ecember 30 -- Run for the Ranch
This was a perfect way to close out the racing year.  Apparently, a lot of others felt the same way.  The lines at registration and the crowded parking encouraged changes for next year.  There were 393 entrants from all across the United States.  Thanks for coming and supporting such a good cause.

December 22
Flat and fast describes this race.  The distance brought out a lot of younger runners and those who are fleet of feet.  Brad Lyons won in 4:50, followed closely by Alan Nippes in 4:53.  It was a good race.  Merry Christmas everyone!

December 15
With new race director, Marcie Bowling, the 4th Annual Dorrel T. Hanks 5k went off as planned on December 15.  There were 170 runners who signed up to run though the forecast was gloomy.  We only had to deal with a cool rain in the 40's, which was not as bad as expected.  Rick Elliott won with a time of 15:43, followed by Chris Yates in 15:59.  Rosie Laughlin won the women's in 20:36, followed by Pam Sailors in 22:19.  Wow!  I have also included age group winners, since they were modified from what was listed on the entry form.  dorrelthanks5kagegroupwinners.
 

December 8
Congratulations to all of the Jingle Bell Run runners.  The complete results are posted.  If you want to view the age group winners, click here:  jinglebellrunagegroups.  The weather was more pleasant than it looked.  The course was changed two days prior to reduce some of the costs for traffic officers.  Give us feedback as to the location for next year.  Thanks to Julie Stovall from the Arthritis Foundation for all of her hard work.

December 1
The Jack Frost Race is one that I always look forward to.  There are many unfamiliar faces due to the college locale, and it is well organized due to Bev Franklin and the Catholic Campus Ministries.  The O'Reilly Student Center is a popular gathering place and great for the registration and awards ceremony.  The turnout was good -- especially with a 20 mph headwind while heading east.  I have posted results for both the 1.5 mile walk and 5k run.

November 22
There were 4,246 entrants at this year's Turkey Trot -- an all-time record.  Over 500 people signed up just on race day.  Not all showed up because of the big chill.  Preliminary results are posted.  Please e-mail or call if you have any questions,  concerns, or changes pertaining to results.  ridge1@mchsi.com

November 17
The Frisco Trail was all decorated for Christmas to welcome the runners for their 5K.  As a bonus, there was a parade at 10 a.m.  Bill Thompson nearly won, until he was nipped at the end by youngster Bryce Park, 15 yrs. old.  Miriam Flouer shows how consistency pays off, as she easily won in 21:41.

November 9-10
The streets of Silver Dollar City were crowded with runners, who were searching for a new kind of thrill at the local theme park on Friday evening.  The registration process flowed smoothly amidst the surreal background of Christmas lights, giant trees and people in lighted costumes.  Runners were held at the start just long enough to roll up all of the awnings and get the lead Gator in place.  It was a fun and unique experience.  We were happy that it was otherwise uneventful.

The Herschend's              The beginning of the Race
 
Steve Busch and Chris Yates came in 1 & 2

David Hunsucker is congratulated by JoDee Herschend

The Parkinson's Race drew an impressive crowd the next morning, beginning at Pershing Middle School.  Aki Nummela from Finland won it hands down.  We are honored that he stopped here in Springfield as part of his racing circuit.

November 3-4
Anyone who missed out on Bass Pro's Fitness Festival weekend really missed out.  A gigantic effort was put into all aspects of the weekend by Bass Pro.  The partnerships they formed with local hospitals, the Parkboard, and other entities is unprecedented.  Check out all race results by clicking on the event in the chart to the left.  Let them know how much you appreciated their contribution.

October 27
It was a true homecoming for many alumni, parents, and students who pounded the streets around the MSU Campus on Saturday morning.  The two-loop course is flat, which allows fast times.  I am glad to see the attendance back up, with a lot of new faces.  The ROTC volunteers were excellent sentries.  The overall winners were Ryan Humphreys in 16:26 and Auvia Miller in 20:04.

