Michigan Runner, November / December 2009

In This IssueNovember / December 2009 Vol. 31, No. 5

Dathan Ritzenhein sets a PR in the 10,000 meter run at the IAAF World Championshipsin Athletics, Berlin, Germany. Photo by Victah Sailer, Photorun.net

At the Races

Features & Departments

CalendarNovember 2009 - February 2010 p. 28

Editor’s Notes: Buzzards By Scott Sullivan p. 4

Rockford Native Sets U.S. 5000-Meter Mark By Grant Lofdahl p. 6

Running Shorts with Scott Hubbard p. 8

Beyond the Chip: A Closet Full of Memories By Laurel Park p. 9

Beyond the Chip: Evenings in Berlin By Desiree Davila p. 11

Berlin Makes History Again withWorld Championships By Gary Morgan p. 12

Run the Reuther: 20 Years After By Dr. Edward Kozloff p. 14

20+-Year Crim VeteranMakes Race Debut By Bill Khan p. 21

Brooksie Way a Success (But What Was in the Cup) By William J. Kalmar p.22

Running with Tom Henderson p. 34

Michigan Runner - November / December 20092

Big House Big Heart Launches New Course, Added Distance By Tracey Cohen p. 7

Whale of a Turnout at RunWild for Zoo By Charles Douglas McEwen p. 10

Close to 1,000 Dig into Hot, Hilly Melon Run By Charles Douglas McEwen p. 15

Beaver Island Embraces First Marathon By Tracey Cohen p. 16

MSU Grad Students Rule at Capital City Runs By Charles Douglas McEwen p. 17

15,000+ Celebrate Ever-Growing Crim By Charles Douglas McEwen p. 18

Storm-Delayed TeamMarathonMakes Big Splash By Grant Lofdahl p. 20

Red October Draws Record Turnout Despite Wind, Rain By Charles Douglas McEwen p. 22

Second-Half Hills Thrill at Brooksie Way By Ron Marinucci p. 23

Kensington Hills Start Early –– and Never End By Charles Douglas McEwen p. 24

T-Rex Triathletes Romp Through Rain By Katie Kelly-Noble p. 24

Collegiate, Prep Harriers Shine at SpartanMeet By Katie Kelly-Noble p. 25

Playmakers Classic Improves with Age By Katie Kelly-Noble p. 25

Applefest Winners Harvest Cider, Pies By Charles Douglas McEwen p. 26

30th Annual Grosse Pointe Runs are Pearls Indeed By William J. Kalmar p. 26

Milford Labor Day Races are Labor Worth Loving By Charles Douglas McEwen p. 27

Witch’s Hat Run Conjures Spell for 500 Plus By Charles Douglas McEwen p. 35

Beauty Rises at Tahqua Falls By Tom Henderson p. 36

4 Michigan Runner - November / December 2009

While run-ning yes-terday I

saw buzzards over-head. Uh-oh.

I looked fordead things nearby.Nothing. I thoughtof friends who’dplaced last in races,trailed by pickuptrucks with guyspicking up thecourse cones. Or

by ambulances. Or hearses.I picked up my pace. Slugs and eons

passed. I thought of the last living World WarI veteran, Harry Patch, who died in EnglandJuly 25 at age 111. “His prime message,”said friend Jim Ross, “is that we should settledisputes by negotiation and compromise, notby war.”

Wimp. You would think, after 111 years,stirring words of “The Battle Hymn of theRepublic” — marching on God’s side, loosingfateful lightning ... — would have drownedout memories of his actual war experience.

I recalled battle hymns of Republicanswhen Dick Cheney, who had five Vietnam-eradraft deferments, shouted down soldiers likeColin Powell in sending off youths to enjoywar’s glories.

BuzzardsEditor’s Notes

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Nothing wrecks romance like experience.See enough others die for causes and youstart to think a better cause is to live.

I felt dead from my own running waragainst aging and self-indulgence ... my bodyhowling as the birds circled.

Even the best-trained runners go throughtheir hairy patches. We who are less so areforced to negotiate and compromise moreoften: cut back our mileage, pace ... save our“never say die” for affairs more urgent.

Running, once a be-all and end-all forme, has become part of something greater.

Wars waged by fanatics — against sloth,injustice, lies, name your Satan — have valueas scavengers ridding the world of the rot itgenerates. If what they fight for contains thesame innate rot, so be it.

When the wheel turns it’s a revolution,but if its axis is fixed the wheel merely spinsin place.

There is something greater. My body,laboring — trying to postpone its demise, nothasten it — needs things that I can provide it(more nutrition, rest) and things I can’t(fewer miles already accrued and years).

Each time I head out, it’s the same butdifferent. Birds revolve in the sky, the worldturns. I return to where my run started andthe axis seems fixed, yet everywhere.

I will carry on till I am carrion, it seems.MR

By Scott Sullivan

Scott Sullivan


By Grant Lofdahl

When Rockford native DathanRitzenhein was setting the highschool distance running world on

fire a decade ago, many so-called experts pre-dicted gold medals and American records forthe precocious youngster.

Ritzenhein won Footlocker national crosscountry titles as a junior and senior and wonthe state title his senior year by 55 seconds withan amazing 14:10 for 5000 meters — on grass.

While Ritzenhein, now 26 and based inPortland, Ore., has won collegiate and nationaltitles in the intervening years, he had never set aU.S. record until Aug. 28 this year.

He stepped onto the track for the 5000meters at the prestigious Weltklasse track andfield meet in Zurich, Switzerland, as a bit ofan afterthought in a field of African elitesincluding world record-holder KenenisaBekele of Ethiopia.

There had been talk of a possible assaulton Bekele’s standard of 12:37.35, and theearly pace was extremely fast. Ritzenhein, thelone non-African in the race, was hopingmerely to lower his own personal best of13:16 and was quickly relegated to the backof the pack.

His patience soon paid off however, asRitzenhein continued to hold a pace near 13minutes flat. Only two Americans, U.S. record-

holder Bob Kennedy (12:58.21) and Kenyan-born Bernard Lagat, had ever broken the 13-minute barrier and with a few laps to go it wasclear that Ritzenhein had a chance at it.

Bekele had passed the halfway point at aclose to world-record pace and many runnerschasing him later felt the effects. Ritzenheinpassed Kenyan standout after standout, click-ing off 62- and 63-second laps. With 800meters to go, he needed a 2:02 for his finalhalf-mile to challenge Kennedy’s record, seton the same track in 1996.

Bekele, realizing he was falling off world-record pace, needed only to hold on for thewin to earn a share of the $1-million GoldenLeague track and field jackpot. With lessthan 400 meters left, Ritzenhein was in sec-ond place and charging.

Bekele found another gear, as he has sooften during his eight world and Olympictitle races, and prevailed in 12:52. KenyanEdwin Soi passed the sprinting American inthe final straightaway for second place.

Ritzenhein crossed the line in 12:56.27,breaking Kennedy’s 13-year-old national recordby nearly two seconds. He appeared stunned atthe magnitude of his accomplishment.

“I didn’t want to put limitations andexpectations (coming into the race),” he toldthe Flotrack.org Web site. “I felt like 12:58was maybe not far-fetched, but it was defi-nitely a little bit of a pipe dream. I felt like Iwas in shape to get close to 13 minutes.

“I kept telling myself over and over againin the race, ‘I could break the Americanrecord.’ I kept telling myself that probably 50times just to try to keep myself going.”

Ritzenhein was coming off an excellentperformance and personal record at the IAAFWorld Track and Field Championships inBerlin less than two weeks earlier, when heclocked 27:22.28 in the 10,000 and placedsixth in warm conditions.

That race marked his debut under newcoach Alberto Salazar, an ex-distance greathimself who has enjoyed much recent suc-cess as a coach. Ritzenhein had beenfocused almost exclusively on marathonsrecently, including a ninth-place finish atlast summer’s Beijing Olympics and a PR of2:10:00 at London this April. Salazarencouraged him to go back to the track towork on his speed, and that advice paid offin Zurich.

Rockford Native SetsU.S. 5000-Meter Mark

Where’s Ritz? At first, Ritz appeared to be in the wrong race, runninglast in this field of 11. At about 3,000 meters, he began moving up inthe field, moving to seventh with two laps to go, then to second in thehome stretch and finishing in third. World-record holder, KenenisaBekele (third from right) was first.

Watch the video of Ritz’ record run:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKMZfYn6e80

or search YouTube: kenenisa 5000m golden league

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7Michigan Runner - November / December 2009

Salazar was nearly as surprised as hisprotégé at the U.S. record, but said it couldmark a watershed moment in American dis-tance running.

“What Dathan did today validates whateveryone in this country has been trying todo: to show Americans can run with the besteast Africans,” Salazar told USA Today.“What we needed was a kid born in thiscountry — here’s a kid from the Midwest —able to run with them.”

“After last week in Berlin, I had so muchconfidence,” Ritzenhein told Flotrack’s MarkFloreani. “I got in the race and I had mixedfeelings: ‘I feel like I should go for it becausewhen am I going to get these opportunities?It doesn’t happen often and I’m feeling great,’but at the same time (the pace) felt so fast. Ihad all these things going on in my head.

“Finally, with halfway to go, I just reallygot into it. I felt like I was grinding it out andcatching people. I could see Bekele comingback. It was awesome.”

Awesome indeed for a former RockfordRam state champion and now Americanrecord holder. MR

Ritzenhein set a personal recordat the IAAF World Track andField Championships in Berlinwhen he clocked 27:22.28 in the10,000 and placed sixth.

By Tracey Cohen

ANN ARBOR (10/04/09) – Neither overcastskies, a Wolverine football defeat at thehands of their Spartan rivals nor a gloomyeconomy dimmed the spirits of more than10,000 runners, walkers, spectators and vol-unteers who took part in the third annual BigHouse Big Heart 5K, 10K, 1-mile run andwalk charity event.

The day remained dry and windless withtemperatures in the mid-50s. A new 5K courseand the addition of a 10K race received ravereviews. The 8 a.m. 10K start let distance-hun-gry competitors run all three events.

Each race began at Michigan Stadiumwith a ceremony featuring special guestsincluding University of Michigan PresidentMary Sue Coleman and hockey coach RedBerenson.

After welcomes from Coleman andBerenson, 10K runners embarked on a two-loop course through the U-M campus.Natalie Lueth of Ann Arbor was glad therewas only one big hill and many downhills.

Sean Paraventi, who ran the 5K and 10K,felt that the courses’ many turns proved chal-lenging. He pronounced the hill “brutal —especially the second time around.” He saidan event with so many people could bedaunting, but having it at Michigan Stadium

where large crowds are accommodated regu-larly was a good thing — especially theabsence of long bathroom lines.

Chelsea Earls, the women’s 5K winner in19:07, said she liked this year’s course muchbetter, “especially running through more ofthe campus.”

Cuddly and enthusiastic mascots doledout high-fives and cheers as athletes of allages wound their way through campus anddown the stadium tunnel to a roaring rendi-tion of the Michigan fight song. After burst-ing onto the field while watching themselveson the U- M Jumbotron, runners finishedtheir mission on the 50-yard line amongcheering friends and family.

Ian Forsyth led the men in the 10K,crossing in 31:18. Last year’s 5K winner,Nadia Baadj, paced the women in 38:05.Joining Earls as a 5K victor was AndrewCoates, the top male in 15:26.

Race director Andrea Highfield said itappeared they would meet their goal of rais-ing $500,000 for nonprofit organizations.

Complete results and information on BigHouse Big Heart 2010 can be found awww.bighousebigheart.com.

Tracey Cohen can be reached by email at [email protected]. MR

Big House Big Heart, Ann Arbor

Big House Big Heart Launches NewCourse, Added Distance

The Big House Big Heart races start at Michigan Stadium–– the BigHouse

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Trivia: The buzz inthe sprint world

concerns the mag-nificent dashes of

Jamaica’s UsainBolt in the World

Track & FieldChampionships in

Berlin in August. AnEastern Michigan

University teammateof mine from

Trinidad & Tobagowon the Olympic100-meter gold in1976. Who is he?

RUN DOWN. The bane of runners areinjuries and illness. Rare are those who steerclear of a little or lot of down time to recoverfrom an ache or malady.

Three times I’ve missed a year to differentinfirmities, less time to the pain of a chippedbone in an ankle after a clumsy fall and a heelraked by spikes in a cross-country race.

Besides time off for accidents (which I’vehad plenty), I’ve lost time to days where I didtoo much, too fast and often. On those occa-sions I woke up to a symptom of stress,ignored it or played the edge ... and grew sickor hurt as a result.

I’ve shared signs of stress in this spacebefore, but enough time has passed that it’sworthwhile looking at them again. Too often weoverlook or downplay the significance of stressand paying the price is the unkindest cut.

I originally found signs of stress in twodifferent Runner’s World publications morethan 35 years ago. These are taken from anRW Booklet of the Month titled “Runner’sTraining Guide 1973.” You might want tocopy and post them as reminders:

Running doesn’t exist in isolation; it’s oneof many stresses the athlete has to cope with.This family of stresses works as one:

• Work stress: specific stress of running andgeneral stress of a day’s physical and mentallabor.• Emotional stress: anxiety, depression, bore-dom, etc.• Social stress: alienation, isolation, over-crowding, etc.• Dietary stress: too much food, too little,wrong type.• Health stress: injury, illness, infection, etc.• Rest stress: inadequate recovery from work,sleep deprivation.• Environmental stress: heat, cold, water andnoise pollution.

All these working together draw on theadaptive reserves. When the drain becomes too

heavy, certain mild symptoms occur. These arewarnings more serious trouble might developif care isn’t taken.

Signs of overdoing it:

1. Low level and persistent soreness and stiff-ness in the muscles, tendons and joints.2. Frequent mild colds and sore throats.3. Swelling and aching in the lymph glands,particularly in the neck, underarm and groinareas.4. Skin eruptions in non-adolescents.5. Excessive nervousness, depression, irritabili-ty, headaches and inability to relax or sleep.6. Nagging fatigue and general sluggishnessthat lingers from day to day.7. Aching stomach, often accompanied by lossof appetite and weight.8. Diarrhea or constipation.9. Unexplained drops in performance.10. Disinterest in normally-exciting activities

Take note of these gentle reminders andtake appropriate corrective action (which nor-mally means simply lowering the overall stresslevel). Reminders get progressively less gentle,symptoms more severe.

A good rule of thumb regarding aches is ifthey don’t ease away during the first mile of arun, it’s probably smart to stop and go to PlanB: lower the stress level. Plan B could includecycling, swimming or other non-weight-bear-ing exercises or plain old rest. Try a test mileanother day. Some of you have probably runthrough an ache, dodging injury. You’re theexception to the rule as too much stress nor-mally results in breakdown.

Heeding the signs of stress is good adviceand better medicine. Better to ease off nowthan miss an interminable amount of timelater (all missed time seems interminable).

RANDOM OBSERVATIONS.

1. I saw an unusually-large percentage of peo-ple running with traffic at their backs on theroads this summer. I cringe with concern whenI see that. Probably new runners.

2. I haven’t run a race in many years, so Ihaven’t paid much attention to capital-EEscalating entry fees. Fees have mushroomedthe past decade! Too much so? I can’t say forsure, but even if they haven’t that detail does-n’t ease the sting when writing a check orcharging it.

3. Seems like three in four runners I see areplugged into their favorite tunes, but only onein four are similarly equipped at races. I don’tknow why this.4. Three years ago in this space I wrote about theaccuracy of Garmin GPS units. I said, “In gener-al, I’d guess GPS units are accurate to about one

part in 100.” Every reading I’ve seen since sup-ports my guess. Example: a reading of 10.1 on aGPS watch equals 10 miles on the Crim 10-milecourse. A higher number at Crim means youdeviated some from the shortest possible route.Runners getting GPS figures from uncertifiedcourses and on training runs are advised to con-sider the 1 part in 100 formula to calculate actu-al distance covered.

5. Special congratulations to Rockford nativeDathan Ritzenhein for setting a new Americanrecord of 12:56.27 for 5000 meters on thetrack in Zurich, Switzerland Aug. 28. Ritz hasrepresented the U.S. internationally on thetrack, the roads and in cross-country, some-thing few others can claim.

