Saturday July 10, 2010
The 16th 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 3rd {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 16th 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
Continue Reading »