Lake McMurtry Trail Run May 1st, 1999 Race Report
When I tried to get to the lake on Sunday before the race to mark the course things looked pretty bleak. Redlands Road was under a foot of flowing water and the rain wasn't letting up. By Tuesday the heavy rains had closed most of the roads to Lake McMurtry, the north trail was under water and with more rain predicted we were going to be forced to cancel the run. Fortunately the expected rain held off and most of the course emerged from the lake. The flooding kept us from thoroughly marking the course and necessitated numerous detours around high water which led to many runners going off course. The poor course marking was entirely my fault and next year we will have more people familiar with the trail so the marking can be done by several volunteers.
Race day weather was great, in the low 60's at the start and rising to the mid-70's by afternoon. It was wonderful for the volunteers and spectators but a little warm and humid for the runners.
As I was describing the course during the pre-race briefing, "turn right and go up the waterfall..." it occurred to me this may not have been the easiest trail run in the world. Normally it would be considered easy, as it isn't rocky, hilly or require water crossings. The flooding brought a variety of problems, detours, mud and water crossings that along with meager course marking added to the difficulty and is reflected in the times.
Jeff Ramming, the OSU Running Club president and Stillwater native, used his personal knowledge of the course to speed to the win in the Overall Mens' divisions in a course record time of 1:53:46. Mike Kelly, also a local runner won the Masters Mens' Award in 1:57:48 Sandie Brandenberger of Ponca City took both the Overall Womens' and Masters Womens' awards in a time of 2:09:53. Many of the runners in this event covered a lot of extra miles, during the convoluted, north trail section. There were 57 starters and 56 finishers in the 25 km Trail Race.
Phil Sheridan of Ellsworth, KS is the Overall Mens' 50 km winner and new course record holder with a time of 4:09:33. Pretty fast considering he ran an extra 2.2 km. Molly Gibb now of Oklahoma City is the Overall Womens' winner and new record holder with a 6:16:33 showing. Phil Sheridan was also the Mens' Masters winner while Jan Shirk of Salina, KS in finishing her first 50 km race took the Women' Masters prize with a time of 8:48:14. There were 26 starters and 20 finishers in the 50 km event.
Probably the best part of the race was Chuck's jambalaya after the race. We also had hamburgers, hot dogs, beans and salad. Next year we will have some sweet things as well, to help replace all the carbos used up in the race.
I'd like to thank Stacy Sheridan, Linda Coward, and Lee Mulkey (I think) who took over the finish line and cooking duties. Chuck Streit spent a lot of time working and marking the course as well as set-up, clean-up and cooking. Dan Zeroski, Brandon Neale and Susan Estes of the Stillwater Running Club also provided needed support. Rex Friend came up from Oklahoma City to run the North Canyon Aid Statio while Jeannie McDaniels came from Tulsa to captain the South Camp Aid Station. John Hargrove drove up from Oklahoma City Sunday to help sweep the course.
We had great support from The Active Athlete (229 South Knoblock, Stillwater) who prepared our t-shirts and singlets. The finisher awards came from Coasterworks (2100 North Jardot Road Stillwater). Roger Bastion, The Lake Ranger, as well as Stillwater Parks, Events and Recreation also helped put this race together.
When we swept the trail on Sunday we found only beer bottles, diapers and discarded bait containers. Therefore next year we will be on the lookout for a runner carrying a baby, fishing rod and case of Coors.
The money raised during this race is used to maintain and repair the trails at Lake McMurtry and promote trail running in Stillwater. The funds are split between the Red Dirt Pedalers, a Stillwater Parks, Events and Recreation recognized mountain bike club and the Oklahoma State University Running Club. Although all labor is done by volunteers, tools, lumber, replacement signs (many of you probably noticed the green signs on the ground or hanging from the metal stakes) all must be purchased. If funds aren't expended repairing storm damage two bridge projects, one at the trail junction water crossing (bypassed by the climb up the waterfall) and the other near the far end of the south trail (Fisherman's Dip) will be considered. Hopefully runners will cross these areas with dry feet next year.
During the tornado outbreak the Monday night after the race, one of the storm cells crossed Lake McMurtry and Perry, OK. There were reports of a tornado and severe thunder and hailstorms. The mountain bike clubs and OSU Running Club will be repairing the damage. This is where your race dollar goes.
The OSU Running Club hope to sponsoring a 8 km Trail Fun Run or "course pre-run" in the months before next years race. This will allow runners to navigate the north trail loop. The entry fee will be <$5 and can be used against your Year 2000 LMT entry.
Earl Blewett (Race Director)