6. I really, really hope winter 2009-10 ismilder than last year.

7. On a rainy first Saturday in November1969, 40 years ago, the Ann Arbor Huronboys cross-country team won the LowerPeninsula Class A Finals. I was on that team,along with Andy Campbell, Eddie Fisher, Carland Martin Hueter, Adrian Newby and super-soph Karl Tsigdinos. Our coach was DesRyan. The team win stands out on my shortlist of happiest sports experiences.

8. It had been 22 years since we’d last seeneach other, so I was tickled when Joan BenoitSamuelson said, “I remember you,” followinga pre-Crim race function. I joined the ‘84Olympic marathon gold medalist and GregMeyer (whose résumé isn’t shabby) for dinner.She’s as warm, centered, driven and busy as Irecalled, and on race day ran to a pendingAmerican 10-mile women’s 50-54 age-grouprecord by 1 1/2 minutes with her stellar1:00:30.

9. Runners and endurance athletes wereblessed with extraordinary summer weatherthis year. It was rarely too hot and unusually-cool temps made working out and racing lessof an ordeal. Thank you, Weather Mama!

10. Comments by a friend that he’d recentlygone on the longest-lasting run in his life mademe wonder about my longest. I don’t have tothink too hard because I was never one to goon extremely-long runs. The longest time I’verun continuously is 10 seconds under 3 hoursat the 1980 Glass City Marathon in Toledo.I’ve exceeded 3 hours dozens of times on bicy-cling training rides, tours and in races in thepast 10 years.

11. Speaking of cycling, if you ride a bikeplease wear a helmet. Your family and friendsthank you.

Answer: Hasely Crawford.The former Huron was also in the ‘72

Olympic 100-meter final. MR

Running Shorts with Scott Hubbard


A Closet Full of MemoriesBy Laurel Park

This Octobermarks thesixth

anniversary of myhusband’s forcedretirement fromrunning. For somereason, it seemsmuch longer thanthat.

Perhapsbecause the transi-tion was soabrupt: Walkedinto the doctor’soffice a runner;emerged an hour

later a former runner. Perhaps because it wasso absolute: No “final race,” no windingdown of training, no gradual withdrawalfrom running clubs and various running-related activities.

Perhaps, ironically, because we were bothso successful at accepting the diagnosis andmoving on.

Rich is good at that sort of thing anyway,and I really didn’t see anything to be gained bydwelling on a situation that couldn’t bechanged. Within a couple weeks he had pur-chased his first bike and was well on his way tohis “second career” as a competitive cyclist.

Cycling has become a major activity inRich’s life, just as running once was. He’s amember of a local cycling team and whileweekends used to be spent traveling to run-ning races, they’re now spent on 3-4 hourtraining rides or traveling to cycling races.

He has a new set of training partnersnow: a great group of guys who are tremen-dous fun to be around. It’s a lot like runningbut with much more (expensive) equipment.

When people ask me what I miss themost about Rich’s retirement from running,my response is immediate: Traveling to racestogether. Whenever possible I attend hiscycling events, but since those tend to lastseveral hours (excluding travel time), andsince weekends are really the only time I haveto take care of non-work activities, it’s notalways an option. And since he trains or hashis own events on weekends, Rich rarelycomes to my races anymore.

When I’m at a race I don’t tend to thinkabout this too much, not from any sense of

denial or such, but usually because I haveother things to focus on. I’m generallyengaged in the present rather than dwellingon the past.

The reminders of Rich’s nearly 25-year run-ning career still fill our home, of course. Ourcupboard contains an admirable collection ofrace mugs. The walls of our guest bedroom arefilled with race photographs. Jackets from vari-ous team races hang in our front closet.

A shelf in our basement is lined with oldrunning shoes, which I suspect will be clearedaway sometime in the not-too-distant-futureto make room for yet more wheels, gears andother mechanical gizmos.

And then, ofcourse, there arethe t-shirts.Dozens of t-shirts.Two decades’worth of raceshirts that are lit-erally crammedonto two largeshelves in our bed-room closet.

While I knowthere are peopleout there whohave a lot moreshirts than Richdoes (I believe it’ssome kind of psy-chological disor-der), his array isstill pretty impres-sive.

I’ve collectedmy fair share overthe years as well,but I make it apoint every nowand then to sortthrough them anddonate the onesthat I no longer wear.

Rich has a few shirts that haven’t seenthe light of day since Bush 1 was president.To his credit, he still wears many of them.And cyclists don’t seem to collect shirts atnearly the same rate as runners. So the shirtsare, for the most part, still useful.

One lazy Saturday morning last summer Istarted sifting through his shirts, looking forone in particular that I needed to complete aquilt. They were stacked haphazardly on the

shelves, in several piles, with some fallingunfolded and others buried deep against thewall.

I grabbed a handful at a time and tossedthem aside, rooting through the piles until Ifinally located the one I wanted. I then satdown and began folding the others that werescattered across the floor.

What I hadn’t expected was the flood ofmemories. All of a sudden — as if for thefirst time — it hit me that the shirts repre-sented a chapter of our lives that was closedforever. I’m not sure why; I’ve certainly fold-ed race shirts many times in the past sixyears. Maybe it was seeing them all together.Maybe it was seeing shirts that I hadn’t seenin several years. Whatever the trigger, it waspowerful stuff.

I found the shirt from the 1994 FalmouthRoad Race, which we ran on our honeymoon. Ifound shirts from races he’d run while a gradu-ate student at the University of Illinois.

I found shirts from the old “Twilight TripleCrown” series of the mid-1990s: TheRoadrunner Classic (when it was still anevening race), the Trenton 5-Miler and theAllen Park Street Fair 8K. I found the shirt fromthe 1995 Grandma’s Marathon, the race wherehe had qualified for the Olympic Trials.

I found a few truly old shirts from hisyears at Bucknell and a couple that I suspectdate from high school. There were the“Arizona” and “NCAA Cross-CountryChampionships” shirts from his senior yearof college, when the Bucknell XC team quali-fied for Nationals.

There was an old, faded adidas tank topthat he’s wearing in a photograph taken atone of his hometown races in the mid-1980s.I found the shirt from the 2003 Witch’s HatRun — the last race he ever ran.

The memories were bittersweet, of goodtimes that I’m loath to surrender. I miss thosedays and most of all I miss the companionship.I miss warming up and cooling down together,and cheering for each other at the finish.

But life goes on. Many of the friends whoshared in those events have moved on toother things in their lives, too. I considermyself lucky to have such terrific memories.

I finished folding the shirts, stacked themneatly in piles, and returned them to the clos-et. Then I turned off the light and shut thedoor. MR

Beyond the Chip

Rich Stark runsthe 1993 RiverBank Run.

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Whale of a Turnout at Run Wild for ZooBy Charles Douglas McEwen

HUNTINGTON WOODS (9/20/09) — As aveterinary technician, Paula Antoniou, 36, ofLake Orion works exclusively with cats, butshe has affection for larger animals as well.

So she was ecstatic to win the Bank ofAmerica Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo 5Krun, which raises money for the Ruth RobyGlancy Animal Health Complex and veteri-nary care for the zoo animals.

“I love this race,” Antoniou said. “I wasrunning with Team Macomb, a group ofalumni from my old (Macomb CommunityCollege) veterinary school . Being a veterinarytech, this race is a very big deal for me.”

Animal lovers of all varieties were amongthe record turnout of 2,857 this year.

Antoniou’s 19:39 time beat her former5K best of 20:18. Emili Jackson, 28, of RoyalOak finished three seconds behind her. Nextcame Jacqueline McKinley, 24, also of RoyalOak, in 19:55.

Though she ran wild at the zoo, Antonioudidn’t feel as free and easy as a gazelle.

“Actually, I felt horrible,” she grimaced.“5Ks are really hard because you have to runas fast as you can right from the start. Thewhole time you’re talking to yourself, saying,‘Keep it up. Keep it up. I know it hurts, but itwill be over soon.’”

Runners from the Rochester Hills-basedHansons-Brooks Development Project tookhome a lion’s share of victories.

Christian Wagner, 23, running his firstrace for Hansons-Brooks, roared to victory inthe men’s 5K. Erin Richard, 23, also new tothe program, claimed the women’s 10K. AndLuke Humphrey, 28, a six-year Hansons-Brooks veteran, dominated the men’s 10K.

Wagner finished the 5K in 14:50, morethan two minutes ahead of runner-up GavinSmith, 32, of Northville (16:53) and nearlythree minutes ahead of third-place finisherEric Prowse, 31, of Hazel Park (17:39).

“My coaches (brothers Kevin and KeithHanson) just told me to run hard,” Wagnersaid. “And that’s what I did.”

Richard coasted to her 10K victory in37:01. Next came Rochester residents Kelly

Morgan, 27 (37:56) and Sonja Hanson, 40(40:51).

Humphrey won the men’s 10K by almostfive minutes in 29:38, a road personal record.(He has a 29:03 PR on the track.) “I thoughtif everything went perfect today, I could runfairly fast,” he said. “But I’ve run 115 milesthis week, so I didn’t know if I could PRtoday.”

When the opportunity presented itself,Humphrey pounced on it. “Kevin (Hanson)was at the six-mile mark and yelled, ‘Youhave a good one going. Finish hard!’”recalled Humphrey. “So I did.”

Behind Humphey in second and thirdplaces Dave Chomet, 40, of Berkley (34:03)and Victor Brown, 46, of Canton (35:24).

The event, which included a funwalk inside the zoo and a post-race party,helped benefit the Detroit Zoological Society.Complete results can be found athttp://www.detroitzoo.org. MR

Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak

Paula Antoniou set a PR and wonthe Run Wild 5K.

Erin Richard, new to theHansons-Brooks distance project,won the 10K.

Ben Kendall, age 13, lost a shoe,but crossed the finish line in 18:23

Michigan Runner TVhttp://michiganrunner.tv/2009runwild/

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By Desiree Davila

Desiree Davila of the Rochester Hills-basedHansons-Brooks Distance Project enjoyed a break-

through performance at the IAAF WorldChampionships in Berlin Aug. 23, placing 11th inthe women’s marathon in personal-record time of2:27:53. Here, she looks back on her experience.

The World Championships’ host hotelwas the Estrel Berlin. It is so large Ibriefly got lost a time or two. It is out-

side the main city of Berlin and even furtherfrom the track, but during my short stay Inever felt disconnected from the competitiontaking place miles away.

For that short week and change, the hotelwas 100-percent dedicated to the WorldChampionships. It became the temporary homeof some of the best athletes in the world.

Those lucky enough to posses credentialswere greeted by three large security guardsbefore entering this track paradise.Immediately to the left was a large-screen TVwith a lineup of athletes waiting to play WiiSports, while others got competitive overpingpong or foosball matches. To the rightwas a results board, crowded by track geeksanalyzing the day’s performances. Straightahead sat a table covered with the daily meetprogram, filled with news, schedules and ath-lete profiles.

All of this was just in the lobby. Athleteswere scattered around relaxing, using lap-tops, watching TV ... the entire place was

buzzing. Meeting room after meeting roomwas filled with things for the athletes: mas-sages, TVs, ice baths and of course the mas-sive dining hall.

During the day everyone had their ownagenda and schedule. Athletes went in and outat will to practices, competitions, meetings andso on. Walking through the lobby for a run, Imight recognize a U.S. teammate having justfinished up his or her own workout. We wouldgive a head nod of recognition and continue ourways, off to finish our daily tasks.

Occasionally we’d chat briefly: “Hey,how’d your race go?” “Good, made it to thenext round” — short but sweet, and again onour way. During the day the Estrel was abusy little city of organized chaos.

With all the craziness, one thing was con-stant: Every evening at six a hush swept thehallways, the Wii was left unarmed, resultsboard bare and lobby looking like a ghosttown. At 6 p.m. only one room — the diningroom — was important.

At 5:45 athletes filled the serving areaand flooded their plates with maybe a littlemore food than needed, so there would be nointerruptions over the next few hours. At sixsharp, all eyes were forward as the track cov-erage was projected live onto the large screen.

The U.S. distance runners generallygrouped together, but it wasn’t uncommon to

find myself sitting among American throwers,jumpers or sprinters, feeling a sense of teamcamaraderie. Regardless of our disciplines,everyone was on the edge of their seat watchingthe final 100 meters of the men’s 1500, andthere was collective disappointment and sympa-thy for world record-holder Elena Isinbaeva asshe no-heighted in the pole vault.

In that dining room, for a handful ofhours every night, there was a sense of unity.Regardless of a competitor’s nationality,when Usain Bolt ran faster than any man everover 100 meters, there was amazement andpride among us all.

At that moment, I shared the same senseof wonder as the Polish discus thrower off tomy right and the Japanese marathoner sittingon my left. Sure, we couldn’t communicate aword about it, but the chills it sent down ourarms were the same. The feeling was unreal,the excitement palpable, and the energy

enough to produce a visceral thrill.

Every evening at six was the same andyet no evening was the same. The experi-

ence never lacked entertainment.

The World Championships were anamazing experience: running through theBrandenburg Gate, setting a PR and gettingthe opportunity to race in a USA jersey werecertainly among the highlights of my trip.

However, the one thing I will always remem-ber is the nights in the dining area. Theevenings where kicking back and watching atrack meet, enjoying doing a whole lot ofnothing, felt like everything. MR

Evenings in BerlinBeyond the Chip

Desiree Davila

Usain Bolt leads 100m semi-final. Elena Isinbaeva

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By Gary Morgan

BERLIN, GERMANY (8/15-23/09) — I knewgoing to Berlin for the 12th IAAF WorldAthletics Championships Aug. 15-23 wasgoing to be special with all the big namescoming, the history of the Olympic Stadiumand Berlin itself.

As I entered the city the day before com-petition started, excitement was everywhere. Igrabbed my credentials and headed to theBrandenberg Gate for the opening cere-monies. The show featured a symphony withsingers, rock band, Olympic champions andfireworks shot from atop the gate. It was aspectacular way to start a nine-day event thatthe whole world would be watching.

Day one of the competition brought meback to the Gate to watch the men’s 20-kilo-meter walk: a 2K loop that the athletes didten times. The start and finish were at thegate. There were lots of spectators, which thecompetitors had to like because usuallynobody watches walking.

Valery Borchin won, the start of a

Russian walking sweep. All the walks, plusthe men’s and women’s running marathons,started at the Gate, a great venue boastingJumbotrons, music, crowds and a festiveatmosphere.

Berlin’s famed Olympic Stadium, host ofthe 1936 Games where Jesse Owens set allthose records, served as track site. It is madeout of stone with statues all around it. It hada partial roof, new seats and track, but therest was original. The swimming pool, soccerfields and other parts of the 63-year-old com-plex are still standing too.

Shot putter Christian Cantwell gave theU.S. its first gold medal of the championship.The women’s 10,000 meters saw five womenin contention to win with 100 meters left;Linat Chepkwermoi Masai from Kenya won.America’s Amy Begley had a PR and finishedsixth. That exciting race set the tone foreverything that ensued.

I watched the women’s 20K walk on day twofrom the top of Victory Monument. From100 feet high I could see the beautiful cityspread out with all its parkland for recre-

ation. Russian Olympic gold medalist OlgaKaniskina won again.

The stadium crowd was bracing for his-tory in the making. The two fastest humansever, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay ofthe U.S., would be facing off in the 100. Thegun sounded and 9.58 seconds later it wasover; Bolt set another world record and Gaytook second in a new U.S. record. The crowdwent crazy. Track fans will talk about thatrace for years to come.

There were no events scheduled on themorning of day three except the media 800-meter run. There were 10 heats with 83 run-ners: the winners got trophies and watcheswhile the rest of us got the memory of run-ning in the World Championships. I won’ttell you my time; I used to walk faster thanthat!

The evening session saw upsets galore inthe women’s pole vault as the Russians failedto qualify. Polish women won first and sec-ond, with Chelsea Johnson of the U.S. tyingfor second to bring home the silver medal.This made up for her missing the Olympic

IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, Berlin, Germany

Photographer Victah Sailer freezes the action just after the gun as women sprinters take off at the WorldChampionships in Berlin.