The Halloween Hustle at Sequiota Park was a lot of fun.  The costumes are always creative and add a touch of wildlife to the Greenways Trail.

October 20
This was the 2nd annual Wildcat Duathlon and Sassafrass 5k, held at Logan-Rogersville High School.  The race raised many dollars for LRHS Project Graduation.  Thanks to race director Rod Pennington, every corner had volunteers and directional arrows.  The refreshments and facility were first notch, and we really appreciated the first-class organization of the entire event.  Let Rod know how much you appreciate his attention to detail.

October 18
Thursday afternoon was the Buffalo Cross Country Meet.  This was Coach Roger Pock's last meet, and we will miss him sorely.  The fastest time for the evening was posted by Chris Bell from Branson in 16:54.  The girl's fastest time was 20:25 by Erin Huddleston of Branson High.  It helps to train on this hilly 5k course.  Blake Jones, who is familiar to many area road racers, ran a 19:25 to win the Junior Varsity heat.

October 4-6
On Thursday, October 4, we traveled to Buffalo to cover their conference meet.  There were five heats consisting of 385 kids with 770 feet pounding over the 5k or 1.5 mile loop.  The tents were unfurled to resemble a small village, while the brilliant sunset made a surreal finish to the unseasonably warm evening.  Our equipment, as well as all of the kids, performed well, and we had a great time as usual.

Saturday, October 6, was also warmer than most Octobers.  The addition of the 8k this year went over well.  The children's 1/2 and 1/4 mile costume race was beyond entertaining.  We should all feel so normal running as fast as we can dressed as Pocahontas, Ninja Turtles, or Yoda.  I am ready for some cooler weather.

September 30
Another month just flew right past us.  The weather, fall colors and anticipation of the great fall events keeps me motivated. 

Today, the Downtown Kiwanis hosted their second annual 5k/10k and 1 Mile.  Not only were there 117 participants in the event, but there were dozens of training groups out getting ready for the fall marathon season. 

Be careful and courteous out on the trails and make sure to announce your presence when passing.

September 22-23
People often ask if we get tired of doing races.  No, we do not, but sometimes we get tired from them.  This past weekend, we timed four races, and I wanted to be at all of them. 

The Monett 5k/10k grew to 196 entrants.  There were savings bonds and travel certificates up for grabs as well as quality age group awards.  Everything went well, and the courses were certified.  Jack Henry is one of the major sponsors, and I expect this race will only get bigger and better.

The inaugural MSU Classic XC Meet drew around 100 and has the potential of being a regional event.  Coach Greg Hipp aspires to host a NCAA National meet here in Springfield.  We applaud and support his efforts.

The In Like a Lion 5K at Phelps Grove Park hosted 119 runners, and Miriam Flouer and Linda Barnett ran things off without a hitch.

On Sunday, we had the MSU Making Strides for Cancer 5k at Nathaneal Greene.  You would not know that the preparation time was a very narrow window of less than one month by the turnout of 86 people.  It was a pleasant stroll in the Park.

If you become injured or are otherwise interested in helping out from time to time, just give us a call.  We always have fun.

August 11, 2007 - Maui Mile & Big Kahuna 5K
I was pleasantly surprised that so many folks would show up to run such a tough course.  The costumes were especially fun, capped off by Eric Wilbur's rubber ducky.  There were well over 200 people participating.

August 4, 2007 - Kidathlon
There were 133 kids who came to participate in this year's event at Meador Park.  There were twice that many parents who came and did their own event!  There were three distances for the various age groups -- short, intermediate, and long.  It is important that each child have fun while they are learning a lifetime sport.

July28, 2007 - Concreteman Triathlon
Thanks, everyone, for coming out today to join us in our 24th year.  Let us know what you think.  We listen and try to make improvements each year.  Trying to simultaneously do timing and race directing is challenging, but we enjoyed it in an exhausting sort of way. 

