Utahn savors running with torch

It was only 400 meters, not even long enough to work up a sweat. But for Salt Lake's Trish Malatesta it was the most memorable run of her life.

The 30-year-old was chosen by Coca-Cola because of her efforts to start a running program in disadvantaged schools to run a section of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

"It was amazing," she said. "It's a feeling you can't even describe. ... You get to know everyone (torch bearers) and you get to know their stories. You realize how much the flame means to them. It symbolizes hope, peace and everything the Olympics means. It was very emotional and very exciting."

Before dawn Jan. 19, Malatesta joined others running the Torch Relay for a logistical meeting. They were divided into groups, loaded into vans and taken to drop-off spots.

"The logistics were incredible," she said. "We left in the dark in the morning, and you don't stand around very long."

She was on the street, in her sweatshirt just long enough to pose for a few pictures and sign some autographs.

"I just took pictures with everyone and then I was off," she said.

Just 400 meters later, Malatesta was handing the torch to another runner and being picked up by a van.

She is forever grateful for the opportunity provided to her because of her efforts to start a nonprofit, Making Strides, that aims to teach elementary age children about the benefits of running.

"We started it last April," she said. The program offered students at Redwood Elementary the chance to be in a sort of running club with shoes, a T-shirt and instruction about exercise. It was sponsored by Saucony and Select Health, as well as the Salt Lake Track Club.

"I have friends who taught at the school and the kids don't have much access to things like this," she said. "Most kids don't even have good shoes. The goal was to get kids involved who didn't have access to equipment or the knowledge to do it on their own."

Her program provides lessons on nutrition, hydration, goal setting, stretching and pacing among other things.

"All of the little basics," she said. "There is a real need, especially with childhood obesity rates such a problem."

And while it may be difficult to convince kids that running is fun, Malatesta said the kids who participated in "Making Strides" embraced the sport and the program.

"The kids loved it," she said. "Out of 90 kids who signed up, 87 finished. And the parents also loved it."

Malatesta will get to keep her torch, thanks to Coca-Cola, which purchased it for her. The memory of running it is something she could never put a price tag on, and she will cherish it for the rest of her life.

"There is really nothing you can compare it to," she said of running the torch. "It's one of those things you never really plan on doing. It is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

e-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com