Berlin Makes HistoryAgain with WorldChampionships

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team last year, Johnson said.

The men’s 10,000 metes was a phenome-nal race of strategy, pace and sprint speed.The leaders went through 5K in 13:40, thenthe hammer dropped. Kenenisa Bekele ofEthiopia ran the last 400 meters in 60 sec-onds flat to win by four seconds, his fourthtitle in these championships. Michigan nativeDathan Ritzehein set a PR in 27:22 to placesixth.

On day four Steffi Nerius of Germanycaptured the women’s javelin. The Germancrowd cheered for all the athletes, but wentcrazy supporting their own country men andand women.

Sanya Richards of the U.S. smiled ear-to-ear after winning the women’s 400 meters;she had only placed third in last year’sOlympics. American Kerron Clement, whoclaimed the men’s 400-meter hurdles, wasasked afterward if he was aiming for KevinYoung’s 17-year-old world record. “I’m stillworking on that 12-step routine,” he said.

On day five, the halfway point of theChampionships, I looked back on my time inthis vibrant, fun city with friendly residents.They were especially proud of how the BerlinWall came down without violence. This tookplace 20 years ago, yet you can find picturesof it everywhere.

So much was happening it was hard tochoose what to cover. One event I enjoyedespecially was sponsored by the LaureusFoundation, which raises funds and aware-ness for children in developing countries.Several Olympic champions, includingSebastian Coe, Edwin Moses and Kip Keino,serve as foundation spokesmen. They havedistributed shoes, soccer balls and computersto kids, in the process developing educationand sports for all.

Back on the track, German RobertHarting won the discus gold medal, thenflipped Berlino, the games’ bear mascot, asthe crowd went wild. Bernard Lagat of theU.S. was happy with his bronze in the 1500.At this level of competition, any medal’sgreat.

Day six saw another great field-eventdual in the women’s high jump as BlankaVlasic from Croatia defeated a Russian andAriana Friedrich, a German favorite. Blankawas dancing around the stadium after herwin. Bolt gave another superhuman perform-ance in the 200, posting another world-record time of 19:19. Nobody was close.

America had another decathlon champi-on in Trey Hardee. As I watched the decath-letes run the 1500 meters, I knew they werehurting after doing nine other events in thelast 48 hours. They are my heroes of trackand field.

As great as the 1936 Olympics were inthis stadium, we were witnessing history onceagain — this time before a very differentcrowd and world.

The men’s 50K walk on day seveninvolved 25 brutal loops of a 2K course,going five miles longer than the marathon.Sergey Kirdyapin won gold to complete theRussian walk sweep. His time of 3:38:35would have taken him through the marathonmark in 3:02:00. Jesus Garcia, 40, fromSpain was the oldest medalist at these games,winning bronze.

On the track, two-time defendingwomen’s 200-meter champion Allyson Felixof the U.S. put the hammer down from thestart to win convincingly over her Jamaicanchallengers. In the men’s 400, LaShawnMerritt pulled away from U.S. countrymanand rival Jeremy Wariner in the final 100meters. What a way to wrap up the night.

The men’s marathon on day eight washeld on a 10K loop starting and ending at theGate. I could see a lot of it going back andforth to the 5K and start-finsh line. The lead-ers were cooking on this course, running sub30-minute 10Ks consistently. Abel Kirui ofKenya won in 2:06:54, a new championshiprecord, before a crowd in excess of 50,000people. The athletes loved the big crowds atthis event.

Sponsors held a post-marathon 10K forall of us recreational athletes. I joined 16,000runners tackling the championship course ata considerably slower pace. Everyone whofinished got a medal with the BrandenbergGate on it. I give organizers credit for makingthese Championships for everyone: athletes,media, spectators and volunteers.

On the track, the men’s pole vault turnedinto one of the most-impressive performancesI’ve ever seen. Steve Hooker from Australiatook only two vaults because he was hurt.First he jumped at 5.85 meters, the leadingheight, and missed. Then he had the barmoved up to 5.90 and made the height forthe win.

The women’s hammer throw produced anew world record and everyone stuck aroundto see it. Anita Wlodarczyk from Poland wongold, plus a $100,000 check. Betty Hedler seta new German record.

Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya took gold in thewomen’s 5000 meters, with second and thirdless than one second back. The men’s andwomen’s 4x100 were swept by the Jamaicans.Dwight Phillips won the men’s long jump andwas presented the gold medal by JesseOwens’ granddaughter.

The last day of the Championshipsbrought me back to the Gate for the women’smarathon. American Kara Goucher placed10th, a disappointment for her. However,Desiree Davila from Michigan finshed 11thwith a PR of 2:27:53, a fantastic race for her.

I went to a press conference where themayor of Berlin gave Bolt a piece of the Wallwith his likeness on it. It will take a cargoplane to get that memento home. On thetrack, American Brittney Reese won gold inthe long jump, as did the U.S. men’s andwomen’s 4x400 relay teams: a bit of redemp-tion for not placing in the 4x100.

It was a spectacular Championship thatthe world enjoyed watching. The Germansmust be commended for their efforts. Berlin,already a great city, was made more so bythis event. MR

Becky Breish, from Edwardsville, Michigan, competes in the discus inthe Olympic Stadium.

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Run the Reuther: 20 Years AfterBy Dr. Edward Kozloff

Dec. 10 marks the 20th anniversary of“Run the Reuther.” Most people havefew chances to run on a freeway, par-

ticularly one expected to have 130,000 vehi-cles travel it daily upon opening.

I-696 cost more than $765 million (a lotof money in 1989) and was over threedecades in the making. It connected southOakland County suburbs, linking I-96 in thewest to I-94 in the east.

Opposition from municipalities worriedthat the highway would cut through theircities, and the resultant legal action, causedyears to pass after the eastern portion theReuther had been finished. Eventually,though, the final link was completed.

Early in 1989, the Motor City Striderssought Michigan Department ofTransportation permission to conduct a run-ning event on the freeway before its officialopening. Unlike cars that now travel on I-696, the wheels of government move slowlyand it wasn’t till fall that approval was given.

There was little time to promote theevent, especially given the Striders’ packedeight-race fall calendar. Now we had addedRun the Reuther, detailed plans had to bedeveloped.

We scheduled one-mile and 5K runsstarting at 10:30 and 11 a.m. respectively.The Detroit Zoo was the staging area, mak-ing use of not only its parking lot but alsothe freeway itself east of Woodward Avenuefor cars.

Both races started on the entrance rampwest of Woodward. The mile stayed on thewestbound side of the road, going out to ahalf-mile turnaround point and returning tothe finish line.

The 5K headed westbound on I-696 tothe Coolidge exit, where the runners traveledup the ramp, crossed over the freeway andcame down the eastbound ramp, runningback to the finish line west of Woodward.

We expected 800 to 1,000 runners.However, as the race date approached wewere processing 300 to 400 new applicationsdaily. This necessitated increasing the shirtorder by 500 every three days or so. The pre-entry fee of $8 included free parking, race t-shirts, commemorative medals and ribbons.On race day the fee was increased to $10.

Race-day weather was reasonable forDec. 10. Temperatures hovered in the low

30s and there was no snow to contend with.Because of the crowd size, the mile started abit later than the announced 10:30 a.m. time.

In this race Alan VanMeter, 32, ofSouthfield, quickly left the field and had aclear lead at the turnaround. He eased up atthe finish to cross in 4:37, seven secondsahead of runner-up Greg Gillson, 29, ofWindsor.

Women’s champ Ella Willis, 32, ofDetroit, enjoyed an even easier time as sheposted a 42-second victory over Carol Rice,36, of Royal Oak, 5:24 to 6:06. This proved

just a warm-up for Willis, who in Octoberhad broken her own Detroit Free PressMarathon record with a time of 2:38.22, herthird triumph in that classic.

Less than a half-hour later Willisreturned to the starting line for the 5K, whichshe won in 17:38, defeating fellow Free PressMarathon winner Cindy Barber, 32, ofMilan, who placed second in 18:08.

It was some year for Willis who wasnamed “Michigan Runner of the Year” forthe second time and Best Sport Person of1989 by the Detroit Free Press, beating lumi-

Cars are few and runners are many at the start of the Mile Run on I-696-- The Reuther, December 10, 1989-- days before the new highwayopened.

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naries such as Bo Schembechler, Joe Dumarsand Steve Yzerman.

The men’s 5K race was much closer. Twoformer collegiate competitors — ShaunButler, 23, of Dearborn and PaulAufdemberge, 24, of East Detroit — left thefield behind with a half-mile to go. Butleredged Aufdemberge by one second, hittingthe finishing tape in 15:09.

VanMeter returned from his mile victoryto place ninth in 15:55. He was one of onlyfour runners over age 30 who finished in thetop 25, with that place clocking 16:39. The25th woman finished in 20:57.

Today Butler is a Ferndale High School

assistant principal and athletic director.Aufdemberge, in his mid-40s, still competesat a high level. In September this year, hewon his third USATF National Masters 15KChampionship in Buffalo, N.Y., with a timeof 46:53, a 5:02 mile pace.

The runners and walkers who finishedbehind the leaders ranged in age from threeto over 80. As the last of them crossed thefinish line, the total of 5,000-plus participantsmade this the largest first-time (and only)running and walking event in state history.

So many additional entrants signed up onrace day that another t-shirt order had to bemade. The state road department generously

mailed out more than 500 shirts to participantswho were unable to receive them on race day.Miniature I-696 signs had been made, framedand engraved to present to winners.

A few days later, the official ribbon-cut-ting ceremony for the highway took placewith Gov. James Blanchard and a hundred orso dignitaries on hand. Fatefully, this washeld on a snow-swept day and the ceremonywas on a rather-empty highway ... a far cryfrom the festive, highly-charged Run theReuther.

Dr. Ed Kozloff, longtime Motor City Striderspresident, is also a curator of state runninghistory, with archives kept at his home. MR

Close to 1,000 Dig into Hot, Hilly Melon RunBy Charles DouglasMcEwen

HOWELL (8/14/09) — Last yearKirk Walrath won the Melon Run10K while his wife, Timianne,took second in the women’s race.This year, Timianne claimed thewomen’s 10K while Kirk finishedrunner-up among men.

“It was muggy and challeng-ing,” Timianne said. “But it’s goodto have a challenging race beforethe Crim (Festival of Races in FlintAug. 22).”

The Melon Run, presented bythe Howell Area Parks &Recreation Authority, had a newcourse for its 32nd year. The 5Kand 10K runs started downtowninstead of at Howell City Park. Asthey have in past, the 5K and 10K(two loops of the 5K course) trav-eled along a lake, through a grave-yard and through the city park.

“I liked this better than lastyear’s course,” said Timianne, 35,of Fenton. “My time was slower,but the humidity was worsetoday.”

Her 41:34 effort topped runner-up andmasters champ Jane Morse, 48, of Chelsea(42:09) and another masters runner, KrysBrish, 45, of Milford (42:38).

The field of close to 1,000 entriesincluded collegiate runners preparing forcross-country season. University ofMichigan sophomore Bobby Aprill, 18,

won the men’s 10K in 32:43, edging KirkWalrath, 39 (34:50) and Andrew Porinsky,24, of Dexter (35:52). Eric Stuber, 46, ofLansing was fourth overall and top masterin 37:17.

“I’ve been injured, so I haven’t racedcompetitively since February,” Aprill said.“I wanted to get in a good one before Ireport to the team next week.”

Michigan State University team-mates Rebekah Smeltzer and EmilyLangenberg, both 20, raced each otherthrough midway in the women’s 5K.

“On a big downhill, I went afterit,” Smeltzer said. “I’m not good withhills and wanted a flatter course, Butthey were good for my coming season.

“Overall I liked the race,” shecontinued. “You can’t beat runningalong the water with the sun setting inthe distance.”

Smeltzer timed 17:44 toLangenberg’s 18:02. Cheri Salmeto,39, of Pinkney took third in 19:47.Cathie Leavy, 43, of Birmingham ledthe women masters in 22:50.

Recent Eastern MichiganUniversity graduate, Neal Naughton,23, of Dexter won the men’s 5K in15:50.

“I’ve run 14:17 (for 5K) on thetrack,” he said. “But considering thecourse, I’m pleased with my timetoday.

He beat out Pinckney area run-ners Nick Katsefaras, 22 (16:10) and

Matt Wines, 19 (16:24). Jeff Hough, 40, ofHowell led the masters in 17:57.

The Melon Run also included a mile run,200-meter Melon Dash, Melon Roll wheretoddlers roll melons down a hill, and a TotTrot.

Complete results can be found athttp://www.gaultracemanagement.com. MR

10K winner Bobby Aprill (left) and 5K champNeal Naughton run side-by-side on the two-loop Melon Run course.

Melon Run, Howell

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Beaver Island Embraces First Marathon

By Tracey Cohen

BEAVER ISLAND (9/5/09) — Race day radiat-ed clear blue skies and temperatures in the 60sfor the throngs from two countries and 14states who took part in the first-ever BeaverIsland Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K.

The island, called by some “America’sEmerald Isle” due to its many residents ofIrish descent, rises from Lake Michigan 32miles north of Charlevoix. It can be accessedby a two-hour boat ride or 15-minute flight.

Race director and Good Boy Events co-owner Ron Suffolk said he and wife, Sharon,have “always been intrigued by BeaverIsland,” based largely on the support they’vereceived for their Charlevoix Marathon fromthe Beaver Island Boat Co.

After a friend visited the island andencouraged the Suffolks to check it out, theydid not look back, embracing the challengesof planning an event in a setting with limitedaccess and accommodations.

The response from the island’s chamberof commerce, community, airlines and BoatCo. was huge, said Suffolk. “Local reactionwas 99-percent positive,” chamber directorSteve West said.

This was obvious on race day as residentsvolunteered help, ran in events themselvesand/or offered their homes to accommodateparticipants.

The Boston-certified marathon course — acombination of pavement, dirt, clay, trail andgravel — allowed runners to explore the island’stranquil beauty and vibrant downtown.

“This is the epitome of northernMichigan,” said Nick Liversedge after win-ning the half marathon in 1:18:30.

Pam Iyer, the half marathon women’smasters champ in 1:48:48, said she “lovedthe forest part. It was nice and cool, and thescenery was so pretty.”

Bill Fuchs, a marathon age-group winner,

enjoyed the double-loop course. “It was greatto see everyone — especially their faces. Iusually only get to see people’s backs.”

Many runners took advantage of theraces’ beach start and finish, treating musclesafterward to a dip in Lake Michigan.

“The race organization was great, espe-cially for a first-time event,” said RogerRybicka, 61, of Ft. Collins, Colo.

West called the Good Boys Event team“real professionals. We look forward to nextyear and doing even better.”

The unspoiled, unhurried locale wasnaught to slow race performances. Marathonmasters winner Bill Fix was thrilled to meethis goal of qualifying for Boston in 3:27:37.

Rich Power, 45, of Rochester dominatedthe marathon, crossing in 2:55:14. Karen Kirtled the women in 3:38:08, while MichelleRandazzo, 42, of Washington won mastershonors in 3:56:38.

Debbie Lenters, 41, of Holland waswomen’s half marathon winner in 1:35:31.Scott Liversedge, 56, of Ada claimed themen’s masters’ title in 1:30:37.

For complete race results and to viewcoverage of this year’s race, visitwww.goodboyevents.com/BeaverIsland.shtmland www.marathonchronicles.com.

Tracey Cohen can be reached by e-mailat [email protected]. M

Run Beaver Island Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K, Beaver Island

Beaver Island Marathon start

Race Director Ron Suffolk pres-ents the first place overall awardin the marathon to Rick Powers.


MSU Grad Students Rule at Capital City RunsBy Charles Douglas McEwen

LANSING (9/27/09) — In recent years theCapital City River Run, which benefits theImpression 5 Science Center, has grown fasterthan an adolescent stegosaurus.

This year was no exception. Some 2,719participants turned out, over 500 more thanthe previous record total, according to DickMiles, one of the race directors.

“The numbers are well up,” Miles said.“The weather is great. We thought it mightrain, but we had a gorgeous day. Plus we hadbig crowd of spectators and a science fair atthe finish line courtesy of Impression 5.”

