Mohican 2000
By Colleen J. Theusch
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try, and try again. Herb Hedgecock practiced this adage. On his fifth try at Mohican, Herb succeeded with a great time of 22:34:45 for ninth place overall. Along with the satisfaction of a superb run, Herb was rewarded with a Bison flashlight presented by Robin Fry and a subscription to ‘Trail Runner’ presented by Mickey Rzymek.
Bruce Hilton also believes in try, and try again. Everyone at the finish line was rooting for him to finish the race in time to become the ‘Last of the Mohicans’. Larry Begue and Toni Massa had arrived at Mohican Wilderness Campground mid-morning to help where needed. With less than 15 minutes before the 30-hour time limit, Larry was sent from the finish line to find Bruce and strongly encourage him to move more rapidly. Bruce countered by crossing the finish line with almost four minutes to spare. Applause greeted him as he entered the pavilion. For his efforts he received a copy of Cooper’s ‘The Last of the Mohicans” as well as a figurine of an Indian with eagle wings attached to his arms. This symbolizes the bravery necessary to even start the race along with the hope that next year Bruce will have the speed of the eagle. Along with the traditional type of last Mohican award, Bruce received a pair of Montrail shoes and a Bison flashlight. These should also help him in next year’s event.
Rains fell and winds blew during the week preceding the Mohican race. The Mohican-Memorial State Forest personnel cleared the paths of trees downed before Friday evening. Even before dinner, Joe Jurczyk, race director, decided to cancel the river crossing. Fortunately the river crossing is under the covered bridge, so canceling the crossing does not entail any change in the course. Torrential rains fell during the dinner making the river even higher. These rains caused mild flooding on Wally Road for a short time as well as adding to the river’s volume. The heavy, noisy rains delayed the announcements regarding the race. Some campers took refuge from soaked equipment in motels with other runners. The torrents settled the dirt roads so that no traffic kicked up dust to contaminate the runners’ lungs. This was the silver lining in the clouds.
Electrical storms continued through the night. When Jim Fitch woke in the morning at the Mohican River Inn to the sound of birds singing he knew that he had overslept. Power outages had rendered his alarm clock useless. He quickly went to the Mohican Wilderness campground starting point and was directed to the course. He later DNFed, but not before enjoying much of the beauty of the course including a family of wild turkeys and a deer. Jim promises to be back.
The trail marking crew, Leo Lightner, Tom Todrank, Karen McPeak, Zenek Zapotocky, Joe Eisenberg, Ida Greiner, and Fred Davis had completed the course by Friday evening. Some trails have permanent markers. While ribbons and plastic plates mark some locations, lime arrows show many trails and turns. The lime arrows eliminate much of the problem of removed ribbons that plagued the first few years of the race. These hard workers envisioned the hammering rain washing away the lime arrows during dinner. After days of hard work, these were not pleasant dreams. The crew, with the help of Rich Oldrieve and Nick Wolf, was back at work early Saturday morning to replace the lime. Many runners commented on the great trail markings.
On Friday evening, Kurt Kelly received bib number 100. This is the first time the number of registrants has reached three digits. However, only 93 runners started the race. Of these, 57 finished the event. Six of these were women. A dozen runners completed their first 100 mile run: Marc Hamas, Paul Layne, Kam Lee, Rich Henderson, Jeffrey Ziol, Michael George, Brian Escott, Richard Plezia, Robert Atlas, Virginia Govier, Greg Helbig, and Milton Webb.
Brandon Sybrowsky owned this race all the way starting with a five-minute lead entering the first aid station and ending with an hour margin. The next dozen places were up for grabs throughout much of the event. Although Janice Anderson was always the first woman, she took a solid second place overall only after ninety miles. In doing so, her time of 18:53:20 shattered the previous women’s record of 20:15:42 set in 1995 by Marge Adelman. Janice had previously set the Rocky Raccoon and Umstead 100 mile records this year. Both Brandon and Janice received Montrail shoes presented by Mickey Rzymek, Bison flashlights presented by Robin Fry, and a chainsaw carved runner of the respective gender for their superb running. Robin is a Bison light distributor and had procured some lights to use as awards.