Sheryl DeBoer kept things rolling as the emcee.  Now her secret is out!  The volunteers are what make it possible.  Thanks to the Sunrise Optimists, Mo. National Guard, Pam Sailors, Wellness Concepts, Starbucks, Planet Smoothie, Cycles Unlimited, Linda & Brent Barnett, Linda Brewer, Jim Smotherman, my boys - Alex & Geoff w/Sarah, Ozark Mtn. Paddlers, Springfield Fire Dept., City Utilities, Craig and especially to you Mr. Porta Potty Delivery Man!

July 21, 2007 - Murney Women's 5K
Cox put on another great event.  Kim Jacobs led the field with a 19:27, followed by Becky Lowrance in 20:28.  Rosie Laughlin, Pam Sailors, and Cynthia Macpherson were still making their way to the start when the race began.    There were 291 entrants.  It was fun with good music, prizes, and food.

July 15, 2007 - Lake Freebird Triathlon
The results for this year's Lake Freebird Triathlon are posted.  This was the sixth year for the event.  It is purely a sprint-distance triathlon, though they have toyed with the duathlon and 5k in the past.  It is a great event to "tri" for the first time, and an opportunity to practice your swim and transitions before the Concreteman.  Thanks to Cynthia MacPherson for hosting this event in such a beautiful setting.  Come and participate next year.

July 14, 2007 - Pricecutter Y Not Run
The folks at the Hall of Fame are so used to handling major events and major people that it was no big deal for them to put on three races with flair.  We had 261 entrants.  The coolmax tees were very functional.  The food was plentiful, and the scenery was bountiful.  This race will continue to grow, and the YMCA reaps the benefits.  Thanks so much for coming out!

July 4, 2007 - 2nd Annual Beat the Heat Races
Holidays and races seem to go well together.  People like to start their special day with good friends and exertion.  This year was well attended with 120 entrants.  The course was improved, and we did not hear any complaints.  Let us know what you think.  It was a good effort by the Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners.

June 30, 2007 - Firecracker 5000, Branson, MO
I am happy that this event finally got the support that it deserves.  The course is beautiful, the prizes are unique and worthwhile, and it is well organized.  All monies go to the Branson Cross Country program.  It was great to see Coach Pock, Coach Boyer, and Coach Scruggs all setting a good example for their athletes by participating.  There were 110 entrants, including joggler Albert Lucas, who is performing at the Dixie Stampede.  Thanks to Coach Chris Essick from Branson for organizing this event.

June 23, 2007 - 4th Aldersgate 5k/10k
Kudos to the Aldersgate United Methodist Church for putting on a fine event.  There were plenty of volunteers, nice t-shirts, a flat course, and pancakes at the end.  Sour grapes to those who switch races without telling us, wear headphones so that they cannot hear volunteers, and finish without going through the finish line.

June 16, 2007 - Wimpy's 8K & 1 Mile
Some folks were lost without their bikes this year.  Having cancelled the duathlon event, everyone was left with only their legs to move them back and forth along the Frisco Trail.  T. Jay Sanderson, who just finished up at SBU, claimed the title for the 8K, along with Kim Jacobs.  Most folks were finished before it got so hot.  Check out the results for both the 8K and 1 mile by clicking on the table at the left.

June 10, 2007 - Back-a-Child Triathlon
For most of the 59 participants, it was the coldest swim ever at 67-71 degrees F.  Once they regained their breath and got over the shock, they adapted well and enjoyed the scenic bike.  The run was held on an asphalt trail near the highway, which was recently completed.  This made for a more pleasant run.  Eric Chavez made up most of his ground on the bike and 18-yr.-old Aimee Warnke held of some veteran females to take the women's title.

June 9, 2007 -- Running of the Squirrels & Finley River 5K
The only white squirrel I saw was in a costume, but there were many sightings along the flat/fast course.  Kent Lang, from Sedalia won in 16:54, along with Auvia Miller in 20:58.  There was an 87-yr.-old woman who walked/ran -- very inspiring.