Two Michigan State University graduatestudents dominated the half marathon. ScottSchmick, 26, who is studying chemistry, wonthe men’s race, while Erin Maloney, 27,working on her doctorate in communica-tions, paced the women.

Maloney led from the start and did notsee a woman competitor until after shecrossed the finish. Schmick, on the otherhand, had competition from two of his clos-est friends, Jacob Crowe, 27, of Grand Ledgeand Jerome Recker, 26, of Lansing.

“It was great to have Jerome and Jake inthe race with me,” Schmick said. “We all traintogether and we shared the lead at the start.”

The trio, each wearing red-and-whitePlaymakers singlets, went through the firstmile in about 5:35.

“After that, Scott took off,” Crowe said. “Itried to go with him (while Recker droppedoff). I was a few steps back for a while, then hejust got farther ahead each mile.”

Schmick won with a PR of 1:10:07. “Iwas hoping to break 1:10:00, but I’m stillhappy with my time,” he said.

Next came Crowe in 1:13:57 and Recker in1:14:16. Eric Stuber, 46, of Lansing was firstamong masters and sixth overall in 1:17:18.Doug Kurtis, 57, of Livonia claimed the grandmasters title and was 15th overall in 1:23:13.

Maloney, running this race for the firsttime, led the women by almost four minutes in1:25:55. “I’m running the Chicago Marathon intwo weeks, so this was kind of my last long runbefore that,” she said. “I just tried to keep agood pace and stay solid.”

A former 400-meter hurdler, Maloneyhas moved on to longer races. “As I get olderI’m liking them longer and slower, instead ofthe shorter and faster,” she said.

Another MSU grad student, EmilyJohnston, 25, took second in 1:29:41. “I washoping to just get under 100 minutes and Igot under 90, so that was very good for me,”she said.

Timianne Walrath, 39, of Fenton finishedthird in 1:30:16. Beth Ciangi, 44, of Lowelltopped the masters and claimed fifth overallin 1:31:51. Kari Chandler, 56, of Okemoswas the grand masters champ in 1:39:14.

MSU students ruled the 5K. SophomoreAdam Izer, 19, wearing Spartan green, tookthe men’s title in 16:38. Marcia Backstrom,25, another grad student wearing aPlaymakers shirt, led the women in 21:41.

Izer had hoped to break 16 minutes.“This is my PR,” he said of his 16:38, “butI’m trying to make the MSU cross-countryteam and breaking 16 would help a lot.”

The top 5K masters were Dale Hool, 50,of Jackson (18:11) and Lisa McCray, 41, ofShepherd (22:20). Leading the grand masterswere Chuck Block, 53, of Lansing (18:53)and Sharon Dolan, 67, of Westphalia (23:02).

Major sponsors included InghamRegional Medical Center, Meijer, NewBalance, Sohn Linen Service, Playmakers andWLNS-TV6.

For complete race results, go tohttp://www.ccriverrun.org.

Michigan Runner TVhttp://michiganrunner.tv/2009capitalcity/

Capital City River Run, Lansing

World-record-holder Amy Dodsonspoke at the pre-race dinner.

Erin MaloneyScott Schmick

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15,000+ CelebrateEver-Growing Crim

By Charles Douglas McEwen

FLINT (8/22/09) — More than 15,000 run-ners, walkers, wheelchair racers and handcy-clists found the unseasonably-cool weather totheir liking at the 32nd annual Crim Festivalof Races, presented by HealthPlus ofMichigan.

Race founder and former state HouseSpeaker Bobby Crim announced numbers atthe awards ceremony, after 15,517 partici-pants had completed the various events. Thesignature Crim 10-Mile alone had 9,466,which continues to make it the largest race ofthat length in Michigan.

With the women’s 10-mile serving as theU.S.A. Track & Field national championship,a star-studded field gained even more talent.But from the very first person to finish onthis 58-degree morning, speed was king.

That first person was Dane Pilon, winnerof the handcycle 10-mile competition. Thehandcycle and wheelchair races started at7:30 a.m.; by the time the 10-mile runnersstarted their race 30 minutes later, Pilon, 49,of Fayetteville, N.C., had finished his.

Pilon, who won last year’s Detroit FreePress/Flagstar Marathon handcycle race, set aCrim course record crossing in 28:36, almostseven minutes ahead of runner-up GlenAshlock, 48, of Brooklyn (35:35).

The wheelchair winners also checked inwith fast times. Chad Johnson, 34, ofCharlestown, Ind., won the men’s race for thesecond year in a row (41:52), while EmilyMcQueen, 28, of Okemos led the women(1:01:53).

In the 10-mile run, Enock Mitei, 28, ofKenya and Alemitu Albera, 23, of Ethiopiahad the fastest men’s and women’s times sinceSamuel Kosgei and Alevtina Ivanova won therace in 2006.

Mitei and Boaz Cheboiywo, 31, a Kenyan-born runner who now lives in Ypsilanti, led therace after two miles. “Then he just took off,”said Cheboiywo. “And that was that.”

Mitei won in 46:50. Cheboiywo battledFestus Langat, 24, of Kenya for second. “He

sat on me the whole way,” Cheboiywo said.

Langat beat Cheboiywo with a surge atthe end, taking second in 47:29. Cheboiywo,also third last year, was the top Michigan fin-isher for the fourth year in row. His 47:36was by far his best time here.

“I was about 34 seconds faster than lastyear and I felt good all the way,” he said.

The second and third state finishers wereDan Jackson, 20, of Dexter (49:29) and

Nicholas Stanko, 28, ofHaslett (49:47), claim-ing 10th and 12th over-all.

Paul Aufdemberge, 44, of Redford alsohad a big day, passing Joseph Koech, 40, ofKenya on the seventh mile and going on toearn the men’s masters title for a second yearin a row. Aufdemberge clocked 50:33, withKoech in second in 50:59 and Tracy Lokken,43, of Marquette third (52:17).

“Paul ran a good race,” Lokken said.“Overall, the weather was ideal. There was alittle breeze, but you can’t beat this kind ofweather in August.”

With the women’s race being the national10-mile championship, Crim officials thoughtthey might see the first U.S. overall queensince the mid-1990s. But a group of youngEthiopians led throughout.

Albera won in 53:49. Next cameBelainesh Gebre, 21, in 53:51 and TeybaNaser, 20, in 53:52.

“They worked together,” said MollyHuddle, 24, of the Ethiopians. “They lookedlike they were running easy, just doing ahard workout. I tried to latch onto them andstay with them.”

Huddle, an ex-Notre Dame star whonow lives in Providence, R.I., was fifth over-all and the first American in 53:59. “It’salways an honor to win an American champi-onship,” she said.

It was Huddle’s first 10-mile road race.“I usually stick with 5Ks and 10Ks,” shesaid. “But I wanted to explore the distance.”

Edith Masai, 41, of Kenya, who was sec-ond overall here last year, finished women’smasters champ in 55:57, beating 1984Olympic Marathon gold medalist Joan BenoitSamuelson, 52, of Freeport, Maine (1:00:30)

Hansons-Brooks Development Projectrunner Melissa White, 28, paced theMichigan women in 57:31.

“I’m working toward a marathon, so Iwas only trying to do a 5:40 (per-mile) pace,”White said. “But running the Crim was anawesome experience overall.”

The second and third state women wereAndrea Pomaranski, 27, of Farmington Hills(57:48) and Andrea Parker, 23, of Northville(57:49). Lisa Veneziano of Fenton was thetop Michigmaster (1:00:41).

Teens dominated the 8K competition.

Crim Festival of Races, Flint

In her first 10 Mile race, MollyHuddle hits the bricks of Saginawto win the USATF NationalChampionship.

Michigan Runner TVhttp://michiganrunner.tv/2009crim/

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Jason Drudge, 19, a Western MichiganUniversity sophomore running the race forthe first time, led the men in 27:22, whileGrand Blanc High School junior GabrielleAnzalone, 15, paced the women for the thirdyear in a row.

Anzalone, who timed 32:42 in 2007 and31:37 last year, entered hoping to break 30minutes for the first time. She finished in29:42 with only three men ahead of her.

Drudge was impressed. “She took offwith me at the beginning for the first fewblocks,” he said. “Then she fell behind me,but she was really moving.

“This is by far the biggest race I haveever won,” Drudge said.

Claiming 5K titles were Mitchell BlakeSly, 20, of Port Huron (16:41) and MayaStovall, 27, of Birmingham (19:31).

In the 10-mile competitive race walk,Leon Jasionowski, 64, of East China(1:32:43) and Becky Benjamin, 44, of SwartzCreek (1:39:39) won crowns.

For complete results, go tohttp://www.crim.org. MR

Alemitu Albera’s 53:49 edged twoother Ethiopian women by sec-onds for the 10 Mile win.

Lex Williams (left) battles Nick Stanko (middle) and Dan Jackson fortop Michigan honors in the Crim 10 Mile.

Joan Benoit Samuelson, 52, wassecond master with a pendingAmerican record time of (1:00:30).

Enoch Mitei leads on the BradleyHills on his way to the Crim 10Mile win.P

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Storm-Delayed Team Marathon Makes Big SplashBy Grant Lofdahl

BEULAH (8/8/09) — In its 29years, the Crystal Lake TeamMarathon had never beforeendured thunderstorms at racetime. The heavy, drenching rainsthat moved through the northernLower Peninsula on the night ofAug. 7 combined with early-morning thunder and lightningto threaten the running of thepopular relay race.

Clearer skies eventually pre-vailed, though, and as the light-ning tapered off and rain contin-ued to fall, the race began 30minutes later than scheduled.Race founder and recently-retired Benzie Central HighSchool cross-country coachEldon “Pete” Moss and othersconvinced organizers that theevent should indeed go on, andwhen the announcement “Therace will start at 8:30!” wasmade, a cheer went up from the huddled massesaround the pavilion near the start line.

The hearty souls who ran the first twolegs of the race knew what they were in foras far as hills, but Mother Nature providedenough liquid sunshine to make the first partof the race even more challenging than usual.

By the time most teams were onto thethird leg of the race, the rain had let up. Butthe third and fourth runners didn’t havethings any easier, as the wind came howlingoff Crystal Lake straight into their faces, evenblowing froth from the waves up onto theroad at times.

Those who run the final leg at the CLTMget to do a 10K instead of the 5-mile legs runby their teammates, and this year those 10K-ers had the best conditions in which to run.The wind was partially buffeted by trees andthe rain was gone as a group of CalvinCollege alumni known as the Knights TrackClub crossed the line first in 2:19:19.

Alums Robert Hyde, Brian Paff, TimLangenberg, Dan VandenAkker and KrisKoster outpaced the Calvin Knights (2:22:02)team of current runners George Visser, KyleMast, Edwin Wainaina, David VandeBunteand Nick Kramer as one of the nation’s bestDivision 3 cross-country programs dominatedthe men’s division.

Team Dirty Girl, made up of MikeMangieri, Alex Best, Ryan Chute, AlexBladecki and Mike Schulte and representing

Ferris State, was third in 2:26:17.

The women’s division was won by theaptly-named Five Chicks Faster than theBoys, who were indeed faster than all but 15of the 75 teams in the race. The “FiveChicks” — Jackie Rzepecki, Jamie Rzepecki,Erin O’Mara, Leah Scharl and MarybethReader — competed in the 145-184 com-bined-age division, but their 2:43:59 time faroutdistanced the second-place women’s teamThe Electrons (2:55:29), made up of high-school and soon-to-be-college standoutsKaitlyn Patterson and Katie VanderVelde ofCadillac, Carly Plank of Grand RapidsNorthview, Ellen Junewick of Forest HillsEastern and Brittany Anderson of Leroy-PineRiver.

In third place was the Silly GooseRunning Club team of Ali Wiersma, DevanJohn, Brittany Andres, Anna Solorsano andCamille Borst. All were members of theAllendale High School cross country teamencouraged to run the CLTM by their coach(yours truly) and exceeded his expectationswith a time of 3:05:58.

The mixed division title went to TheGreen Team, which consisted of LansingCommunity College athletes AddisHabtewold, Ryan Rebain, Tyler Slentz,Andrew Franklin and Ellory Green. Their2:30:52 was good enough for sixth placeoverall.

Second went to The Revenge of TeamDrew Peacock, an Alma College bunch

including Joe Whitman, Wade Peacock, MikeBremer, Steve Rose and Kellee Lemcke, in2:35:03; while Piles of Miles (Eddie Bollman,Chad Bollman, Casey Stokes, JacobArgersinger and Rachel Whitley) placed third.

This writer’s team, creatively namedFishelishus after team member (and mascot)Dan Fishel, placed fourth in the mixed divi-sion but did manage to defeat its arch-rival,Nothing but Fat & Gristle. Teams weredivvied up the previous night at the home ofBenzie Central coaches Asa and Traci Kelly,and a great time was had by all of our most-ly-Grand Valley State alumni group.

Other age group winning teams includedForty Times Five in the mixed 200-269bracket and Old Legs, Young Hearts 1 in themixed 270+ division. In the women’s sec-tions, Eye Candy took the 185-224 group,while the Hot Flashes won 225-274 and theGreatest Generation squad won in 275+.

Men’s division winners included SoundsBig Track Club (a true high school all-starteam organized by Maryland standoutAndrew Palmer, who spends his summers inBeulah) in the 0-89 bracket as well as Crummand the Lost Boys (145-184), Robin (185-224), Feet Don’t Fail Me Now (225-274) andOld but Slow (275+).

Sue Rosenhauer, who ran the entire wet,hilly marathon herself, deserves special men-tion, as do the duo of former Division 4cross-country champ Marissa Treece and for-mer Benzie Central standout Scotty McKeel,

Crystal Lake Team Marathon, Beulah

Crystal Lake Team Marathon race director Paul Szymanski, looks a little nervousbefore starting this year’s field after a 30 minute rain delay. Paul saw a guy electro-cuted at work once (eating a sandwich and learning against a construction cranewhen lightning struck it) and wanted nothing like that on his conscience.

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20+-Year Crim Veteran Makes Race DebutBy Bill Khan

It was moments before the start of theCrim 10-mile road race. Like other run-ners in the seeded start area, I was going

through final warmups when I was struckby the enormity of the Crim.

It wasn’t the sight of 9,300 other partic-ipants as I gazed south on Saginaw Street,though it was awe-inspiring.

Nope, it dawned on me what a reallybig deal this race is when I looked to myright and saw Joan Benoit Samuelsonpreparing for her run. Then I ran past aKenyan while doing stride-outs while he wasjogging.

This wasn’t my first Crim and I was cer-tainly as aware as anyone what it means local-ly, nationally and internationally. I had coveredthe race for The Flint Journal every year since1991, plus a few times in the 1980s.

I knew the history of the race, its loftystanding in the running community and everyinch of the course from training on it for years.

But this would be the first time I actual-ly joined the masses taking part in the 10-mile run through the streets of Flint. Thiswas something I’ve always wanted to doand, since I was in the best running shape ofmy life, figured this was a good time to letsomeone else ride the press truck while Iexperienced this wonderful spectacle first-hand.

I fidgeted nervously as Clio’s RileyMcLincha, who has run all 33 Crims, sangthe national anthem moments before thestart. Yes, I wanted to enjoy the Crim expe-rience, but I also came here to run the bestpossible race. Having nursed a sore foot theprevious three days, I didn’t know if mybody was up to the task.

As we took off from the line, my firstimpression was this: I never, ever want torun a big-city mega marathon (exceptBoston, of course).

Even in the seeded start area, I walkedfor about 10 seconds before going into aslight jog as we approached the start-linemat. Once on the course, I cautiously tried

to avoid getting tripped by all those feetrunning near mine. I can only imagine howcongested it was deeper in the pack.

Somewhere in the second mile, we werefinally able to move around a bit and runour race. One of the coolest parts of the raceis around 1.5 miles when you cross SaginawStreet again with a large crowd cheering asyou head out toward the meat of the Crimcourse. There are spectators almost every-where, providing energy and inspiration torunners who might otherwise give in toweary legs and burning lungs.

