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FLRC Newsletter - Dec 2003 |
| The Inaugural Run of the Interlaken Steeple Chase | |
One crisp blue-skied autumn morning + 72 participants + lavish post-race food = successful race.
I've been told before that if you draw a straight line across the road, you'll have runners line up to race in no time. I sure had my doubts, but they certainly were dispelled on the morning of November 8, when the race field nearly doubled its pre-registration numbers by start time.
The race started with an invocation by Charles Moore, followed by a beautiful rendering of the National Anthem on tuba by Dave Unland. Dave is an Ovid native who was very glad to help out a community event like this. Following the Star Spangled banner, Dave let out the traditional melody (First Call or Call to Post) that indicates it is time for horses to begin the race. 18:14 later, Tim Ingall of Lansing was the first to cross the finish line. Following close behind was John Hylas of Ithaca (18:45) and Derek Dean, also of Ithaca (18:48).
There were a number of people who entered the race as first time competitors, while there was a pack of seasoned runners that attended, as well. Katie Danner of Mecklenberg, who recently ran the Chicago marathon was our first female finisher with a time of 19:13. Katie, along with Ann Brewer (21:49) and Elizabeth Minor (24:16) both of Trumansburg and the aforementioned top 3 male finishers all received gorgeous handcrafted steeple-shaped trophies made of hardwood cherry with commemorative plaques on them.
The courses mile markers were the old spires that used to decorate the church's steeple. They are about 8 feet tall: you couldn't MISS them! We also had two water stations on the course. The first water station was manned by a local 4-H youth group, while the second station had two gentlemen from the church. Considering the brisk temperatures and wind, we are especially grateful for our volunteers!
The course was an interesting one. The first mile was nearly all downhill, with nice lake views to enjoy along the way. Then the course turned left, and ribboned along a country road with farmlands, vineyards, donkeys in their pen, a winery, a graveyard, and sheep! If that wasn't enough to keep participants interested, there was plenty of fellowship to go around. I noticed several strangers that met during the race, who left as friends.
Back at the Interlaken Reformed Church, there was plenty of food to go around several times! Crock-pots full of warm food were provided by church members. There were also numerous kinds of fruits, bread, and homemade cookies. Several runners commented that they would come to the race again next year just because of the food! I am a rather slow runner, and often when I finally get to the finish line, most, if not all of the food is gone. (You know, like on Jerry Seinfeld, No soup for you!) I wanted to make sure that every participant felt welcome and cared for. Based on the feedback we have received, I think we did a good job in that department.
One charming man named Kermit Cadrette traveled from Rome NY race day morning to participate. He has set a goal to win a certain number of races in his age category by the end of the year. At the age of 65 he ran our challenging course in 23:40, winning first place in his age division. He wasn't terribly interested in bringing hardware home, but wanted bragging rights. He earned them!
The race netted a profit of over $1000 towards renovation of the Interlaken Reformed Church, including the beautiful spires which once decorated the church's steeple. I am very grateful to all the participants and volunteers for helping make it happen. It seems that everyone had a good time in the process, and we are already looking forward to next year's Steeple Chase!
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