Brandon Sybrowsky is very close to his family and enjoys doing runs with his brother, Travis. With Mohican relatively close to Travis in Michigan, this race was selected for a family get-together. Brandon was delighted on an easy Friday run when he spotted a red fox. “Cool. It just stood there and we looked at each other.” While Brandon has won many shorter ultras, he has never won a 100-mile race. Thus he was happy to be first into each aid station. He enjoyed the beauty of the difficult blue loop so much that he considered running it a second time. However, he quashed that thought so as not to jeopardize a win due to the extra miles that would entail. During the night he reveled in the fireflies, a new experience for him. Brandon also found delight in finding an arrowhead. He spotted it, picked it up, examined it, and then tossed it back down. As an archaeologist he knows that is the proper procedure. He could taste victory as he began running up Big Hill Just a few miles from the finish line. Suddenly there was a light much brighter than the fireflies gaining on him. He thought, “Where did that person come from?” Although Brandon increased his speed, the light continued to come closer. Ryan O’Dell, manager of the Mohican Wilderness campground, is a runner himself. He decided to enjoy the company of some elite runners. Shortly after Brandon left the last aid station, Ryan decided to become a pacer. Brandon was pleased to discover that it was a fresh runner so he was still on his way to win his first 100-mile race. Then Ryan returned to the aid station and accompanied Janice to the finish line. Janice also ran up most of Big Hill. Next year, Ryan may wear a race number.
The river crossing was canceled. Joe Jurczyk had instructed the runners not to even attempt it because the current was strong and we did not want to have to rescue people. However, accidents do happen. Steve Range was on the orange loop at the section where the trail abuts the riverbank. He saw a large wet stone next to a patch of mud. Thinking that the wet stone would be slippery, he stepped on the mud. Splash! He was submerged but able to climb back onto the path. Runners behind him heard the splash, saw flailing arms, and then a runner emerge unscathed from the water.
Art Moore managed to keep the rain away throughout most of the night with the umbrella he was carrying. Towards morning rain did fall in varying degrees along the course. Rain was not the worst of Art’s problems. Shortly before Turkey Ridge, he stepped into a rut, strained his left ankle, and in falling strained and bruised his right knee. While such injuries may slow an elite runner such as Art, they would not cause him to drop out. Flat areas and gentle hills were not bad, but ascent and descent on Big Hill were painful. The podiatrists at the finish pavilion expertly stabilized Art’s ankle.
Ken Debos pacing Cheryle Stallings was not so fortunate. His misstep near mile 88 resulted in a foot broken in several places. There is no way he could continue pacing. Cheryle was queasy about continuing the race alone in the dark, so Sarah, an aid station worker, said she would walk Cheryle to the finish. Sarah even lent her sweatshirt to Cheryle so the bugs ate Sarah instead of Cheryle. Cheryle credits Sarah with saving her from more than bugs. Two young men pulled along side the two women walking on one of the dirt roads and asked what they were doing at 3AM all alone in the dark. Sarah fearlessly stated that they were just out for a walk, picked up the pace, and kept going. A few vulgar words later the men spun gravel and left.
Along with the Mohican web page, Joe Jurczyk set up an e-mail group list. Registrants took advantage of this opportunity to discuss river/stream crossings, drop bags, flashlights, etc. Ray Gruenewald from Seattle Washington inquired about things to do in Ohio, particularly in respect to Amish country. Mike George answered with detailed directions of roads to take to see a wide variety of the culture. Others added to those comments. Ray made use of all the info and in so doing was able to see even more as he passed additional sites of interest along the routes suggested. Nature also provided memories for Ray. He commented, “How lucky can one get? Last year at Old Dominion, I saw my first cardinal at mile 99. This year I saw my first skunk at mile 99.5.” The plethora of butterflies also enthralled Ray.