After battling through the dreadedBradley Avenue hills, I was looking throughthe crowds, hoping to make eye contactwith anybody I might know who couldrespond with some encouragement. I neededit badly at this point in the race, but wasable to recover somewhat during the slightdownhill before Miller Road.

It was around the seven-mile mark inthe beautiful Parkside neighborhood that Ibegan to visualize what it would be like tofinally finish a Crim 10-mile on the SaginawStreet bricks. I got excited just thinkingabout it, but still had too much work left tolose focus.

Of course, my work was never far frommy mind. I was going to write a column forThe Journal about my race, so I tried tokeep meticulous mental notes. I wondered,too, about the progress of the elite race Iwould normally be watching. By my calcula-tion, overall winner Enock Mitei was cross-ing the finish line while I still had 2 3/4miles left.

I was running a great race by my stan-dards, which adds to my sense of amazementover the ability of these world-class runners.Mitei averaged 4:41 per mile, a pace I mightbe able to hold for an all-out quarter mile ifI’m lucky. Then I would collapse and he’dkeep running like that for another 9 3/4 miles.

The beauty of running, though, is ourmain competition is ourselves. There werethousands of successful races in the Crimpack this fourth Saturday of August, fromMitei at the front all the way back to andtwo-hour-plus finishers who achieved morethan they dreamed possible.

With my legs turning to gelatin in thefinal mile and my mind fixated on the finalstretch down the bricks, I decided I’d betternot pick up the pace too much. I didn’twant to be stumbling to the finish with alarge crowd watching.

I was shocked to see a 5:57 final mileon my watch afterward for a race in which Iaveraged 6:29 pace. It helped that anotherrunner said, “Let’s go” to me with aboutfour blocks remaining, issuing the challengeto race it in. He pulled ahead of me and Ithought he’d win our little mini race, but heslowed with about a block to go and Ifound a little extra in the tank to overtakehim just before the finish line.

My final time: 1 hour, 4 minutes, 41seconds.

My goal before the race was somethingin the 1:06-1:07 range, but we were blessedwith beautiful weather for a change on CrimSaturday, a day traditionally known foroppressive heat and humidity. The tempera-ture was in the high 50s for the start, result-ing in numerous personal bests.

It was the perfect year to run my firstCrim 10-mile race.

Do you think I’d be pushing my luck if Itried again next year? MR

Bill Khan ran his first Crim 10Mile in 1:04:41.

who each ran a half-marathon and finishedsomewhere in the top one-third of the field.

The Team Marathon, begun in the 1980sby Coach Moss, has been guided in recent

years by Paul and Shelly Szymanski, whoannounced that 2009 would be their finalyear as race directors after many fine yearson the job.

The Kellys, having taken over the Benziecross-country reins from Moss, will now takeup the challenge of keeping one of Michigan’smost unique and popular races moving for-ward into 2010 and beyond. MR

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Brooksie Waya Success

(But What Wasin that Cup?)

By William J. Kalmar

Spotlight beams similar to the Bat sig-nal heralded the site of the secondannual Brooksie Way half marathon.

Thousands of cars streamed into OaklandUniversity’s mammoth parking lots, run-ners emerging ready to tackle one of thetoughest courses in the state.

My 66-year-old legs ambled over hillsbetter suited for mountain goats. Amplewater and Gatorade stations dotted thecourse and each mile was clearly marked.

Police blocked off most avenues in thecommunity to let thousands of runnersproceed unfettered. Some Sunday-morningdrivers may have been miffed, but I thinkthe Almighty (who I understand is an avidrunner) would grant a pass to anyone whowas late or missed church because of it.Those on their way to the donut shop maywant to register for next year’s BrooksieWay half marathon, 5K run or walk toavoid the roadblocks and calories.

Each finisher received a classic medalwith the Brooksie Way emblem embla-zoned on it. The feast at the finish includ-ed blueberry muffins, bananas, orangesand bagels, all in the shadows of the mag-nificent Meadowbrook Hall.

I met one runner who came with agroup of 25 from Pennsylvania. They hadheard rave reviews about the event in run-ning magazines and, based on this year’sexperience, are apt to come back withmore friends next year.

Many water station volunteers cheeredus on; some held signs with the names oftheir favorite runners. At the OaklandPress station, executive editor GlennGilbert and I exchanged pleasantries, buthe seemed reluctant to hand me a cup ofwater. I thought for a moment he was pro-tecting a special beverage just for himselfto ward off a morning chill, but alas itturned out to be just water!

Congratulations to Brooks Pattersonand the folks from The Crim Foundationwho partnered on this event. We look for-ward to next year! MR

Red October Draws RecordTurnout Despite Wind, Rain

By Charles DouglasMcEwen

WAYNE (10/3/09) —Runners can usually see redleaves on the trees at theRed October Run. In someyears they can also see red,wind-burned cheeks on thefaces of their fellow competi-tors.

That was the case thisyear.

After enjoying warmweather the last coupleyears, the 19th annual RedOctober 5K and 10K, pre-sented by OakwoodAnnapolis Hospital, endureda rainy, blustery day. It stilldrew 824 runners and walk-ers, up from last year’srecord of 807.

“We hit 700 last night,our largest pre-registrationever,” said Cynthia Cook,founding race director.“Given the crummy weatherthis morning, we didn’t getmuch of a race-day turnout.But we’re still thrilled abouthitting our all-time high.”

Red October has endured worse weatherin its history. “We’ve had years when thewind was so strong, it knocked down ourtents,” Cook said.

Although volunteers didn’t face gusts likethat, they still had to worry about entryforms taking flight like the swallows ofCapistrano.

As always, Red October offered plenty offood and spectacular awards. Overall 5K and10K winners were given unique glass vasescreated by Furnace Design Studio ofDearborn.

Ed McGovern, 34, of Ypsilanti had towork hard for his 5K glassware. Four youngrunners took an early lead before he andVictor Brown, 46, of Canton surged by themnear the mile mark. The two veterans thenbattled for the next mile.

“I pretty much used him to block thewind at first,” said McGovern. “Then I

pulled even, then he gotback ahead of me. Abouthalfway down VenoyRoad (less than a milefrom the finish), I gave ita surge and pulledaway.”

McGoverncrossed in 16:50, fol-lowed by Brown in17:09. Mike Keller, 23,of Ann Arbor took thirdin 17:24.

Formerwomen’s champ EllaWillis, 52, of Detroitclaimed another crownthis year in 20:30. Nextcame Emily Rigby, 26, ofCanton (23:44) andTiffany Stoddard, 21, ofAnn Arbor (23:48).

AndrewBrackman, 26, ofDearborn won in the10K in 35:27. “It was alittle slower than I want-ed, but I’m happy,” hesaid. “I liked the rainand the cool weather. Itwas perfect for me.”

Gerald Obritzberger, 39, of Brighton fin-ished runner-up in 37:39. Cliff Hardick, 61,traveled all the way from London, Ont., tograb third in 38:10.

Michele Ryce Elliot, 38, of New Bostonpaced the women in 42:03, followed bySuzanne Cabana, 37, of Dexter (43:53) andMeghan Stenzel, 27, of Royal Oak (49:48).

“I like the number of people here,” saidCabana. “It’s not too big or small. It’s justright.”

“Next year is going to be our big 20thanniversary race. We’re excited about that,”Cook said.

Rick Huber, 53, of Montrose won themen’s 5K walk in 26:03. Shelly Huber, 49,also of Montrose, led the women in 33:08.

For complete results, go towww.gaultracemanagement.com. For moreinformation about the Red October Run, visitwww.oakwood.org/redoctoberrun. MR

Red October, Wayne

Cliff Hardick of London,Ont. finished 3rd in the10K, 38:10.

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Second-Half Hills Thrill at Brooksie WayBy Ron Marinucci

ROCHESTER HILLS (10/4/09) — Ascars filed into the Oakland Universitycampus parking lots, many runnerswondered if the looming rain wouldhold off for the second annualBrooksie Way Half Marathon and 5K.

Except for some spitting, the wetstuff stayed away until after the races,leaving a pretty good morning forrunners.

Last year’s Brooksie attracted3,352 participants, an impressive first-year showing. The second editiondrew almost 3,500 runners (2,373 inthe marquee half marathon) to testthemselves on the challenging courses.

The 5K course, on the grounds ofthe university, has a couple hills worthmentioning. The half marathon circlesthrough Rochester Hills andRochester before ending near theMeadowbrook Mansion on the OUcampus. Only slight changes weremade to this year’s course.

Much of the half marathon is runon main thoroughfares, well-mar-shaled by Oakland County deputies.Between three and four miles, runnersturn off the streets onto the gravel anddirt of the Clinton River and PaintCreek trails.

The second half of the course holds eightchallenging climbs, with a few shorter ones toboot: a true test of runners’ mettle.

OU grad student Sarah Beck had enjoyeda good racing summer, especially at the toughBastille and Crim runs. Before the halfmarathon, her first Brooksie, she was con-cerned about “not getting in much running”(must be those darn studies).

But Beck finished fine, running a timecomparable to her Bastille and Crim efforts.It was good for fourth in her age division and19th overall.

“I really enjoyed it,” Beck smiled after-ward. “It was fun. The second-half hillsweren’t too bad, not after the Bastille andCrim,” but the grin on her face said they hadat least grabbed her attention.

This was Zack Jones’ “first halfmarathon ever! My longest run was 10miles.” He lives and trains in Royal Oak.“It’s pretty flat there,” Jones went on, “so thehills were tough. I work out here (inRochester), so maybe I’ll have to train out

here.” That sounded likehe was aiming for the2010 Brooksie.

Adrienne Way of Warrenhad run other halfmarathons, but not thisone. “It was better thanany I’ve run,” sheenthused. “It was verywell organized and puton. I really had fun.

“I wasn’t ready forall the hills in the secondhalf,” Way went on,“but I did all right.”

In the parking lot,Matt Wentworth gri-maced. “I’ve never seenso many hills in my life,”he said. “They werekillers. It seemed like onenever-ending hill fromseven miles to 12. It wasa tough, tough course.”

The general qualityof the racing was pretty

good. The large packs of runners, forinstance, at 7:30 pace never really brokeup. They were still clumped together, run-ning at pace, at miles 10, 11 and 12, in theteeth of the hills.

A trio of Hansons-Brooks runners led allcomers. Olympic marathoner Brian Sell,returning from 2008, sailed across the fin-ish line first in 1:06:27, followed by NickArciniaga (1:06:53) and Chad Johnson(1:08:48).

The women were also led by theRochester runners. Erin Caton (1:25:55)finished half a minute ahead of KellyMorgan (1:26:31).

Masters runners were impressive too.Eric Green, 41, David Chomet, 40, andBrian Olsen, 48, were fifth, seventh andninth overall. Deanna Skelcy, 42, MarthaOlsen, 45 and keeping up her family end,and Andrea Osika, 44, were fourth, sev-enth and ninth overall among women.

Senior runner Mike Cudlip, 52, was firstoverall in the 5K in 18:18, followed byJames Abbey, 15, 18 seconds back. PatriciaCollins was the first woman (21:28), whilemasters winner Karen Brookhouse, 49(22:08) was the runner-up.

Full results and photos can be found atwww.thebrooksieway.com. MR

Brooksie Way Half Marathon & 5K, Rochester Hills

Nick Arciniaga, bib no. 7, and Brian Selllead the race on a Brooksie Way trail.

Bill Rodgers, bib no. 2, and Greg Meyer, bib no. 3,accompany Brooksie Way founder and OaklandCounty Executive, L. Brooks Patterson on the 5K.

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Kensington Hills Start Early— and Never End

By Charles DouglasMcEwen

MILFORD (9/19/09) —Runners start with 200 yardsup a cliff at the John RoguckiMemorial Kensington Challenge15K. Upon reaching the summitthey plummet 300 yards downthe other side, then hang asharp right.

“That’s probably the worsthill in the race, size-wise,” saidEric Green, 41, of Pontiac.“You want to hold yourmomentum coming down it,but have to watch yourself onthe turn.”

After the starter hill, run-ners tackle another monster.“There’s never a long, flatstretch where you can get into arhythm,” said Nick Stanko, 28,of Haslett. “You’re constantlyhaving to change gears to holdyour pace.”

Stanko handled it pretty well,winning the 15K in 47:51. Nextcame Matt Fecht, 25, of Warren in48:57, and top master Green witha personal-record 51:53.

“It’s a beautiful course,” saidStanko, running here for the firsttime. “People who train here everyday have it made. When you’re racing all-out,all you see is the blacktop of the bike trailbecause you’re concentrating so hard.”

With his win, Stanko took a 50-pointlead among open men in the MichiganRunner of the Year Race Series with just twoevents remaining. Green moved into excellentposition to win the series men’s masters title.

Doug Kurtis, 57 of Livonia, was thegrand masters champ in 59:48.

Another master, Krys Brish, 46, ofMilford, won the women’s 15K for a secondyear in a row. “I’m on a roll here, I think,”said Brish, whose 1:01:46 beat her winningtime last year by 15 seconds. “Those hills inthe last three miles probably won’t ever letme break an hour here, though.”

Rebecca Price, 51, of Ann Arbor was sec-ond overall. With Brish factored out, she wasnamed top master in 1:03:26. Donna Olson,

59, of Canton, moved up to grand master’squeen with her 1:10:57.

Winning the 5K were Mike Keller, 23, ofAnn Arbor (17:33) and Lisa Olensak, 34, ofRoyal Oak (20:10). “I kind of got into a zoneand went for it,” Keller said.

Paul Mayer, 42, of Ann Arbor (17:41)and Jane Sanders, 53, of White Lake (21:34)finished second overall and were masterschampions. Darryl Stanbrough, 58, of OakPark (20:13) and Janet Sawyer, 55, of Linden(22:33) topped the grand masters.

Doug Goodhue of Milford, director ofthis Ann Arbor Track Club race, said itsinclusion in the MR Series added to its quali-ty. “I hope to be part of it again next year,”Goodhue said.

Race proceeds went to the John RoguckiMemorial Fund, which supports AATC youthprograms. For complete results, go towww.runmichigan.com. MR

John Robgucki Memorial Kensington Challenge, Milford

Gloria Hage, no. 535, of Northville, KellyDavenport, no. 521, Sarah Smith, , no. 584,and Stacie Zotkovich, no. 606, all ofCommerce Township, tackle a hill in theKensington 5K.

T-Rex Triathlon, Brighton

T-Rex TriathletesRomp Through

Rain

By Katie Kelly-Noble

BRIGHTON (8/19/09) — Clouds beganto form but a little rain didn’t stop T-RexTriathlon sponsors from putting on theWednesday night dinosaur-themed event.

More than 450 entrants competed in the.5-mile swim, 12-mile bike and 5K run.Floating dinosaurs served as buoys for theswim and big, plastic T-rex figurines wereawards for winners.

Roman Krzyzanowski, 38, of Plymouthsurvived intense competition (and a fewbike-transition falls by other entrants) towin in a total time of 1:01:38.

“It was a good race,” Krzyzanowski said.“It was a little warm, but the competitionwas great.

“My strongest part was the run. I cameout of the swim 20th and did pretty wellon the bike, but in the run I excelled,” hesaid.

Ryan Rivamonte, 18, of CommerceTownship placed second in 1:02:15, MattSmiarowski third in 1:02:41.

Erin O’Mara, 25, of Goodrich was thefirst woman overall in 1:07:00. She, likeKrzyzanowski, used the run as herstrongest discipline, covering the 5Kcourse in 18:22.

Kristi Judd finished second (1:07:33) andCarly Day third (1:09:20).

Submarine sandwiches and snacks await-ed participants at the finish, where manychildren cheered on their moms and dadsas the latter finished.

By the end of the evening a steady driz-zle had soaked every athlete, spectatorand volunteer, but with a festivetriathlon behind them, no one seemedto mind. MR

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EAST LANSING (9/18/09)– More than 4,500 runnerscompeted in 14 SpartanInvitational races at ForestAcres Golf Course this busyday.

The collegiate women’s6K ran first at 1 p.m.Michigan State senior EmilyMacLeod and junior CarlieGreen, University ofMichigan junior DanielleTauro and unattached run-ner Lanni Marchant sprint-ed out front early.

