2011 Race Was Perfect.... But Early Rains Made Things Interesting!
A HUGE "Thank You" to runners, volunteers, sponsors and everyone for believing in this unique race! This year we had monsoon rains at 5am on race day and the prospects for having the race looked bleak. But, at 6:30am the rain stopped and runners and teams began to arrive at the registration area located in the parking lot at Spanky's Stone Hearth Restaurant. The race began on time and everyone was blessed with a beautiful course, nice weather and a memorable experience.
Once again the Ottertail County Sheriff's Posse, the Vergas Fire & Rescue Dept. and the Lakes Country HAM radio operators organization did an outstanding job of maintaining and organizing a safe race course. And a big thank you to Mark Stenger and Marshall Rach, also, for filling in with shuttle-vehicle duties at the last minute!
While this race isn't the largest by any stretch of the imagination, everyone who takes part in it, or helps, loves the course and praises the cause. There have been many repeat runners and volunteers from prior years and the race has attracted athletes from as far away as MI, ND, SC, FL, TX, NE, IL, KY, WI, KS, CA, CO and IA.
Spanky's Stone Hearth Restaurant has been the registration/start and finish location since the race's inception. Because of its location on a hill overlooking Rose Lake to the east, it is a scenic vantage point at which to hold the race's registration and post-race awards ceremony. Owner, Josh Hanson, does a great job taking care of runners and volunteers after the race and the spectacular northwoods character of his restaurant also adds to the race's uniqueness and personality.
We had many return competitors and volunteers again this year and would like to especially thank Siep Drug, Candy Lachowitzer and her daughters, Patty Jaeger, Vaun Bruhn, Timothy Peil and Christi Helmke for believing in the race's cause and competing. Also Claudia Schmid, the McKenzies and Wessingers from Rose Lake, and Mike Booth for helping with water stations and photography.
As always, "Thank You" to the MN DOT, Ottertail County Sheriff's Posse, Vergas Volunteer Fire & Rescue Dept., Spanky's Stone Hearth Restaurant, Lake Country Ham Radio Club, Vergas State Bank, Frazee-Vergas Forum Newspaper, local volunteers and other sponsors. This race could not happen without your help and support!
