Great Day at the "Bunny & Slug"

Something happened at this year's Tortoise & Hare Trail 10K that has never, ever happened before: It came off as organized!! Rich Lawrence must be wondering what the hell happened?

No trees fell down; it didn't rain; no one got lost (at least no one said so); and everyone seemed to reach the finish line via the same route. We had a record crowd of 101 trail runners (see enclosed results), with many procrastinators pumping up FLRC's bank account by paying $10 late fee versus $2 pre-registration. It was very hot and humid, but that didn't slow down winners Gill Sharp and Alan Evans.

A good time was had by all, especially the kids who raced in the one-mile fun run, and hauled off trivial, recycled trophies, which the kids loved. Kudos to the Knewstub and Lockett families for giving their kids "running fast" genes. Congratulations to fun run pied piper John Stiner who managed to outkick the 5-year-olds, and thanks to Rich Marshall, tuning up for the Senior Games, for following the last kid around the trail loop.

Thanks to our resident artist Sara Juran for creating more beautiful flower wreaths.

Cynthia Lange provided all the "healthy" treats, in honor of Rich Lawrence. Jim forgot the strawberries, but remembered the fake rocks and the glass rabbits.

Dave "the Clydesdale" Weiss walked away with the 190 pounder-plus honors -- again. All the women said they weighed 110 pounds or less, ala Ally McBeal.

Best of all -- we had lots of volunteers! Thanks to my crew: Pam, John, Cindy and Julie. And to two thoughtful runners who brought us Gatorade and offered to relieve us: Sue Aigen and Mary Leary. More thanks to Jeff Juran, Cynthia, Robin, Tessa B., Joe R , Rich M., Steve R. and Joe "end-to-ender" Dabes -- and everyone who helped but I forgot to name. Lastly, good work, Jim Miner. Next year, get us off the bridge and into the shade.

-- Diane Sherrer