My tribute to Scott Green… in pictures

 2024-03-24  Leave a Comment on My tribute to Scott Green… in pictures

Much will be said about my friend Scott Green in the days ahead. I would like to share memories I have in pictorial means.

By the Plaza 10K in 2021, I had become mutual followers (IG) and FB friends with Scott, but we hadn’t talked much. I knew him from articles about running all the streets of Liberty, where I lived a few years earlier. A fun selfie.
I was doing a solo run in December 2021 on a course some folks know as the “candy cane” around Loose Park and Ward Parkway. Scott serendipitously was in the neighborhood to visit a friend. He recognized me from a distance and caught photos of me coming and going. We chatted a bit as well.
I was doing a solo run in December 2021 on a course some folks know as the “candy cane” around Loose Park and Ward Parkway. Scott serendipitously was in the neighborhood to visit a friend. He recognized me from a distance and caught photos of me coming and going. We chatted a bit as well.
As Scott would several times, he ran on his own before and/or after a big race, but also independently volunteered as a course monitor and photographer. I absolutely treasure these photos now.
As Scott would several times, he ran on his own before and/or after a big race, but also independently volunteered as a course monitor and photographer. I absolutely treasure these photos now.
Another Plaza 10K sighting. Chatted before and he got a good photo as I ran by.
Another Plaza 10K sighting. Chatted before and he got a good photo as I ran by.
After running the Garmin Kansas City 10K event in 2022, I piggybacked on the Back of the Pack crew cheering later finishers as they approached their finish line. With my own touch, of course. I got to see Scott as he neared mile 26 of his first full marathon. He was, by all accounts, at peak condition of sobriety, healthy weight, and running accomplishments. He would run the half in Des Moines the following day to complete the I-35 Challenge. It was that weekend that he began to feel something was off regarding GI issues. This would eventually lead to his diagnosis.
After announcing his diagnosis to the running community in May, folks began to sport buttons, wristbands, and t-shirts to show support. This was mine during Running with the Cows 2023.
Gobbler Grind 2023. Scott had strength to walk the 5K and was getting closer to number 300, but he didn’t announce a specific race to match it.
Santa Dash. I asked how he was feeling, and he said, “Not great.” His smile still warmed me.
No photo with him from Groundhog Run, but as we passed during the 5K, I reached out for what I thought was a high/low five to his chariot. I realized later he intended to hold a few moments longer.
My last time to speak with Scott after he finished #300, the BEARD 5K. As I tried to express my gratitude for the community he nurtured and helped me connect to, he told me, “I know I’m going. I just want to make sure my family is OK.” He hoped the event will continue in the future. Whatever happens to honor his memory, I am exceedingly grateful for the gentle spirit, generous heart, and encouraging soul that was and is Kansas City’s forever Bearded Runner.

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