Phillip Oppenheim: A True Friend of Running in Sacramento
Phil Oppenheim: December 31, 1944 – August 17, 2011
This past week, the Sacramento running community lost a good friend and staunch supporter.
Whether you knew his name or not, the chances are beyond good that you’ve been helped by him at a local race. If there was a race in town, Phil would likely be giving his time to make it better.
Whether it was working pre-race packet pick-up or the finish line at your local 10K, Phil would be there enthusiastically pitching in. Capital Road Race Management lists Phil on their website as “Race T-shirt Distribution Engineer.”
When I took up the challenge of this website, Phil became a loyal reader, supporter, and regular source of information and encouragement.
Phil was never, to my knowledge, a fast runner, but he had tremendous respect for those who were and for the work they put in. Most of all, he was a believer in the transformative power of exercise.
I will miss the frequent news tips and updates that Phil sent my way, but mostly I will miss his greeting as we pass along the trail through Discovery Park during our weekday runs, and his obvious pleasure in just being out there.
Phil was a great guy. Everyone at Taylor’s will miss him as well.
1I just couldn’t believe it when I heard the news about Phil. His passing is a huge loss for our community. I will miss seeing his smiling face. Such a good and kind soul.
2CIM will never be the same. Phil was always at mile 25 helping out at the aid station and cheering until he went horse. He always had a smile and always had something positive to day to every runner and walker. He will be missed.
3I did not know Phil well but will miss his “run well” wishes as we crossed paths on my midday runs near Discovery Park.
4I never knew his name,but I knew his face,his smile and his presence at the bike trail,at packet pick ups,at CIM mile 25 aid station.I’ll miss him alot.Manny
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