Records Fall at the Dirty Dog

Lovejoy takes an early lead.

Dale Reicheneder breaks course record!

Katie relaxing after her record setting run,

One of our canine competitors.



Race director and his father.
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A Friday evening thunderstorm set the stage for the sloppiest Dirty Dog 15K Trail Run yet.  The field, which ballooned to 102 starters this year, was treated to wet and muddy trails this Saturday.  Race Director, Daniel Todd, who is gaining a reputation for his "no excuses" pep talks, informed the field during race briefing that if they got lost or hurt, he would be by on Wednesday to get them.  All joking aside, Todd has decided to employ a sweep runner for 2006 so he can rest easier on Saturday night. 

Anthony Lovejoy had the lead by the second mile ,but was eventually taken over by Malibu , California resident and current leader of the Trail Runner Magazine's Trophy Series (marathon and shorter distances), Dale Reicheneder.  Dale bested the course record by more than three minutes with a 1.13.28 to win the men's division.  A tactical error by trail veteran Bill Young left him with second place besting his 2004 time by over two minutes with a 1.14.11.  After the race Bill commented that underestimated Reicheneder thinking he would fail in the West Virginia hills.  Third place went to Young's adversary, Jeff Jordan.

 Mountain State Trail Runner Series leader, Sarah Sturgill started strong, but with an injured IT band it wasn't her day.  The women's division was paced by Katie Wieferich, who bested Rachel Toor's 2004 record by one minute and 25 seconds with a 1.26.29.  Katie is packing her bags for Colorado in June since her winning performance won her a spot on the Red Bull Divide and Conquer East Coast Team.  Again, local running rivals finish two and three with Sarah Sturgill besting Joni Adams in this outing at Kanawha State Forest .

The much publicized "over-training" injury of Lucky Flood's put the coveted title of Top Dog up for the taking.  Competition was tight in the field of twelve.  Friendly wagering was taking place between the Charlottesville , VA office of Bill Potts and some of the volunteers.  Potts picked junkyard dog, Zoe Lehmann to win, but sadly she only posted a show.  It always pays to do your homework, and with Cocoa Rodgers performance at the 2003 Highlands Sky trainer, it was clear that she had legs.  Cocoa also put a new record in the books—taking Top Dog honors with a 1.21.29.

A fun time was had by all...ok...most :), would not be possible for the hard work of the "Dirty" volunteers.  A special thanks to the course markers, registration workers, aid station teams, timing gurus, and the course sweepers.  Thanks to everyone who stayed and help clean up.  Competitive trail running is at a new level in West Virginia, because of Dan and Jody Lehmann - Thank you.