West Virginia Mountain Trail Runners

Saturday July 10, 2010

The 16^th Rattlesnake Trail 50k is in the books. Adam Casseday was the race winner {4:27:04}. When the race began, there was a 19 year old in the lead pack {Ricky Campbell}. It was his first ultra run and a very good  run against veteran racers. Second place was Trevor Garretson {4:45:00} followed by Jack Lenhoff {4:48:12}. The race up front was much closer until Adam started pushing the uphill sections. Considering the Rattlesnake course has 10 major climbs and many intermediate uphills, Adam pushed a lot. 

The women’s field was another tight race until about 22 miles. Elizabeth Minnick {5:29:18} and Sharon Marks {5:40:14} stayed close together followed 3 minutes behind by Susan Donnelly.  Sharon won’t mind me telling her age. She is 52. She has always run strong at the Rattlesnake. Last year, Susan Donnelly stopped to help a runner {my friend, John Sheets}. This year she pushed through warm temperatures to capture 3^rd {6:21:06}.

Dale Fleckenstein was this years Male Masters winner {5:14:36} Local runner and all around good egg, Joni Adams took the Women’s Master division in a time of 7:12:20.

This year we had runners from 16 states and Canada. In the 16 years of the race, we have had runners from all across the country run one of the toughest and most enjoyable trail races you will find.

When the Rattlesnake Trail 50k began, my youngest son, Aaron, was just a 9 year old. My oldest, Paul, was  11. He has a son, Aidan, who is now 6. Wow, time really does go by quickly.

16 summers in a row, my wife Mary Anne and myself have either helped or race directed the Rattlesnake Trail 50k. Over the last  26 years, I have directed one run or another. This year marks our last Rattlesnake. We wanted to go out on a high note. Great finisher awards from Gauley River Pottery. Super shirts from Sport Mart and sponsorship, for the 16^th year from John Sheets and Hammergel. The greatest thing we have had as well as the runners is our volunteers. Glenn Jarrell, Terry Tomlinson, Forrest and Patrick Allen, Steve and Sandy Childress, Steve Marshall, Missy Nicely, Kenneth Wheeler, June and Jerry Hicks, Joe Richards {Kanawha Amateur Radio Club}, Aaron Hamrick, Paul Hamrick, Aidan Hamrick, Kanawha State Forest and my very best friend, Mary Anne, my wife.

I have had a great time with the race. Every finisher has been special. The middle to the back are the folks I relate to the most. That’s  where I run. The last runner is always special. They are competing against the course, not other runners.

Thanks for  everything. I’ll see you out on the trails

Dennis Hamrick

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All information about this years Highlands Sky Trail Run can be found on its event page.

It may be hard to imagine running through the snow on a 90 degree day, but

registration for the 2nd annual Frozen Sasquatch Trail 50k/25k is set for July 1st.  The race is at Kanawha State Forest near Charleston, WV on January 8th, 2011.  Check the above link for more details.

Race morning was a bit foggy and warm. Weather forecast called for temps in the 75-85 range, with a 50% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Race start seemed to go off right on time. Rick Freeman, Race Director, had warned us if the train was approaching Ohiopyle, less than 1/2 mile from the race start, we would have to wait. It was rather funny to hear a train come through just minutes after most of us crossed the very active rail line.
The fun at the Laurel Highlands Ultra race starts almost immediately-a climb. With over 100 runners registered, it was already a move a foot and stop. But then the trail opens up and it is runnable.
For most. Within a half mile, I try to speed up a bit and WHUMP! down I go-hard. Both knees, right elbow, right palm. Left hand was carrying a handheld water bottle, so was spared. Embarrassed, I spring up. It’s not worth the time to try and clean up the dirt out of the blood.
The first challenge of the course is the 2 mile climb out of mile 6. I had a mini goal of not getting passed through here, and I achieved that. I also passed people. I had my “up” switch going and was in a rhythm, and didn’t want to get sucked into anyone else’s pace. Before long, we were done! with “one” of the worst climbs.
Usually I am rewarded with a nice breeze up around mile 9. Not so much this day. It’s just hot and humid. The first water stop is at mile 12.
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is rather unique in that there is permanent cement mile markers, every mile. While that may play with some runner’s heads, I found it valuable to know exactly how far out I was from the next aid station, and tried to conserve the water. Continue Reading »

Crossing Big Run

Dan and I enjoyed the beauty of early spring on Spruce Mountain yesterday during a reconnaissance trip of the WV Trilogy course.  I was once again reminded of how special this event is going to be.  In a run of a mere 20 miles we were treated to amazing views, residual snow drifts, various casualties of winter, awesome trails, and some invigorating stream crossings.  This area never ceases to impress and amaze me.

Entrants are starting to roll in for the Trilogy.  Be sure not to miss out. . . unless you are not man/woman enough to tackle all that is the WV Trilogy.

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