Comments on: Rattlesnake Trail 50k Results & Final Race Report

By: mike willoughby

mike willoughby — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:18:06 +0000

I was a competive runner since the late sixties until the late 90′s. Then I quit running in races. I had run over 40 marathons and a couple of ultra’s. I continued to run enough to keep from getting fat. Back in May I saw your race and got that itch to run in a race again. I trained hard to get back into shape enough to at least finish the Rattlesnake. I finished toward the back of the pack in a little over 8 hrs. Excellent race! Friendly and helpful volunteers. I thank you Dennis for directing a great race. and giving me the desire to run in organized races again. I am registered to run the Cheat Mtn 50 mile run next. Thanks again

By: Elizabeth Minnick

Elizabeth Minnick — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:12:09 +0000

I hate to see that Rattlesnake is coming to an end. I enjoyed the three years I was able to run the race and will be sad when July rolls around next year. Dennis, thank you for everything you have done and to the volunteers who supported you over the years. Hope to see you out on the trails! Beth.

By: Adam Casseday

Adam Casseday — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:54:03 +0000

There is something really enjoyable about simply showing up to a starting line, running a race, then being able to go home. That does not happen as a Race Director or volunteer.

I greatly appreciate those racing experiences now since I direct a race (soon to be raceS) myself. Only because of directing an ultra can you understand all the planning, headaches, stresses, loss of sleep, and axieties – all just for the love of the sport and the enjoyment of seeing others push their limits and striving to reach a goal. There is no fame or fortune to be had.

All good things must come to an end. It is no different with the Rattlesnake 50K. It was a great race and I thank you Dennis for the great contributions you’ve made to the sport that I we all love.

Now, enjoy the time to just show up and be a runner. You deserve it . . . you’ve made a bigger impact than I’m sure you’ll ever know.

– Adam

By: Dan Lehmann

Dan Lehmann — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:21:57 +0000

Dennis, Mary Ann and all your faithful volunteers,

I am sad to see the last Rattlesnake, but understand where you are with the race after 16 years. RTR was my first ultra in 1999 and it kicked my butt. I’ve run many more since then and will miss the annual July trek up and down the hills of Kanawha State Forest.

You’ve put on 16 great races and spawned several more ultras here in West Virginia.

Thanks

By: Matt Young

Matt Young — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:31:24 +0000

Dennis,

Thanks for a great race and for your committment over the years. I’m sorry to hear this race is ending after 2010. It was my first ultra and left a lasting impression on me. See you out there-

By: PSmith

PSmith — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:12:01 +0000

So sad you won’t be doing it again Dennis. I have been building up and practicing so that I could make a better show of that race. I am very sad. But I totally understand, and I’ll be happy to see you out on the trails.

Thanks for all of your hard work in the past.

By: Rick Gray

Rick Gray — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:13:36 +0000

Dennis and Mary Anne, Thank you both for all of the wonderful years. This was my 5th Rattlesnake and I have always looked so forward to it each year. I certainly understand your desire to step down from directing the race, but I have to say I will miss it. You have always had the best volunteers and this year was no exception. They are always there and ready to help us and to give us encouraging words. My congratulations to all who finished the 16th Rattlesnake and to Beth and Adam for their wins. They are true competitors. Thank you again for all of the great times, great memories and for the challenge that you have placed in front of us so many times. Rick