It was one of those mornings when you knew it was just going to be a great day to race - cool temps, a little humidity, and the prospect of sunshine later on. If you happen to have been one of the forty or fifty people sleeping over at Race Director John Goss' house, you rose early with John, who couldn't lay in bed with so many last minute details to attend to. 125 runners from surrounding states and Ontario amassed at the Community Center to begin the jaunt over the 31-mile lollipop course. Some who needed a bit more time began trekking two hours earlier and would be passed by the swarming field.

Seven teams toed the line to contend the title of BEST ULTRA TEAM in this championship run-off. Free shoes were on the line. There was money to be won and pride to be held up. As you looked at the generally jovial group of harriers you could see many were wearing their race faces and focused on the task at hand, while others made light of the event to mask the suffering that would surely come.

Dr. David Horton had reminded everyone of the place of suffering in life the night before; then guest speaker Tim Hewitt attested to Dave's remarks that it is goals and the desire to go beyond oneself that make kindred spirits of us all.

After a moment of silence to reflect on the tragic history of this day - 9/11 - RD John Goss set everyone in motion. Those with lofty ambitions set a stiff pace up the hill toward the high school. It would be a sign of what was to come this day. Lead runners Clark Zealand and Ryne Melcher bolted through the first hills to the first aid station at nearly a six-minute average pace. Ian Schouten of RATS and defending champion and course record-holder David Wilt caught the duo by Buck Run aid station, shadowed by Robin Hutchinson, Tony Laino, Luke Riley, and Doug Craft. This was a pace former two-time winner Craft was familiar with, except for the fact that so many good runners were ahead of him.

The lead group juggled places as they tested each other's conditioning and resolve over Yellow Bus and Cry Baby hills. By half way it was clear that Clark Zealand was beginning to stretch his lead, but was still within the reach of determined challenger David Wilt. By the third visit to Buck Run it was obvious that Zealand had what it takes to dominate, if he didn't bonk.

The rest of the race would be Clark's for the taking and he stretched his lead to smash last year's course record by nearly ten minutes and best his main rival by 14 minutes. An awesome performance for the oldest of four brothers entered into the race, a mark that will surely last for a year (of course)!

In the women's contest Bethany Hunter shadowed Canadian Jenn Dick before catching her in the last 10K. By agreement the two continued together to the finish to share the victory.

The Masters races were settled by veterans Doug Craft and Cyndi Sanchas with solid times. Grand Masters champions were also familiar to many contenders - Chris Gibson and Tanya Cady. Great Grand Master Art Moore easily (did I say easily, Art?) strolled home with the victory. The youngest finisher was three-time competitor Joe Kashurba, while the finisher with the most life experience was Leo Lightner, who completed the course in lieu of taking a side trip to the hospital for a nasty injury. They stitched Leo back together after his finish and you can expect to see him out there the next time (with elbow and knee pads).

For a race that was hot at the front and one that heated up for everyone in time, it was remarkable that there were no DNF's. Described as a party and a family get-together, participants all seemed to have a good time as they lingered for the half-a-chicken dinner, shower, post-race awards and acknowledgment (did I mention the beer?).

TEAM RATS bested its rivals with the lowest combined score for its top five finishers, earning the deserved distinction of BEST ULTRA TEAM, each going home with a brand new pair of Montrail shoes for an outstanding effort. Team racers took note of the talent and depth of the other teams, however, in anticipation of the contest next year. Next year's event promises to be even more fleet and competitive with returning teams as well as new team entries to challenge this year's veterans.

All are welcome to run with us up and down the Punxsy hills next year to once again determine who is the best, who can withstand the most suffering, and who can rise to the challenge of their dreams and come away victorious.