1998 Mohican – Superb!
By Colleen J. Theusch
ctheusch@core.com
Thanks to all those who were in any way, shape, or form associated with this years Mohican event. It gets better year by year and this year reasonably good conditions added to its enjoyment and success.
Thanks to all the officials, aid station captains, their crews, cookie bakers, workers of all types from CWRRC, other running clubs, Roadway, boy scouts, individuals – without each and every one of these there could be no 100 mile race, just as there could be no race without the runners. The mercury hit the 80s during the day, but a cool breeze and relatively low humidity let 48 of the 77 starters complete the full 100 miles to earn the prized buckle. Another 23 finished over 50 miles to claim the medal award.
Jim Garcia lopped over a half hour off the previous course record with his finish in 16:11:19. This equates to less than a 10 minute mile - for a hundred tough miles! Second place Jonathan Strayer running his first one hundred mile trail race was just shy of the old record by two minutes. There were 6 finishers under 20 hours and 17 under 24 hours. Some years there have been no finishers under 20 hours and only 5 under 24 hours. Seventeen runners finished their first 100 mile race - 5 of these were under 24 hours, 2 of them under 20 hours. Sandy Debos from Dover, OH, a first timer, was the first woman in 24:57. CWRRC’s Irene Weston cut over an hour and a half from her previous record to be the second woman. Marvin Lafler from Ionia, MI was the first grand master (50+) in just over 24 hours. The two great grand masters (60+), Art Moore and Norm Carlson, finished mid-pack within a half hour of each other. Norm had been Last of the Mohicans in 1994. Never before have we had so many do so well.
Last of the Mohicans, Paul Pelke, completed his first 100 mile race obviously in pain, but happy with his success. His special awards were objects I had picked up on the Volksmarch at the Crazy Horse memorial in South Dakota earlier in June. The main award was a ceramic replica of the planned monument: Crazy Horse, the Indian representing the courage, determination and endurance necessary to complete the Mohican event. Crazy Horse is atop a stallion. We hope that Paul’s next race will be as easy as riding a horse. A Crazy Horse patch with the motto “Never forget your dreams” should inspire Paul to complete future Mohican events. That motto can serve many of us well in most aspects of our lives.
The podiatrists and their students were busy, but blisters were not as numerous and in most cases not as severe as last year. Many runners commented on the great communications at the race. All this brought about by the amateur radio clubs. This is a real win-win situation. The club members gain much real life – real time experience which will hold them in good stead if ever they are called upon in a natural disaster; the race volunteers and runners benefit by knowing where the runners are, by being able to easily call for supplies, etc.
Runners and their families were amazed at the up to date results frequently printed from the computer. This would have been completely impossible without the generosity of Lysa Siegle who lent her computer for use during the event. Rick Mead has done a superb job with the software. Each year he produces additional types of results from the entered times. Rick’s sidekick, Rich Medykowski, alias flying fingers, kept entries up to date when Rick was busy elsewhere. Don, Juanita, and others kept the big board up to date.
Hugh Danaceau’s lentil stew made a big hit with the runners. Homemade sloppy joes were also a favorite (sorry, I don’t know the cook for that one.)
After my last plea for cookies many of you came forward and provided chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal, and other cookies. We had around 50 dozen from Pat Agnello, Debbie Lemmer, Chris Anderson, Karen McPeak, Bob Budzilek, Juanita Robeson, and perhaps others of whom I am unaware. The runners devoured them!
Yes, Robin Fry did finish the race again – his ninth. He just graduated as a physician’s assistant and is looking for a position out west. Expect to see him here for the Mohican big number TEN next June. This year he had the strong desire just to lie down along the road during the race, but realized there were too many stones. He thought of the grassy yards, but decided a dog might come after him. Then he started hallucinating about park benches – all shapes, sizes and colors. He’s wondering why he didn’t at least envision soft mattresses rather than hard benches.
Steve Godale wasn’t hallucinating when he saw a blue bird. When Steve first told me, I thought he meant a bluebird. These are relatively common in the area. As we discussed the apparition, I realized that he had the privilege of observing the neon bright blue bird – the indigo bunting! Will Steve be back next year? “Never again.” (Famous last words. He said that after his first finish several years ago.)
Mike Cargill broke 24 hours this year. Dan Bellinger, his pacer, forced him into a good pace by running ahead of him with the flashlight. Don Baun had pacers split the distance. Jason Warner, who first started pacing at Mohican when he was in high school, ran with Don the last 20 miles.
So many people did so much. Joe Jurczyk, Race director; Mark Shelton, supply coordinator, etc.; Leo Lightner, volunteers, trail marking, etc.; Tom Todrank, Karen McPeak, Joe Eisenberg, Ida Greiner, Zenek Zapatocky, Hugh Danaceau, trail markings and many other tasks; Mickey Rzymek, sponsors, tee shirts, etc. The list goes on and on. I know there are many tasks and many volunteers of whom I am unaware. Congratulations and a great big thank you to each of you!
Runner Steve Ratcliff’s comment sums it up: “All in all, a pretty incredible experience.”