She was a Polish countess; he was an American soldier. Now their son is sharing their incredible love story.
Samantha York (NEWS CENTER Maine)
Reavis has announced the race every year except for one. This year, the TD Beach to Beach 10K Road Race celebrated its 25th anniversary. Not only that, Reavis and the race’s founder, Joan Benoit Samuelson, share a friendship that spans back decades.
“On Valentine’s Day [in] 1945, two soldiers met in a small cafe in Lublin, Poland. She was a Polish Countess, fighting for her nation’s doomed freedom. He was an escaped American P.O.W. searching for a U.S. mission,” the book’s blurb reads. “Neither spoke the other’s language. Yet 11 days later they married, beginning a life of 64 years together. The Countess and the P.O.W. is a son’s retelling of his parents’ momentous meeting, a story that illuminates the indomitable Polish character and boundless American spirit.”
Watch the full 207 interview with Reavis (linked below) to learn more about the epic love story.
Thanks to Emmy Award-winning “207” show host, Samantha York and Kirk Cratty, 2022 National Edward R. Murrow Award winner for excellence in video, for their kind and gracious coverage. Thanks to Joanie and my Cape Elizabeth, Maine host family, Bill & Linda Nickerson for the many years of friendship.
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tonireavis.com 
Great interview, Toni. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I concur with all of Craig’s thoughts, as well. Thanks for all that you do for our sport.
Thanks, Brian. It’s given me way more than I’ve ever given it, for sure. But I wouldn’t trade my times in running for the world, for that is what it opened for me. See you in Falmouth! Toni
Wish I coulda been there at B2B with you and Joan again, Toni. Congrats on your long affiliation with the race. I enjoyed my one time there so much…. and maybe next year?! I love your stories about your parents and wish I coulda met them in person even just once. A shame since they lived in STL probably less than one hour from my home in SW Illinois! You are truly a blessing for our sport of American road racing and were in on some of the development when it grew from a quaint athletic endeavor in New England to a national craze and then settled down to something somewhat more manageable….if not slightly different than what it was at its peak in the 70’s, 80’s and maybe 90’s. Best wishes always. Craig Virgin
I appreciate those kind words, Craig. We were both lucky to discover in running a passion that would come to define our lives, you as a world champion athlete, me as a broadcaster and writer. We can only wish similar good fortune to all who follow in our wake. Best, as always. Toni