Annual Letter 2007
West Virginia Mountain Trail Runners 2007
Five Years Running
Five years, 200 members, thousands of trail miles, many fine runs and races, hours and days of fun, many accomplishments…. we are a diverse group brought together by the freedom of these hills and the joy to be found there. We are well and running forward.
It has been good year for the WVMTR. We again sponsored the Dirty Dog, Hypes Memorial, Highlands Sky, Helvetia, and Valley Falls races this year. The Dog continues to attract runner and beast and contributes to the Kanawha/Charleston Humane Society and the Kanawha Trestle Trail Association. The Hypes Memorial awarded two $1000 college scholarships to Nicholas County High School graduates. Highlands celebrated its 5th running and Helvetia its 10th annual. Valley Falls made a substantial contribution to the Immune Deficiency Fund. Congratulations and thank you to the Race Directors and volunteers who help bring these events to fruition.
The 2007 Mt. State Trail Run Series consisted of seven races this year. Approximately 50 runners participated in the Series. A new committee has been appointed on the Series for 2008. Corey LeBrasseur, Chrissy Paulson, Mike Stennes and Sarah Sturgill. Watch for some fresh ideas, new sponsors, and maybe some new races for the 08 MSTR Series. Contact any of them if you have any suggestions.
In May we had our first volunteer group do trail maintenance on the Mon National Forest. Fourteen miles of trail were cleared and some erosion control work was completed. We will be scheduling another day with the Forest Service in the spring.
You can save some bucks on running gear. ZombieRunner joins Adventures Edge and Running Warehouse in giving a discount to members. Details can be found on Club News page. The password for ZombieRunner is MTNSTATETRAIL.
So what’s ahead for 2008? A new ultrarun in August, possibly a new trail race or two, maybe an Appalachian Crossing repeat, and something new you have yet to suggest. We may soon see some new interactive components or even a new face to the website. The small, impromptu group training or fun runs seemed to have dropped off. Come on Morgantown, Charleston, Fayetteville, Slatyfork put something together.
Finally please come to the Annual Meeting Run Party on Jan. 12 in Helvetia. Bring the family or just yourself for some good times. Find the details as usual at wvmtr.org. Bring some ideas on what you would like to see for the future of your club.
Enjoy a cheerful and safe Holiday Season. All the best for the New Year.
Now get out there and Hit The Trail.
Dan Lehmann
December 2007
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