MacLeod pulled away inthe last kilometer to win in21:07, 12 seconds ahead ofTauro. Marchant and Greenfinished third and fourth, run-ning 21:35 and 21:37, respec-tively.

MacLeod said her focusthis cross-country season ison her team. “I just want toget our girls the lowestscore possible at Big Tens,then on to nationals,” shesaid.

On the men’s side, former EasternMichigan University runner Josh Karanja(running unattached) won the 8K in24:31. Emmanuel Korir of PlaymakersRacing took second in 24:36 and TylerEmmory of Grand Valley State third in24:50. MSU senior Patrick Grosskopfwas the first Spartan to cross the line in24:53, placing fourth overall.

“Both our teams did a really nicejob,” said MSU cross-country assistantcoach Kim McGreevy. “The women did-n’t press the run early and we hadMichigan here, so it made it more hon-est. They did a nice job of keeping theirpoise.

The Spartan men exhibited similarstrengths, said McGreevy, keeping theircomposure throughout the race. “Itlooked like other teams might pull awayat mid-race, but our guys race late and

that is the key to cross country.”

The first 5K high school race was thesmall-school White Division. AmayaAyers of Laingsburg paced the girls in19:22, while Stuart Crowell ofParchment led the boys in 16:29. GrandRapids Catholic Central won both teamraces.

The Nike Elite races saw MichiganHigh School Runner of the Year MeganGoethals of Rochester win the girls’crown in 17:22 and Michael Atchoo ofTroy top the boys in 15:38. Saline’s girlsand Pinckney’s boys won the team divi-sions.

The larger-school Green Divisionwas won individually by Allison Whiteof HH Dow in 19:05 and Ian Hancke ofHaslett in 16:09. Salem’s girls and Novi’sboys grabbed the team titles. MR

Collegiate, Prep HarriersShine at Spartan Meet

Spartan Invitational, East Lansing

Michael Atchoo’s 15:38 was the best highschool time of the day in winning theNike Boys Elite race.

Michigan Runner TVhttp://michiganrunner.tv/2009spartan_invite/

Playmakers Autumn Classic

Playmakers ClassicImproves with Age


LANSING (9/20/09) — The 17th annualPlaymakers Autumn Classic kicked off the season instyle as 614 runners embarked on an 8K course atLake Lansing Park in crisp, chilly air.

Sponsors teamed up with Special Olympics tooffer a one-mile competitive walk this year. SpecialOlympics advocate Bobby Crim welcomed the groupto the event.

“It was fabulous to see the Special Olympians’excitement and how much it mean to them,” racedirector Alicia Armstrong said.

BJ Pankow, 25, of Williamston took top 8Khonors in 26:19.

“The race was really good actually,” said a sur-prised Pankow. “I ran the Spartan Invite (two daysearlier), so I came in thinking today’s race would be anice, leisurely run where I got beaten by everyone else.

“At mile one I felt pretty good. At mile two wekept going, so I decided to break off and see whathappened.”

Damon King, 19, of Waterford finished second in26:44, followed by men’s masters champion EricStuber, 46, of Lansing in 26:48.

Andrea Pomaranski, 27, of Farmington Hillsled the women in 27:39.

It wouldn’t be the fall racing season if thereweren’t runners training for marathons. Pomaranskisaid she was gearing up for the Oct. 4 Twin CitiesMarathon.

“I do like these short races, although they aremuch more painful,” said Pomaranski. “When wefirst started it was a little cold, but it was good rac-ing weather. It was a nice flat, fast scenic course.”

Denisa Costescu, 33, of Walled Lake placed sec-ond in 28:51 and Mary Beth Reader, 40, ofBloomfield third in 30:36. Reader was also thewomen’s master winner.

An announcer greeted almost everyone by nameas they crossed the finish line.

For Armstrong, the Playmakers Classic gets bet-ter with age. “I love this race because it promoteshealth and fitness for everyone,” she said. “It is agreat course and it now supports the SpecialOlympics. It is a nice combination.” MR

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Applefest WinnersHarvest Cider, Pies

By Charles Douglas McEwen

NEW BOSTON (10/4/09) —Maureen Field had victory snatchedfrom her at the end of the last year’sHuron Township Applefest 10K.This year she buried the field earlyand won easily.

“In 2008 I led the whole wayand got passed with 200 yards togo,” said Fielder, 31, of Newport.“This year, I was in first again andkept thinking, ‘Don’t get passed.Don”t get passed!’”

She didn’t. Fielder won in 43:18,followed by Carley Woolcott, 15, ofNew Boston in 43:59 and top masterDonna Olson, 59, of Canton, in46:18.

The Applefest 10K and 5K, host-ed by the Downriver Runners, bothstart in New Boston and travel atree-lined, out-and-back course throughLower Huron Metropark.

“I love running in the park and onthe bike paths,” Fielder said. “Thecourse is mostly flat, but the last mile ischallenging. It’s a well put-togetherrace that has a permanent spot on mycalendar.”

Ryan Piippo, 31, of Detroit isalso a Applefest veteran, having wonthe 10K on two other occasions. Thisyear, he rocketed to a huge lead anddidn’t look back prevailing in 33:15.

“I wanted to get under 33,”Piippo said. “I didn’t quite make it,but I’m still happy with how I ran.”

Scott Kretzmann, 23, of Detroitfinished second in 38:03, followed bymasters champ Todd Kelly, 48, of Troyin 39:10. Tom Taylor, 54, of Northvillewas sixth overall and grand masterschamp in 41:31. Kenneth Rowe, 62, ofCanton was senior masters winner andsixth overall in 42:31.

The overall, masters, grand mas-ters and senior masters 10K and 5Kchamps received apple pies asawards. Age-group winners earnedquarts of apple cider.

“It’s not quite as easy as applepie,” said Andrea Blake, 30, ofDearborn, who led from the start in

the women’s 5K. “I felt good the firsttwo miles. After that, I was just try-ing to hold on.”

Blake triumphed in 18:50, top-ping Dominique Miller, 20, ofTecumseh (19:43). Amanda Fowler,40, of Allen Park led the masters in24:21; Sharon Fielder, 51, of Adrianthe grand masters in 27:14; andColleen Chandler, 64, of Dearbornthe senior masters in 31:26.

For the men, Monroe HighSchool sophomore Mitch Latray, 15,was the overall champ in 18:06.Next came Joshua Burt in 18:11. JeffMartin, 51, of Bloomfield Hills ledthe masters in 18:39, PatrickMulhern, 57, of Dearborn Heightsthe grand masters (20:37) and RonFedoronko, 66, of Warren the seniormasters (25:26).

After the run, the 324 partici-pants could partake of an Applefeststreet fair.

Sponsors included Total Runner,Apple Charlie’s, Nutrition Limited,Pete’s Place, Busch’s Fresh FoodMarket, Wheat & Rye Airport,American Speedy Printing Centersand the Huron-Clinton MetropolitanAuthority.

For complete results, go towww.everalracemgt.com. MR

Huron Township Applefest, New Boston

10K winners Ryan Piippo andMaureen Fielder won pies fortheir awards.

30th AnnualGrosse Pointe Runsare Pearls Indeed

By William J. Kalmar

GROSSE POINTE FARMS (9/19/09) — Pearls are the tradi-tional gift for a 30th anniversary. If you were one of the 450-plus runners in the 30th annual Grosse Pointe 5K and 10Kruns, you know that this was a “pearl” of an event.

As the sun shone through early-morning clouds andwaves from Lake St. Clair lapped against the race route,entrants were treated to a lovely, idyllic setting. Many woret-shirts, although there was a testy wind on several legs ofthe route.

Runners look for certain elements in a race and thisevent did not disappoint:

• Race-day registration and package pickups were wellorganized. Those at the various tables greeted everyone withsmiles and the distribution of shirts, timing chips and bibnumbers went smoothly.

• Both races started simultaneously and on time. Runners area nervous group and if the advertised start time does notoccur, they become agitated. That was not the case.

• Mile markings along the route were in place and water sta-tions were well staffed with enthusiastic volunteers.

• Local police were stationed at intersections, thus no trafficinterfered with the runners. Shutting down a major road on aSaturday morning is no small task, yet organizers and policehandled this in a very systematic fashion.

• Shirts from previous runs were on display and demonstratedthe longevity of this event. Shirts for the 2009 run were multi-colored and certainly will be worn with pride in future events

• Parking for runners and their fans was more than ade-quate.

• Post-race refreshments included bagels, coffee, water,bananas, apples, cookies and soft drinks; something foreveryone.

• The awards ceremony was conducted soon after the event.Runners don’t like to wait for their recognition and the com-mittee knew this. Many participants remained on hand forthe medals and trophies to be presented.

I ran in the very first Grosse Pointe run and several there-after. Each was better than the last one, but how do youimprove on a route along Lake Shore Drive — one of themost scenic running venues in the state?

William J. Kalmar, former director of the Michigan QualityCouncil, is now a semi-retired free-lance writer, lectur-

er/presenter and mystery shopper. He also does radio voice-overs and competes in

road races and duathlons. MR

Grosse Pointe Runs, Grosse Pointe Farms

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Milford Labor Day Races Are Labor Worth LovingBy Charles Douglas McEwen

MILFORD (9/5/2009) — It can hurt to runfast through a hilly 30K, but going slow justprolongs the pain.

So, taking advantage of a perfect, 65-degree morning, Corey Nowitzke, 25, of AnnArbor and Andrea Pomaranski, 27, ofFarmington Hills made haste at the 9th annu-al Labor Day Festival of Races, which hadrecord 795 entrants.

Nowitzke, a former steeplechaser atEastern Michigan University, tore through the30K in a course-record time of 1:40:41.Pomaranski dominated the women’s fieldwith her 1:57:23. Each took home $400 inprize money for their triumphs.

Nowitzke ran with Ian Forsyth, 37, ofAnn Arbor for the first 16 miles, then brokeaway. “I let him know at that point that Iwas feeling good and was going to get afterit,” Nowitzke said.

Forsyth claimed $200 for finishing sec-ond in 1:41:37. Scott Setzke, 28, ofRiverview took third in 1:49:47, good for$100.

Neither Nowitzke nor Pomaranski hadrun the Labor Day 30K before. “The hillswere intimidating,” Nowitzke said.

Pomeranski led for most of the women’srace, but opted not to challenge the hills inthe early going. “I treated the first half like ahard run,” she said. “After eight or ninemiles, I tried to hammer it home.”

Erin O’Mara, 25, of Ypsilanti earned $200for second place, crossing in 1:59:54. Defendingchamp Lisa Veneziano, 44, of Fenton came inthird in 2:03:47, good for $100.

Another former EMU steepler won themen’s 10K. Jordan Desilets, 28, of Pinckney,who finished runner-up last year a fraction ofa second behind Grant Robison, left nodoubts this year.

“I took off from thestart and didn’t look back,”said Desilets, who found thehills challenging nonetheless.“I think they got bigger overthe past year,” the winner said.

Desilets finished in 32:37and won $250. B.J. Pankowtook second with a PR of34:03 and earned $100. J.C.Collins, 52, of Livonia won$75 for his third-place 37:29.

Danielle Quisenberry,27, of Jackson, won thewomen’s 10K in 37:14, alsogood for $250. “I wanted towin,” she said. “That was onegoal. I also wanted to get outfast.”

Runner-up Laurel Park,46, of Ann Arbor, saidQuisenberry met both goals.

“She went out hard andmaintained,” Park said. “I putin surges to try to catch her,but she just kept clicking (themiles) off.”

Kalli Williams, 24, ofAnn Arbor finished third in38:55. “It was pretty hilly,”

she said. “But forall the uphillsthere are gooddownhills. And it

was nice out there on the dirt roads.”

The fat-tire 30K bike had its most-com-petitive field ever. A foursome of Rich Stark,43, of Ann Arbor, Michael Green, 45, ofFarmington Hills, Steve Dale, 34, of Livoniaand Lewis Tripp, 50, of Milford raced togeth-er until the final half-mile.

At that point, Stark sprinted away to tri-umph in 54:42, nearly four minutes fasterthan last year’s winning clocking. Green andDale finished second and third, each four sec-onds back.

Lillian Ruiz, 46, of Ypsilanti finishedalmost 24 minutes faster than last year’s topwoman, crossing in 1:06:47. Next cameBecca Caldwell, 37, of Milford (1:11:15), andTerrie Johnson, 49, of Farmington (1:17:19).

Doug Fisher, 66, of Flushing won themen’s 10K walk in 1:21:13. MichelleBillingsley, 45, of Detroit led the women in1:24:53.

Race proceeds went to the NationalDown’s Syndrome Society, Alzheimer’sAssociation, Milford cross-country and trackteams, Community Sharing and the MilfordHot Team. Doug Klingensmith directed theevents.

For complete race results, go tohttp://www.LaborDay30K.com. MR

Labor Day 30K & 10K, Milford

Michigan Runner TVhttp://michiganrunner.tv/2009milford/

Andrea Pomaranski dominatedthe women’s field in the 30K withher 1:57:23.

Corey Nowitzke, bib no. 244, ran with IanForsyth for the first 16 miles, then broke awayfor the win and a 30K course record 1:40:41.

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NovemberSun., November 1

Big Ten Cross CountryChampionshipsUniversity Park, PA10:45 am8K Men; 6K WomenPenn State Universityhttp://bigten.cstv.com/

ING New York CityMarathonNew York City 10:50 am26.2 MR(212) 423.2249www.nyrrc.org

Inland TrailMarathon/HalfMarathon & 5KElyria, OH 8:00 am26.2MR, 13.1MR, 5KRMurray Ridge School,North Coast Island Trail(440) [email protected]

Margaret PeruskiMemorial 4 Mile RunDearborn 10:00 amFord Field 4MR(248) [email protected]

Rochester AreaOptimist Club BloomerBoogieRochester Hills 9:00 am5MR/W, 5KR/W, 1KFR

Bloomer Park(248) 726-9616president@rochesterareaoptimists.orgrochesterareaopti-mists.org/wordpress/?p=47

Running For Water -Early Bird Turkey TrotMilford 10:00 am5KR/W, 1MFRMilford Library(248) [email protected]

Spartan Trail 5KLansing 10:00 amGrand Woods Park5KR/W(517) [email protected]/~running

Turkey Trot CrossCountry RunMt Pleasant 3:00 pmDeerfield County Park6KR X-C(989) [email protected]/~mphsstr/

Woodhaven Run in theParkWoodhaven 9:00 am4 MR, 2MFR/W, 1MRWoodhaven CommunityCenter(734) [email protected]

Sat., November 7

Don DansereauMemorial Scholarship5K Run/WalkBay City 10:00 amBay Arenac Career Center5KR/W(989) [email protected]

Josh Tolan / Gift of LifeOrtonville 9:00 am5KR/WBrandon High School(248) [email protected]

Livonia Turkey TrotLivonia 9:30 amBicentennial Park 5KR/W(734) [email protected]

Michigan High SchoolCross Country L.P.State FinalsBrooklyn 10:00 amMichigan InternationalSpeedway5KR(517) 332-5046mhsaa.com/sports/bxc/

Mid-Land HalfMarathon / 10K/ 5KMidland 10:00 am13.1MR, 10KR, 5KR PereMarquette Rail Trail Head(989) 289-2361sherpherdboy818

@yahoo.comsignmeup.comMichigan Half MarathonMini Series

Muskegon Turkey Trot5K Trail RunMuskegon 10:00 amOrchard View MiddleSchool 5KR(231) [email protected]

NCAA Division I I CrossCountry Regionals -MidwestKenosha, WI 10:30 am10KR, 6KRUniversity of Wisconsin -Parksidencaasports.com

Randy’s Festival ofRacesMonclova, OH 10:00 am10 MR, 5KR, 1M KidsMonclova Primary School(419) [email protected]

Rockhead TrailMarathonWaterford 9:00 am26.2MR, 13.1MRPontiac Lake Rec. AreaBrian [email protected]

St. Clair River TurkeyTrotSt. Clair 9:00 am

St. Clair Riverview Plaza5KR(810) [email protected]/node/24

Souper Run - Dash forthe Daily BreadAdrian 9:00 am10KR, 5KR, 1MWRunning with E’s(517) [email protected]

