BLUE SPRINGS TRAIL ULTRAS, OCTOBER 24, 2004

50 MILES, 50K, and MARATHON

LADIES RULE.

Judith Henderson and Barbara Schupp hardly needed their age and gender handicap allowances to place first and second in this years Blue Springs 50K. Fifteen runners completed the 50K including entries from New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Illinois. Judith was one of four from the state of Colorado. It was nice to see a little of our money returning to Missouri after spending so much of it in Leadville and Colorado Springs these past ten years.

In the fifty mile, Paul Schoenlaub, found his reserves a little low after completing the slam, so his hope of breaking Henry Brent’s course record of 6:30:45 was not to be. Still, all four finishers easily qualified for Western States. While the course is perhaps the easiest 50 mile trail race in the land, the opportunity to drop down to the 50K while running always siphons off several 50 mile runners, and this year was no different.

Several of the 35 marathon finishers chose our low key event for their first marathon, and since we have a generous ten hour limit we always have some walkers. Many runners disparage participants who walk a marathon, but if I had been able to match Connie Hsiung’s sub fifteen minute pace at Javelina, I wouldn’t have had to drop at mile 77.

The race walking relay was won again by Alan Poisner and his Pedestrian Power team mates Sue and Bonnie. They always save their winnings, two bottles of Champaign, for their annual club banquet.

Weatherwise the temperature was 55, perfect for running. Solo finishers received clay turtles made by Mike and Barb Schuup. Sara Risser revived the finishers with hot soup. The date for next year is Sunday, October 23^rd. Lou Joline, Director.