Make sure someone is on hand to listen.
Reflection
These questions can guide the circle, or a conversation on the way home.
- What was the hardest moment, and who helped you through it?
- What did you notice about each other that you had never seen before?
- What will you remember about those who have no choice?
Heading home
The minibus takes the teams back. Check everyone is warm, fed and well before they leave. Remind them to rest, and that you will be in touch.
The day ends here. What comes next matters just as much.