The web page also provided after race advice to Jane Moser who contracted a severe case of poison ivy. The advice ran the gamut from grandmother’s remedies to conventional medical advice from Dr. Mark Elderbrock, race medical director. Mark ran the race this year and contracted some poison ivy himself. Dan Bellinger also discovered it on the loop around Hickory Ridge. The runners all remember that point where one can see the aid station, even toss bottles to be filled, but must complete another mile before actually entering the aid station.
Brody Fry, Regis Shiver’s pre-teen grandson, paced Regis from the pacer access point to the covered bridge and again from the last aid station, up Big Hill, and to the campground finish. Brody hopes to earn his own buckle someday. Regis, Sr. completed the event with Regis Jr. several years ago for the first father-son combination at Mohican. Perhaps in a dozen years or so Regis, Sr. and Brody will become the first grandfather-grandson combination.
Mark Carroll gave me a little kiss at the fire tower so that I’d have to put his name in this article. It’s OK; his wife had pre-approved his plan.
Years ago Don Lindley from Fort Wayne came to investigate the Mohican race. He liked what he saw. After volunteering in 1991, he became the 1992 ‘Last of the Mohicans’. Since then, many other Fort Wayne runners have been at Mohican both as entrants and as volunteers. One year one runner introduced others with, “We brought these people to Mohican for their first 100 attempt, not because Mohican is easy, but because it’s runner friendly.” This year the Fort Wayne contingent kept the race even friendlier by taking over Camp Walhonding and Rock Point aid stations after the Toledo group had relinquished those areas. Don Lindley captained the Camp while Linda Gorman managed Rock Point. Runners commented on the great aid there. While Linda may enter the race next year, the Fort Wayne group is planning on making the aid even better for that race.
Turkey Ridge was also under new management. Little Brown Inn owners, Kirk and Angela Matteson and family, accepted the challenge of that nighttime aid station. Besides providing runner support, the Little Brown Inn donated many dozens of bags of ice throughout the run.
Thanks to everyone, at the aid stations, and other places. All the aid station captains; Al White, iceman; Rick Mead, computer guru; Tom Todrank and all the trail marking crew; Hugh Danaceau and John Blakemore, tracking time board; Rich Oldrieve, finish line; Gary Fell, aid-station volunteer coordinator; Jean Gerstein, registration; Mark Shelton and Bob Myers, supply procurement and delivery; Al and Kathy, truck drivers; Mickey Rzymek, sponsors; John Quinn, Stan Kinney and crew, radio communications; Kathy Siesel and the Ohio School of Podiatric Medicine students, podiatric care; Pat Agnello, Debbie Lemmer, Joyce Prohaska, Toni Massa, Tim and Timmy Chrisman, cookie/brownie bakers; Greg Smith and forest and park rangers; Joe Jurczyk, race director; all the runners. This list is far from complete and the order means absolutely nothing. The Mohican run is almost like a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece is necessary to make a beautiful picture complete.
As always Mickey Rzymek had contacted all types of sponsors. A few years ago, Mickey received discounted Dri-Release by Optimer shirts for the runners. These shirts were in evidence during the race on runners who appreciate this cooling fabric. Mickey has maintained this sponsorship over the years. One runner was looking through his pack of goodies that included Compeed for blisters, Dex4 glucose tablets for energy, etc. when he exclaimed, “Even an orange stick (emery board)! This is great for the toenails. You people think of everything.”