Turkey TrotOxford 10:00 amSeymour Lake TownshipPark 5KR(248) [email protected]

Veterans Day 5KRun/WalkGladstone 9:45 am ESTVeterans Park 5KR/W(906) [email protected]

Sun., November 8

Hogsback WildernessRunElba 9:30 am5MR, 2MRElba Equestrian Center(810) [email protected]

November 2009 - February 2010 Event Calendar


Roseville BigBird RunRoseville10:00 am10KR, 1MR/W, 4KRTony Lipinski(586) [email protected]

Stay in the Shade’sHighland Trail RunHighland 10:00 amHighland Recreation Area4.8MR, 2MW(248) [email protected]

The Burg Trail RunLaingsburg 1:00 pmLaingsburg HS X-C course10KR, 5KR/W, 1MWScott Danek(517) [email protected]

Wed., November 11

Glen Lake Turkey TrotMaple City 10:00 am5KRGlen Lake SchoolPete Edwards(231) [email protected]

Sat., November 14

ANG Road HawgClassicBattle Creek 9:00 amBattle Creek Air NationalGuard Base 10KR, 5KR/W(269) [email protected]

Gobble Gobble GallupOak Park 9:00 amOak Park CommunityCenter 5KR(248) [email protected]

Grand Mere GrindStevensville 8:30 amGrand Mere State Park10KR(269) [email protected]

Hoffmaster Trail RunNorton Shores 10:00 am5.2MR

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park,Beach Parking Lot(232) [email protected]

Last Chance CrossCountry RaceBrighton 10:00 am5KR Huron MeadowsMetro ParkGreg [email protected]

NCAA Division ICross CountryRegionals - GreatLakesBloomington, IN 11 am10KR, 6KRIndiana University CrossCountry Course(765) 494-7747ncaasports.com

NCAA Division III CrossCountry Regionals -MidwestTerre Haute, IN 11 am8KR, 6KRRose-Hulman Institute ofTechnologyncaasports.com

NIRCAOpen & AlumniXC RaceYpsilanti 8:30 am5KREagle Crest Golf ClubGreg [email protected]

One Hill of a RunGrand Rapids 9:00 amUnion High School10KR, 5KR(616) [email protected]

Panther Fall ClassicComstock Park9:00 am5KR/W Comstock ParkHigh SchoolScott Taylor/ The Runnery(616) [email protected]@cppschools.com

Scarecrow Sprint XCRaceFremont, OH 10:00 amWalsh Park 5KR(419) [email protected]

Turkey Trot and MuttStrutCentral Lake 10:00 am10KR, 5KR/W, 1MR/W

Central Lake High SchoolCentral Lake Chamber ofCommerce(231) [email protected]

USATF MichiganAssociationOpen/Masters XCChampionshipsNorthville 9:00 am5KR Cass Benton ParkJackie DeVose(313) [email protected]

USATF MichiganAssociation XC JOChampionshipsNorthville 9:00 am5KR, 4KR, 3KRCass Benton ParkJackie DeVose(313) [email protected]

Woldumar NatureCenter Run-a-MunkLansing 10:00 amWoldumar Nature Center10KR, 5KR/W(517) [email protected]

Your Pace or Mine 1stannual Gus O’ConnorsRun RallyRochester 12 Noon5KRGus O’Connor’sSue [email protected]

Sun., November 15

Michigan AAU StateCross CountryChampionshipsShelby Twp. 10:00 am5KR, 4KR, 3KR, 2KRStoney Creek Metropark(248) [email protected]/cross_country.html

New Balance Girls onthe Run 5KYpsilanti 10:00 am5KRSt. Joseph Mercy Hospital(734) [email protected]


Tues., November 17Wayne CountyLightfest 8K FunRun/WalkWestland 7:00 pmMerriman Hollow Park,Hines Drive 8KR/W(734) [email protected]

Sat., November 21

Blitzen the DotteWyandotte 9:00 am5KR/W 1 Pine Street(734) [email protected]

Linden Turkey TrotLinden 9:00 am5KRLinden School grounds(810) [email protected]

NCAA Division II CrossCountryChampionshipsEvansville, IN 10:30 am10KR, 6KRUniversity of SouthernIndiana(812) 237-4040ncaasports.comNCAA Division III CrossCountryChampionshipsBerea, OH 10:30 am

8KR, 6KRHIghland Hills Golf CourseBaldwin-Wallace Collegencaasports.com

Pat Kellerman TurkeyTrotBad Axe 11:00 amBad Axe City Hall5KR/WLee Kahler(989) 269-8272

Schrauger Memorial 5KLake Orion 10:00 am5KRLake Orion High [email protected]

TRRC Turkey TrotToledo, OH 9:00 am10KR, 5KR prediction runsOttawa Park’s Open AirShelter House(419) 841-2909toledoroadrunners.org

Turkey Trot 5K Run /WalkSault Ste Marie, MI 9 am5KR/W, kids fun runNorris Center Indoor Track(906) [email protected]/events.htm

WMU Turkey Trot

Kalamazoo 9:00 am5KRWestern MichiganUniversity StudentRecreation Center(269) [email protected]

Sun., November 22

Run/Walk for Shelter5KJackson 1:00 pmElla Sharp Park MuseumGrounds 5KR(517) [email protected]/runjackson/

Mon., November 23

NCAA Division I CrossCountryChampionshipsTerre Haute, IN 11:00 am10KR, 6KRWabash Family SportsCenter(812) 237-4040ncaasports.com

Southwestern MichiganCollegeTurkey TrotDowagiac 4:00 pmSouthwestern MichiganCollege8KR, 5KR, 1 MR

Ron Gunn(269)[email protected]

Thanksgiving Day,November 26

1st Source Bank/Niles/Buchanan YMCAThanksgiving Day RunNiles 9:00 am10KR, 5KR/W, 1MFRNiles/Buchanan YMCA(269) [email protected]

Ann ArborThanksgivingDay Turkey TrotAnn Arbor 8:30 amUniversity ofMichigan NorthCampus Rec. Center5KR/W(248) [email protected]

EverywhereUGOTurkey TrotTraverse City 2:00 pm(231) [email protected]

Fifth ThirdBankThanksgivingTurkey TrotDetroit 7:15 amCobo Center10KR, 5KR, 1MRThe Parade Company(313) 247-4149detroitturkeytrot.org

Gazelle Sports GobbleWobbleGrand Rapids 8:00 am4MR, 1MR(616) [email protected]

Gobbler Gallop TrailRunSaginaw 9:00 am5KR, 1.5MR/WImerman Memorial Park(989) [email protected]

Thanksgiving DayTurkey Trot PredictionRunKalamazoo 9:00 am

Kalamazoo ValleyCommunity College,TexasCorners Campus5KR prediction run(269) [email protected]

Lansing TurkeymanTrotLansing 9:00 amLansing CommunityCollege 5KR(517) [email protected]

Marquette Turkey TrotMarquette 9:00 am EST10KR, 5KRMarquette Senior HS(906) 225.4200www.mapsnet.org

Smoke theTurkey 5KSylvania, OH9:00 amSt. James Club5KRElite Endeavors(419) [email protected]

Turkey Trot 5KAlpena 9:00 amAlpena Fairgrounds 5K(989) [email protected]

Turkey TrotGladstone 9:00 amGladstone Van Cleve ParkBeach House 5KR/WDan Paul(906) [email protected]

Fri., November 27

Fantasy 5KHowell 6:00 pm5KR(517) [email protected]

Sat., November 28

The Downtown MileFremont, OH 9:00 amRodger Young Park1 MR(419) [email protected]

Holiday HustleMaumee, OH 5:15 pm5KR, 1.5MFWMaumee Indoor Theater,


November 2009 - February 2010 Event CalendarDowntown Maumee(419) [email protected]

Tawas Turkey TrotEast Tawas 9:00 am5KR/W East TawasCommunity [email protected]

Sun., November 29

Hansons Group RunLake Orion 8:00 amHansons Running Shop(248) [email protected]

Road Racing at MetroBeachHarrison Twp 11:00 amPointe Road - Metro Beach2MR(248) [email protected]/arpraces/

DecemberThurs., December 3

Run Through theLightsKalamazoo 6:30 pmGazelle Sports 5KR(269) [email protected]

Friday, December 4

Dashing through theSnowFowlerville 6:00 pmDowntown Fowlerville5KR/W(517) [email protected]

Sat., December 5

Christmas StockingRunFlushing 10:00 am4 MR/WRiverbend Striders(810) [email protected]

December ChillAdventure RaceBrighton 9:00 am

7 hr sprint: canoeing, MB,orienteering, trekkking,fixed ropesHuron Meadows MetroPark(231) [email protected]

Dickens of a RunMt Pleasant 8:30 amMax & Emily’s, downtown5KR(989) [email protected]/~mphsstr/

Holiday Hustle5K / 1 MileDexter 7:00 pmdowntown Dexterr5KR, 1MRAndrea Allen(734) [email protected]

Jingle Bell Runfor Arthritis -NorthvilleNorthville 9:00 am5KRW, 1/4 MSnowman ShuffleNorthville Downs(248) [email protected]

Jinglejog 5K Night Run/ Jinglefest ParadeFenton 6:00 pm5KRFenton Community Center(810) 629-5447marketing@ fentoncham-ber.comwww.fentonchamber.com

Reese Winter RoadRace SeriesReese 10:00 amReese High School10KR, 5KR/W(989) [email protected]

Road Racing at MetroBeachHarrison Twp 11:00 amPointe Road - Metro Beach2MR(248) [email protected]/arpraces/

Sun., December 6

Manistee Jingle BellRun 5KManistee 10:00 amManistee HS 5KR/WEric Thuemmel(231) [email protected]/mhs

Sat., December 12

Candy Cane 5K andSanta Fun RunClarkston 4:00 pm5KR, FRDepot Park(231) 546-2229info@3disciplines.com3disciplines.comracingforrecovery.com

Candy Cane RunGrand Rapids 10:00 amGR Home for Veterans6MR, 3MR, 1.5 MR(616) [email protected]

Jingle Bell Runfor Arthritis -Bloomfield HillsBloomfield Hills9:00 am5KRWCovington School(248) [email protected]

Jingle Belle Women’s5KLansing 10:00 amDelta Township DistrictLibrary 5KR/W(517) [email protected]/?page_id=97


Run Like TheDickens andTiny Tim TrotHolly 9:00 amKarl Richter Campus10KR, 5KR/W, TinyTim TrotRob Basydlo(248) [email protected]

Santa’s Boogie 5KRun/WalkGladstone 9:00 am ESTGladstone Van Cleve ParkBeach House 5KR/WDan Paul(906) [email protected]

USATF National ClubCross CountryChampionshipsLexington, KY 9:30 am10KR, 6KRMasterson Station Parkusatf.org/events/2009/USATFClubXCChampionships/index.asp

USATF National JuniorOlympic Cross CountryChampionshipsReno, NV 10:00 amRancho San RafaelRegional Parkusatf.org/events/2009/USATFJuniorOlympicXCChampionships/

Sun., December 13

Jingle Bell RunNew Baltimore 4:00 pm5KR, 1MW(586) [email protected]

Tues., December 15

Grosse PointeChristmas Lights RunGrosse Pointe 6:30 pmHansons Running Shop,20641 Mack Ave.6 MR(313) [email protected]

Thurs., Dec. 17

Snowy Watters UrbanRunBirmingham 7:00 pm

5MR/WMoosejaw Mountaineering(248) [email protected]

Sat., December 19

Bay Area Runners ClubHoliday 5K Run/WalkBay City 10:00 amBay County CommunityCenter 5KR/W(989) [email protected]

HUFF 50K Trail RunHuntington, IN 8:00 amKekionga Trail, J. EdwardRoush Lake, Kil-So-QuahCampground50 KR, 50K Relay(260) [email protected]

Life Time FitnessReindeer RunTroy 8:30 am10KR, 5KRLifeTime Fitness of Troy,4700 Investment Dr.(952) [email protected]

Sat., December 26

Boxing Day Fun Runand Fitness WalkSault Ste. Marie, ON 9 amAlgoma’s Water Tower Inn10KR, 5KR, 2KRSault Ste. Marie Stryderssaultstryders.com

Harold Webster BoxingDay 10 Mile RunHamilton, ON 11:00 amYMCA 79 James Street S.10MR(905) 971-6040boxingdayrun.ca

Sun., December 27

Great Lakes Track &Field Holiday ClassicYpsilanti 9:00 amyouth, high school, openindoor track & fieldEastern Michigan BowenFieldhouse(517) [email protected]://www.eteamz.com/greatlakestrackfield/

Hansons Group RunLake Orion 8:00 amHansons Running(248) 693-9900

[email protected]

Thurs, December 31

Fifth Third NewYear’s EveFamily FunRun/WalkDetroit 3:00 pmBelle Isle Park,4MR/W, 1MR/WJeanne Bocci(313) [email protected]

Midnight Special 5KRace & Prediction RunWhitehouse, OH 11:45 pm5KR/WFallenTimbers MS(419) [email protected]

New Years Eve 5KRun/WalkGladstone 1:00 pm EST31 Tipperary 5KR/WDan Paul(906) [email protected]

New Year’s ResolutionRunFlint 2:00 pmDowntown YMCA8KR, 5KR/W(810) [email protected]

JanuaryFriday, January 1

Gazelle Sports’ JohnDaley Memorial OneOne RunKalamazoo 1:00 pm4.4MR/W, 2.2MR/WSpring Valley Park(269) [email protected]

Sat., January 2

Reese Winter RoadRace SeriesReese 10:00 am10KR, 5KR/WReese High School(989) [email protected]

Sat., January 9

IDADARUNLinden 6:30 pm8MR, 8M relayLinden Community Ed.(810) [email protected]

Walt DisneyWorld® HalfMarathonOrlando 6:30 am13.1 MRJon Hughes/disneyworld-sports.disney.go.com

Sunday, January 10

Walt DisneyWorld®MarathonOrlando 6:00 am13.1MRJon Hughesdisneyworld-sports.disney.go.com

Sat., January 16

Freeze Your Fanny 5KRun/WalkBay City 10:00 am5KR/W Bay CountyCommunity Center(989) [email protected]

Frosty 15K FreestyleCross Country SkiRaceBrighton 10:30 am15K X-C Ski; 5K X-C SkiHuron MeadowsMetropark(248) [email protected]

Lake State ClassicTrack and Field MeetSault Ste. Marie, MI 11amindoor trackNorris Center(906) [email protected]

Sat., January 23

Bigfoot Boogie5 & 10KSnowshoe RaceTraverse City 9 am10K, 5K snowshoeracesTimber RidgeCampgroundDaniel Siderman(231) [email protected] for U.S. NationalSnowshoe Championships

Sat., January 30

MGH Noquemanon SkiMarathonIshpeming 8:45 am51K, 25K XC SkiNoquemanon Trail -Ishpenming to Marquettte(888) [email protected]

Montrose FrozenBlueberryMontrose 10:00 am5KR/W Montrose CarterElementary School(810) [email protected]

Sunday, January 31

ING Miami MarathonMiami 6:00 am26.2MR, 13.1MR, 5KRPR Racing, Inc.(305) 278-8668ingmiamimarathon.com

FebruarySat., February 6

Reese Winter RoadRace SeriesReese 10:00 am10KR, 5KR/WReese High School(989) [email protected]

White Pine StampedeMancelona 9:00 am10K / 20K / 50K ski classic& freestyle

Mancelona High School /Shanty Creek(231) [email protected]

Sunday, February 7

Super 5KNovi 9:00 am5KRNovi Town CenterAndrea HIghfield(734) [email protected]

Super Bowl 5KOkemos 10:00 am5KR Kinawa MiddleSchool, 1900 Kinawa Dr.(517) [email protected]

Sat., February 13

Dances withDirt - GreenSwampDade City, FL50MR, 50KR, 100Krelay Running Fit(734) [email protected]

Subaru North AmericanVASAGobles 8:30 am50K ski, 27K ski, 12K ski,freestyle & classic, 3K and12K tour, 1K, 3K kidsTimber Ridge Resort(231) [email protected]

USA Cross CountryChampionshipsSpokane, WA 9:00 am6KR, 8KR, 12KRPlantes Ferry RecreationParkusatf.org/events/2010/USAXCChampionships/World Cross Country TeamTrials

Sat., February 20

Spirit of Winter 5KRun/WalkBay City 10:00 am5KR/W Bay CountyCommunity Center

(989) [email protected]

Sat., February 27

American BirkebeinerHayward, WI 8:20 am57K, 23 K XC SkiCable to Hayward(715) [email protected]

C-Ville Chill 5KCoopersville 10:00 am5KR/W Church CentralFamily Worship, 247Church St.(616) [email protected]

USA Indoor Track &Field ChampionshipsAlbuquerque, NMtrack & field meetwww.usatf.org/calendars/2/27/10 - 2/18/10

Sun., February 28

Rock ‘n’ Roll MardiGras Marathon & 1/2MarathonNew Orleans, LA 7:00 am26.2 MR, 13.1 MR, 5KR(866) [email protected]

USA Indoor Track &Field ChampionshipsAlbuquerque, NMtrack & field meetwww.usatf.org/calendars/2/27/10 - 2/18/10

- MR -


November 2009 - February 2010 Event Calendar


By Tom Henderson

Until September sort of redeemed thingswith a three-week stretch of sun andwarm weather, it was a summer with-

out summer, global warming having taken avacation, rain and cold stuck in place by evilgods and malevolent jet streams.