This year's Finley River 5K enjoyed a quality field, with a winning time of 15:56 by Matt Wegenka and 19:25 by Anna Assenmacher.  The course runs pleasantly along the bottom land surrounding the Finley River and proceeds out and back on nearby farm roads.  The money from the event will benefit Ozark Cross Country

June 2, 2007 -- Cox Medical Mile & Sifford 5K
The storm held off until all heats of the 2007 Cox Medical Mile had finished.  However, the awards ceremony was forced to the inside of the Meyer Center.  The weather did not dampen the performances of this year's runners. 

The Brooks High School heat featured the best runners from around the state.  Brooks was very generous in outfitting these athletes.  We will do it again next year. 

The elite heat runners blazed through the newly-certified mile to win cash prizes.

The start was backed up to Kimbrough & Montclair Sts. so that all activities could end at the Meyer Center.  It was all very exciting, and I will post pictures as soon as they are available.  Results are posted.

The Sifford 5K results are posted.  The rain was not so kind as runners and volunteers alike were soaked.  It is inspiring to see the support that friends have shown for Mr. Sifford.  Hopefully the race will continue with ample time for planning next year.

May 26, 2007 -- 2nd Webster Cnty. 5k
The weather was much more cooperative this year.  There were 70 runners who turned out to support the Webster County Sheriff's Dept.  Brian Todd won, along with the ageless Jackie Chen.  Marshfield is a nostalgic, patriotic, icon of the midwest small town.

May19, 2007 -- ASICS/RRS 5K
It was a clear, perfect day on Saturday.  Around 100 people showed up for our biannual 5k Run.  We were very pleased, since it was the same day at the Adventure Race and the Aids Bike Ride.  It may be time to change things up a little.  What do you think?  This is a great p.r., certified course.  I believe most people show up for the prizes and pancakes.  We had fun, and it looked like everyone else did as well.  It was a great sale, and we'll do it again.

May 12,  2007 -- 16th Annual Kitchen Run
This event brought many different groups of people together for one great cause.  The race grew by 41% from 2006.  Ian Alaimo and Anna Assenmacher both won handily, but they were chased by a field of 730.  This is a great effort by Pat Dierking and her staff at C.U.  We'll be ready for whatever next year brings.

April 28 - Campfire USA Adventure Race & Conquer Cancer 5K
The birds chirped loudly and the sun shone down at 7 a.m. as the participants headed out through the woods for the 4th Campfire USA Adventure Race.  The race is growing slowly, and each year brings a surprise.  One team came back with only a life jacket.  Once the race was over the canoe, paddles and other vest were retrieved by Craig and Daryl Simon.  It was a great way to spend a Saturday.

At 8 a.m., Miriam and I headed into Willard to time the Conquer Cancer 5K.  Debra Ellis and staff were well organized and put on a great race with 155 entrants.  It makes you feel good to contribute to such a worthy cause and enjoy the sport simultaneously.  Thanks to everyone who supported either event.

April 21 - Route 66 5k/Mile & Mercy Me 5K
The first-time Route 66 event was well supported and attended.  The weather was beautiful and provided a nice break to make the legs turn over more quickly.  There were 142 people who signed up for the 5k or 1 Mile.  Craig and Linda Brewer stayed in town to time this one.

Also on this date, Linda Barnett and I traveled to Lebanon to time the Mercy Me 5K.  This one nearly doubled in size with 141 in the 5K alone.  There were many walkers who did the mile.   The sponsors and promoters were happy and making plans for next year.  We are blessed here in the Ozarks to have so many fine events.

April 14 - Hiding Place & Hunger Run
It seems that we will never get a break in the weather.  Each race this season has been so cold, so windy, so rainy and so snowy!  Both of these events had 80 or so entrants, but only the diehards showed up.  Take a look at the race results for both events, and you will gain a new respect for those who came.

Eisenhower Marathon Weekend
This year's event was challenging due to the infamous Kansas wind and a starting temp of 21 degrees.  Springfieldian Mark Schiefelbein placed in the top 6 for the Marathon among participants from Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Michigan, and several other states.  There were several elite runners, including former Olympian Benji Durden, who is now 55 yrs. old.  Our former president's granddaughter handed out awards and said a few words.  The food before and after was more than adequate and the hospitality, race-wide, was unsurpassed.  The results for all events are posted.

