COTR: 2011 Update

As I sat at home reading Ultra Running Magazine last night, I was so proud to see Central Ohio Trail Runners so prominently features, both in the results, the races they direct, and the pictures. We are making a name for ourselves on a national stage, and it’s so cool to be a part of that. In the coming months that trend will continue as results for races such as Forget the PR, Kettle Moraine, Mohican, Western States, Hardrock, and the upcoming Burning River are posted.

Since we’ve been so busy running (myself included) it’s been difficult to post results from recent races. It’s finally time to get around to that, as there are several people that deserve recognition for great achievements, and for representing the COTR. Here is a brief (incomplete) summary of some notable COTR results, as well as photos of runners wearing their COTR shirts. (I have included everyone here who is either from Central Ohio, that I know of, or has purchased a COTR shirt and therefore supports the club...making this a bit of a random results listing)

Forget the PR Mohican 50k:

Several COTR participants…too many to list. The premier spring race in Ohio.

(WARNING: Skinny Beasts have been known to attack unsuspecting runners in the water.)

(Tom Patton approaches Fire Tower aid station.)

Promise Land 50k:

Sandi Nypaver - 5:31:36 (1st Place Female)

Ice Age 50:

Shaun Pope - 6:27:18 (1st Place Male)

Sandi Nypaver - 7:30:14 (1st Place Female)

Cornbelt Running Club 24 Hour Run:

Ted Niemann - 100.02 miles (no picture available)

Kettle Moraine 100:

Seth Chin-Parker - 23:42:49

(Seth with the thumbs up and a smile after completing his first 100 in under 24hrs.)

Mohican Trail 100/50/Marathon:

Michelle Bichsel - 100 Miles - 25:44:09 (2nd Place Female)

Greg Trapp - 100 Miles - 25:55:06

Michael Patton - 100 Miles - 26:08:14

Jay Smithberger - 50 Miles - 7:52:44 (2nd Place Male)

Nick Hanson - 50 Miles - 10:02:10

Shannon Fisher - 50 Miles - 12:25:34

Suzanne Pokorny - 50 Miles - 13:20:48

Kyle Lemke - Marathon - 4:14:51 (1st Place Male)

(Regis Shivers Jr. and Michael Patton at the Mohican Trail 100. Photos available were limited do to copywrite protection.)

Western States 100:

Shaun Pope - 20:29:26

Sandi Nypaver - 23:52:30

Rocky Allen - 26:53:01

Stephen Zeidner - 28:36:35

Ted Niemann - 29:34:33

Kevin O'Grady - 29:54:24

(Ted and Steve prodly wearing their COTR shirts before the start at Western States)

(Stephen Zeidner @ Western States)

Hardrock 100:

Gregg Trapp - 47:40:00

That's my incomplete recap of the summer so far. Stay tuned for future results.

COTR @ Umstead

A few of the COTR members before the gun went off at Umstead. From lett to right: Jay Smithberger, Kathy Wolf, Lindsey Brokaw, Terri Lemke, Mike Keller, Michael Patton, Star Blackford, Darris Blackford, and Steven Zeidner.

It was an incredible day at Umstead for Ohio runners! We had 15 runners start the day and 12 received their buckle. Of those 12, Jay Smithberger was the top finisher at 4th overall in a time of 14:52 - a PR. Other people to buckle and PR were Star and Darris Blackford, and Terri Lemke. First time 100 mile finishers included Kathy Wolf, Mike Keller, and Lindsey Brokaw. Michael Patton also received a one day buckle. The always reliable Fred Davis III finished in 26:20, Harold Vessin finished in just over 28 hours, and Karen Kramer finished in 29 hours. Darrin Bright made it to mile 87.5 before a DNF due to injury. Dave Huss and Julie Bowen-Miller completeed 75 miles and Shane Sampson completed 62.5.

Congrats to all that ran, especially those who earned their first buckle or set persaonal bests! A big thank you goes out to everyone that came down to Raleigh to support the runners, including family, friends, crew, and pacers!

Alum Creek Trail Run - February 26th

Come join us for a trail run at Alum Creek State Park on Saturday February 26th at 12 noon. The mountain bike trail (phase 2) is a 6 mile single track loop. Do as few, or as many miles as you like. The parking lot is off of Africa Rd, first lot north of Cheshire Rd. You're welcome to join us after the run for food and drinks at Mellow Mushroom, at 2170 Polaris Pkwy. Feel free to RSVP on the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=184656341557878. Hope you can join us!

Great Seal Trail Run

If you’re looking for a local trail race in March consider the Great Seal Trail Run in Chillicothe. It looks like a great course and it’s a great price! Check out the event website at http://www.race-coar.com/ or their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Central-Ohio-Adventure-Racing/167044769987502?ref=sgm for race details and information about their other events. They have everything from running, to adventure racing to orienteering events, all local, all at a great price!

Mohican Trail Training Run 1-30

Sunday January 30th 9:00 am Parking at Mohican Adventures Main entrance as you enter the camp ground. 17.1 miles. We will be running the following map. http://freepdfhosting.com/9b6e6bb880.pdf Water will be provided at the covered bridge. E-mail to confirm you will be attending in case of changes.rob1770@msn.com

Festivus 50k - December 5th

It's a Festivus for the rest-of-us! None of these weak holiday runs like 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, or Ground Hog Day...this is THE holiday run that you've waited all year for...FESTIVUS!

Join us on December 5th for the Festivus 50k!

Since this isn't an official event we don't have official event information. However, there will be a group of ultra-runners meet at the Worthington Hills Park near the gazebo at 8:00 AM EST on Sunday, December 5. It's a small park right off SR-315 behind the Olentangy Valley Center Shopping Mall about a mile north of I-270. Here is a mapto the start/finish location.

For more info visit http://www.uberrunner.com/subs/ffa50k/

This event is not organized by COTR but we hope many of you can participate.

For those running the Bigfoot 50k or Buckeye Woods FA on the same day, have fun and good luck!

Hocking Hills Labor Day Trail Run

Thanks to everyone who came out to make the 1st Annual COTR Hocking Hills Labor Day Run a success! A special thanks goes out to Jen and Barb Patton who spent the whole day out crewing for the runners.
We had 30 people out on the trails, with about 1/2 choosing to to do the 11.5 mile run and 1/2 choosing to do the 28 mile run. The course ended up being a little off the advertised 1/2 and full marathon distance but that's par for the course in a FA and trail run :) . If we had started at the Dining Lodge we would have been able to hit those distances right on the nose but I'm not sure anyone would have prefered two extra miles on road! All in all I think everyone enjoyed the trails, the weather, and the company.

Happy Trails!