Typical of my weekends was the lastSaturday in April, when the dog, grandsonand I were going to do the Trout Festival 5Kin Kalkaska. It was freakishly warm inDetroit Friday and on the drive north. It wasstill 72 at 7 a.m. Saturday. At 8, it was 42degrees, pouring rain and lightning like crazy.

Anyone for bacon and eggs instead ofelectrocution?

The one thing you can do to redeem alousy summer is try to get to great races. Or,if you get lucky, discover great races by hap-penstance.

This was a summer without summer, buta summer of great races. “GRRRREAT,” asTony the Tiger would say.

Here’s a recap on one geezer’s summer offun, starting a hair before summer. If you’relooking for places to race next year, these willdo you fine.

April 18, The Run for Shelter 5K inTraverse City. A downhill start, downhill fin-ish across a meadow and plenty of hills inbetween through the countryside west oftown. Organizers invited folks to run withtheir dogs and 30-40 pooches showed up.Maddie the mad dog, my black Lab mix, wasfirst canine.

Guy came up after the race, his wife stillout on the course with his dog, and said:“Man, she’s fast. I’m glad she’s all right. Isaw that fat dog at the starting line and said,‘I hope she doesn’t have a heart attack.’”

I thanked him politely. Dog’s a Lab,meaning wide rear end, big bones that helpher float half out of the water. But lean asLabs get, all muscle, a racing maniac, as any-one can attest who’s heard her relentless,can’t-take-the-excitement howls as she awaitsthe starting gun.

May 16, the Asparagus Run 5K inEmpire. Lousy cold day, rain, driving wind.What’s new? But what a fun, fun race. Startsat the parking lot at the beach just west oftown, climbs in the first mile to the top ofthis monster bluff overlooking Lake

Michigan, comes back down the same roadyou struggled up, loops through town andfinishes back at the beach.

A classic, small-town festival event. Andthere’s asparagus to be bought everywhere; nothingbetter than fresh-picked Michigan asparagus unlessit’s fresh-picked sweet corn in August or hot-on-the-bushes raspberries in July.

June 7, the Mancelona Bass Festival 5K.Cold, rainy, windy, looks like November.Sound familiar? Another small-town classic.Starts at the fairgrounds on the outskirts oftown, loops on dirt roads through the forestnearby and finishes back where it started.

The dog sets her PR by 70 seconds,23:38 (which means I’m finally getting intosome smidgeon of shape after years of yuck).

June 25, the Motor City Striders mid-week one- and three-mile runs in HuntingtonWoods. Always nice to see all the old friends,most of them still competitive, who havebeen doing the midweek races for what seemslike forever. Is forever, since I was young firsttime I showed up. This year I got to intro-duce a young colleague of mine to his firstrace and introduce him, too, to the conceptof getting outkicked by your elders.

June 27, Glen Arbor 5K. What? Sun?Heat? Is this Michigan? Yes, summer makes areturn for a day on a pretty course near some ofthe prettiest places in Michigan. What a greatarea for post-race hanging around. Take yourpick of a park on Glen Lake, beaches on LakeMichigan, Sleeping Bear Dune or just wander-ing the streets and galleries of Glen Arbor.

July 12, Westview Orchards 5K, Romeo.First-time event, funny time for a July race(noon), but great course through acres of rollingpeach and apple trees of this sprawling orchard.Plenty of post-race food and lots of raffle prizes.Good cause, too: a benefit for Leader Dogs.Only thing they need to do is start earlier nextyear. They can’t count on it being 70 degrees atnoon in mid-July every year.

July 26, Rudyard Summer Fest 5K. Lovethose small-time festivals, this in a hardscrab-ble town in the eastern U.P. that makes up infriendliness what it lacks in pizzazz. A week-end full of family activities to go with it.There’s an interesting triathlon in conjunc-tion, which finishes with a short swim in thehigh school pool, so you don’t have to worryabout hypothermia in the nearby lakes.

Aug. 1, Elk Rapids Harbor Days 5K.Dog’s been doing this one since she was a

pup. It used to be a small event, but hasgrown in popularity the last few years.There’s a 10K too. Great place to spend aweekend. Great beaches. Big fair with lots ofrides, big fireworks show at night.

One year I stood off to the side of therunners, the crowd too thick for me to feelcomfortable having a dog on a leash in theirmidst. I haven’t tripped anyone because ofhaving the dog in a run, yet, and don’t everplan on it.

So they start the race and I’m waiting afew seconds for the speedsters to go by andfor an opening to jump in with the dog, andshe thinks we’re only watching, not running,and she starts howling in absolutely dejected,heartbroken dismay. When off we went a fewseconds later, she ran about 12-second pacefor the first 100 meters, so happy to be inaction after all.

It’s a funny thing, knowing that everyrace we’re at, the most joyous participant, theone most geeked and pleased to be there, is

Tom Henderson and dog Maddierace the Tahqua 10K.

Notes on the Run: DogsRunning with Tom Henderson

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always my dog.

Aug. 15, Tahqua 10K, TahquamenonFalls. Wow! Incredible! You can read the fullaccount of this race elsewhere in this issue.There’s a 25K too. The 10K is on a spectacu-lar trail from the lower falls to the upperfalls, so tough, so pretty, so cool. Winningtime? More than 50 minutes. If you get toohot and have a mind, there are places youcan ease yourself into the river along the way.Another Jeff Crumbaugh classic.

Sept. 5, Grass River 5K, near Bellaire.First-time race was a classic, on flat, well-groomed trails through the conservancy alongthe Grass River, part of the Chain of Lakes.As fast a trail run as you’ll ever find, with agreat cause, raising money to support thearea. For the first time in years, reminding meof my youth, I felt strong from start to finish,passing a bunch, finishing 10th of 59.Yeehah!

Sept. 9, Red Carpet 5K, West Bloomfield.Another of Randy Step’s weird, wacky runs.Folks were invited to run in suits, tuxedosand evening gowns, and many did. Gobs offood at the finish at the Running Fit store.

The dog doesn’t have an evening gownand I didn’t want to make her feel bad, so Iditched the suit and ran in shorts. A break-through for an old man and his beast, as wefinished in 22:37, fastest time I’ve run sincejust after Y2K fizzled out. Even beat someold rivals for the first time in eons.

Sept. 19, Harvest Stompede 7-miler,Leelanau Peninsula. Last but not least, theincredible Stompede, ridiculous hills, ridicu-lously-beautiful scenery, on forest trails andthrough three vineyards just before harvest,delayed by the no summer this year, but vinesstill laden with grapes.

If you do this race once, you’ll do it overand over. It’s an immutable law. If you likeshorter races, be forewarned: The 5K may beshorter, but mile-for-mile it’s tougher, not abit of flat, just one big uphill and downhillafter another.

The post-race celebration actually lastsall weekend. You can buy a ticket combo thatincludes the race, followed by a special pair-ing of food and wine at each of the partici-pating 17 wineries on the peninsula.

They won’t let you do all 17 in one day,so you get to make a weekend of it. Ourweekend included four separate beach stopsto nap, take a dip and get ready for morewine and food.

Life is good. Summer was good. Even ifit sucked. MR

Witch’s Hat Run ConjuresSpell for 500 Plus

By CharlesDouglas McEwen

SOUTH LYON(9/12/09) — TylerFoley, 16, conjured upmagic in winning the18th annual Witch’sHat 10K Run, spon-sored by South LyonHigh School and SouthLyon East CrossCountry.

In 2007 Foley, nowa junior at South LyonEast, finished his first10K here in 40:54. Lastyear he placed 12th over-all in 38:42. This year heused a powerful last-milekick to prevail in 35:50.

Mark Melville, 35,of Huntington Woods(who finished in 35:55)and Spenser Layson, 17(third in 36:32), ranwith Foley for much ofthe race.

Layson had beaten Foley, his high schoolteammate, here last year. This year Foleypulled away from him after four miles andfaced off with Melville.

“At five miles, I kicked it and tried tobreak him,” Foley said. “I opened a little gapand held it to the end.”

Doug Ogden, 46, of Chelsea paced themale masters in 37:43.

Two more South Lyon residents battledfor the women’s crown in an equally hard-fought 10K race. Tammy Klein, 37, edged2007 queen Erica Aittama, 36, posting 43:12and 43:24 times respectively. Next cameShannon Smith, 32, of Royal Oak in 43:46.Marjorie O’Donnel, 43, of New Hudson ledthe masters in 48:18.

Former Michigan Runner magazine HighSchool Runner of the Year Tim Moore, 25,an ex-Notre Dame star now a graduate stu-dent at the University of North Carolina, ranaway with the men’s 5K in 15:39.

“I was playing catch-up during the first800 meters,” Moore said. “Then I tucked inbehind the two lead guys and went aheadnear the mile mark.”

In another battle between South Lyonnatives, Jack Jennings, 20, topped NateEdwards, 19, for runner-up, 16:22 to 16:30.Victor Brown, 46, of Canton paced the mas-ters in 16:45.

South Lyon High School graduate LaurelPark, 46, of Ann Arbor has won the overallwomen’s 5K here many times, most recentlyin 2006. Her victory this year represented acomeback from two years of nagging injuries.Park ran 17:33, the same as her time in 2006.

“My first mile was about 5:35 and mysecond 5:30,” Park said. “I’m pretty pleasedwith that.”

Jennifer Hampton, 30, of New Havenwas a distant second in 19:49. DanielleRoskens, 13, of South Lyon took third in21:35. Michelle Fields, 50, of South Lyon ledthe masters in 23:00

This year’s races drew more than 500 par-ticipants, “and the level of competition keepsgetting better,” Park said. “I’m pleased.”

Proceeds went to the boys and girls crosscountry programs at the two local highschools. Results are available online athttp://www.slxc.com/witch. MR

Witch’s Hat Run, South Lyon

South Lyon High School girls escort a youngsteraround the school track during the kids run.

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Beauty Rises at Tahqua FallsTom Henderson

PARADISE (8/15/09) — Leave it to JeffCrumbaugh — the evil genius behind thethree-race, two-day torture fest known asthe Keweenaw Trail Running Festival anddirector of some of the best trail runs andsnowshoe races you’ll find — to start theTahqua Trail 10K with a steep uphill.

Steep. Loose sand. Roots. Did I men-tion steep?

While I’m leaving it to Jeff, howabout I leave it to Jeff to provide a littleverbiage to describe the event, held on agorgeous, unseasonably-warm day thatwould eventually see the thermometer topout above 90. (A sunny, warm Sundaymade it a two-day summer for the UpperPeninsula.)

Here’s how Jeff describes the 10Kcourse on his Web site:

“The trail takes you up a steep hilland inland for awhile. It features some ofthe most beautiful forest along the entirecourse. The trail turns onto a forestedridge overlooking a ravine with a creek,and follows this down to theTahquamenon River.

“You will hear water rushing and beso close you can almost touch it. Nowyou are on the River Trail. The first sec-tion is extremely technical with roots,roots and even more roots. It is wet andthere are rocks. The trail is narrow single-track. Don’t feel bad if you have to walk thissection.”

(Note: When Jeff Crumbaugh describes atrail as technical, think of the devil describingan activity as sinful. Or really sinful. Bewarned.)

And then? In Jeff’s words: “This is fol-lowed by a very hilly section; just be preparedand enjoy it. It is difficult to run this sectionfast. After a mile or so, the trail levels off andyou will be very close to the river. When I ranthis section last week, the water wassparkling like diamonds and framed withtowering forests on both sides. Take sometime to really enjoy this section.

“The last 1.2 miles are hilly and featureseveral steep, long staircases to take you upinto a dense hardwood forest overlooking theriver. You will see massive hemlocks and yel-low birch.”

Sound cool? Sound tough? Sounds aboutright.

The river was spectacular. The trail wasnarrower than single-track, wedged extremelynarrow by a profusion of wildflowers ofevery color imaginable, shoulder-high at someplaces, dripping with dew, the water dropletssparking like diamonds, too. If your bloodsugar took a dip, well, hey, aren’t those somewild raspberries, hot and ripe in the sun?

Tough? Consider the winning time, 50:03by Jeffrey Kolodica, 27, of Linden, who fin-ished 28 seconds up on Jeff Schreiber, 40, ofWest Bend, Wisc. A woman, Christine Boose,49, of Windsor, Ont., finished third overall in53:59, more than two minutes up on KaitlinO’Mara, 20, of Goodrich. One can onlywonder what kind of terrain Boose finds inWindsor to get ready for this trail!

Eighty-nine finished the 10K, 96 the 25K.Much of the first nine miles of the 15.5-milerhad stretches Jeff describes as fast, whichmeans: “Not so tough that you’ll be fantasiz-

ing about telling some mad Albanian thatJeff is dating his wife.” In other words, thecourse isn’t so killer you’ll be planningrevenge.

It includes views of a large bog, a densecedar forest, jack pine, several lakes and aneye-popping view of the Lower Falls. (Thespectacular Upper Falls are just a shortwalk from the finish line for both events.)

George Cartwright, 18, of Lander, Wyo.,won the 25K in a romp, his time of 1:54good for a nine-and-a-half-minute win overScott Przystas, 23, of Gladwin. Tom Held,46, was third for the men in 2:17:45.

Deanna Skelcy, 42, of Rochester Hillswas third overall and first woman in2:16:54, with Jennifer Entwistle, 27, ofSault Ste. Marie, Ont. second in 2:19:41.

Twelve ran the kids’ 2K, with DylanJaskowski, 12, of Roscommon leading theboys in 5:03, and Robin Schaeffer, 11, ofEscanaba pacing the girls in 7:06.

On this day, on these courses, time was-n’t of the essence. The surroundings were.

“It was wonderful,” said Wilma Wilder,56, of Three Rivers, who walked the 10Kin 1:43:25. “Next year I’m coming backwith my husband.”

She and her son, Aaron Cullifer, 38, ofConstantine were part of a contingent of15 or so walkers, runners and spectators

who took part in honor of Joe Clewley, whohad hiked this and other nearby trails foryears.

On July 12, 2008, Clewley, 73, went fora hike with his Lab-chow mix and never wasseen again. Three weeks later the dog showedup at home, providing some sort of happyending. A constant barker normally, he wasso traumatized by his adventure that he did-n’t bark for days.

Despite weeks of searching by volunteers,state police, sheriff’s deputies and DNR offi-cials, Clewley’s body wasn’t found.

“We’re not doing this as a fundraiser; wejust wanted to come out and walk and runand honor Dad,” said Joe Clewley, Jr., whospectated this year but said he’d get in shapeto at least walk the 10K next year.

Walk this course, Joe, and you’ll know whyyour dad spent so much time here. And you’llhave no prettier place to honor him. MR

Tahqua Trail Run, Paradise

Deanna Skelcy was third overall in the25K and first woman in 2:16:54

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Documents

Michigan Runner, November / December 2009