Staff Spotlight Phillip Lester
Our first Staff Spotlight is on Phillip Lester, who began as a volunteer for Bishop’s Events in the Fall of 2018 while on rest with an injury. His first paid event was in August of 2019 at Carderock, where he trained to time future races. Now, Phillip says, “I work every event, minus Memorial Day weekend, the second weekend in April (Alumni Weekend at MMI), third weekend in July (Alumni Brigade Board Meeting); and birthday parties for my grandchildren (sometimes I can go after a race).” When describing what he most looks forward to about working an event, Phillip lists “Early wake-ups, long drives, and wineries” as the top features, plus “Grandma’s cookies” at the snack table. As an employee, Phillip finds humor in the mistakes participants make when registering for an event: “they tell me or someone on the staff it is our fault they put in the wrong name, gender, birth date, or completely wrong race.”
Phillip has also run 300+ races with Bishop’s Events. When asked what his favorite course is, he said: “We used to do a race on the WO&D out of the Caboose Brewery – I like this one, because this is where I received my black bishop for 100 races.” Phillip also enjoys “MWR event runs at Norfolk Naval Base” and continues to add races to his Bishop’s Events lifetime total. He appreciates the “friendship and memories” that being involved in the running community has brought to his life.
When Phillip takes time off, he relaxes with “cigars and bourbon” and cheers for the “Steelers, Pens, Pirates, University of Pittsburgh Sports teams.” You might be surprised to learn that Phillip—who can tolerate creepy crawlies like silkworms and most insects—cannot stand fish eggs. He describes his favorite meal as roast beef and noodles followed up with pecan pie for dessert. Plus, bourbon. And cigars. And more bourbon.
Come meet Phillip at one of our races!