2007 Army 10 Mile Events, Saturday, March 31
It was really nice to have a break from the usual 5K race.  Participation was distributed well throughout all three events, and the Army Family Readiness group worked very hard to make this day enjoyable.  We appreciate all that you do to our military and their families.

2007 Frisco Highline Run for Scouting, Saturday, March 24
This was an excellent event for a first-year race, with all of the trappings.  John Q. Hammons came to kick things off; Lewis Greismer brought his steam-engine train whistle; and Ned Reynolds emceed and handed out awards.  Jason Pyrah was on hand to jog through the 5K, and everyone else who came put the icing on the cake.  We will get the registrations centralized next year and work out the kinks in that process.  Let us know how you liked it.  Thanks to the Boy Scouts of America for always being prepared!

2007 Pitter Pat 5K, Saturday, March 17
Over 300 people showed up for the first Pitter Pat 5K Race on Saturday, March 17.  The Junior League did a splendid job of organizing this event.  People literally ran with the St. Patrick's Day theme, and we even had a pot of gold bringing up the rear.  All proceeds go to Isabel's House, which is a crisis care nursery under construction.  David Hunsucker, back from a series of injuries, won overall, followed by Dean Casady.  Amy Pinegar led the women, followed by Rosie Laughlin, and Krista Edwards.  It was fun, and next year will be even better.
 

2007 Christian Schools of Springfield 5K, March 10
Newcomer Tommy Rennier, age 21, won the 2007 Christian Schools of Springfield 5k, held March 10.  Jackie Chen, age 44, won overall for women in 20:20.  This course is not exactly flat, with a constant grade in the middle of the two loops.  There were 80 people who showed up in support for Tom Dye's program at the School.

2007 MO Winter Games 5K, March 3
The 2nd annual Missouri Winter Games 5K was held at the old location in the Meadowmere neighborhood this year.  This course is a favorite for many and only the strong showed up on this day, Saturday, March 3.  The wind blew, the snow flew, and my face was blue. 

The Run with the Eagles 5K, which was held on Saturday, February 24, was not without challenge.  It was tough just being out there with the wind gusting up to 40 mph, but over 100 individuals braved the elements again.  This a fundraiser for Fair Grove High School.

The fourth annual Student Athletic Trainer's 5K was held on Saturday, February 17.  The blowing snow, frigid temperature, and wind made it very challenging.  Rick Elliott won with a 16:43 while wearing his hot pink ensemble.  Rosie Laughlin ran a 20:53 to lead the women's division and did not let the elements slow her down at all.  Pam Sailors has requested that we have more turns for the next race, so we'll have to work on that!

The Estimated Time 3000 Meter Run on January 20 was a fun way to start off the 2007 racing season.  Linda Brewer and Linda Barnett scored the results, while I cooked breakfast.  Rosie Laughlin managed to guess her time right on, while Pam Sailors was two seconds off her actual.  The largest discrepancy in the top ten was Pete Peterson at 29 seconds.  Everyone else enjoyed the warmth, food, drawings, and camaraderie.  Thanks for coming.

There were 46 brave souls who showed up for the 2007 Run with the Big Dogs 5K on February 3.  The Phelps Grove neighborhood course was icy, but everyone was anxious to shake off the cabin fever.  The Central High School Band benefits from the proceeds of this event.  Tyler Compton from Buffalo and Rosie Laughlin of Springfield were the fastest overall male and female.  You may check the results by clicking on the race in the table at the left.

There were 270 entrants in this year's Polar Bear Races in Bolivar, which were held on February 10.  The Bolivar YMCA has made an outstanding effort to rebuild this event since attendance waned in prior years.  Chris Yates from Ozark won the 10k male division, while Jackie Chen from Ft. Leonard Wood won the female division.  The 5k was captured by Rick Elliott of KHS and Kelsie Hutsell.