People train for the Mohican event in a wide variety of fashion. Greg Helbig has defined a three quarter mile loop that goes up and down the steepest rocky slopes of his farm in West Virginia. His own words: “The fastest I have ever completed a loop on it is 10.5 minutes. This required great effort. I mostly walk this loop in repeats of eight and this is a vigorous workout that lasts several hours. I find it no coincidence that after starting the Mo quite slowly (80th place or higher thru first several aid stations), I proceeded to pass most of those runners I did pass while walking up-hill. What I did find unusual is that I could do this with much less effort than in the past.“ Mark Carroll had an unplanned unique method of training. Unfortunately, Mark’s young son spent much time in a hospital during the spring. While visiting there, waiting for tests to be performed, etc., Mark ran up and down the hospital stairs many times. When life gives you lemons, try to make some lemonade.
People come to Mohican for a wide variety of reasons. Paul Layne trains with Terry Hawk so learned about the event. Bill Wagner runs with the Godale brothers. He ran his first 100 miler at Mohican last year. This year he brought a contingent with him: Kam Shun Lee, Rich Henderson, and Jeff Ziol. Now if each of those returns next year with three additional entrants, we could soon be well over a hundred runners, maybe even hit two hundred. While we were going round and round the loop at Presque Isle last October, I sang Mohican praises to anyone who would listen. Jim Fitch listened and came to experience the wonder of it all. Ray Gruenewald picked Mohican from among the many runs because it fits his class schedule. Brian Escott read Mark Shelton’s article about Leo in the North Coast Sports. Brian works at the Toyota dealer where Leo takes his car for servicing. Soon, Brian committed to the race. Hans-Dieter Weisshaar from Germany met Leo Lightner and Hugh Danaceau at a race in Haliburton, Canada. Articles in Ultrarunning describing the event caused some runners to select Mohican. Some crewmembers were not overly keen on the event because the same articles talk about the mosquitoes and deer flies. The number of mosquitoes, flies, etc. present this year was less than the swarms of some years.
Virginia Govier’s birthday is on June 15, so she chose Mohican for her first 100-mile race as a birthday present to herself. She had stated running seriously just three years ago as a flexible method to get back into shape after the birth of her third child. After the race, one runner sang Virginia’s praises, “She had a very painful toe, but she remained cheerful throughout. I consider it an honor to have run with her.”
Rita Barnes was also attempting her first 100. Her nine-year-old son had made a bead bracelet with the colors of the beads matching the sequence of the colored loops. While the bracelet could help her be on the right loop, unfortunately it did not give her the speed necessary to complete the course in the time limit.
This race has become an annual event for many people, both runners and volunteers. One radio operator indicated that he would give up his own birthday celebration to be at Mohican because it gives him such great experience in a real life situation. The Shick family who works at the fire tower aid station cut their Disney vacation short in order to be at the race. Ron Ross wants the 2001 application – now!
Runners made interesting comments about the Mohican event before, during, and after the event. Bob Lisey who finished his first 100 miler here last year has run several other ones since then. He was back this year because ‘Mohican is the best by far.’ At Hickory Ridge, Wade Repta said that these difficult trails made this the first time he ever looked forward to running on the road. Mohican proves that Ohio is not flat. David Hughes states the repair the podiatrist did on his foot made the last miles of the race much more endurable. Mohican is one of the ultras to do! Flawless. Fantastic. Thanks to everyone, down to the person who baked the last cookie. Wonderful course. Fabulous markings. This was a great ultra experience. I want to be back next year to eat more pierogies. I DNFed this year, but I look forward to another crack at the Mohican next year. I was touched by the generosity and all around enthusiasm of all of the race volunteers. Mohican was a good event from the start, and now is an absolute 1st class event. Mohican is a sterling event. Volunteers are #1 – such a will to serve us and meet our needs. Despite conditions, EXCELLENT course markings.
Thanks again to each person who has been involved with Mohican throughout the years. Now is the time to bask in the accolades the race received this year. While Mohican is a top-notch event, it is not perfect. At the wrap-up meeting the other night, we discussed new positions necessary to make the race even better. Watch upcoming newsletters for info on these improvements. Meanwhile, mark your calendars for June 16-17, 2001, the dates for the race – pending permits.