2004 Report

Report

Sunday, November 7, marked the second running of the New Potomac Heritage 50k. Once again this year, the day became unseasonably warm, but this year was pleasant for volunteers and runners alike. About 60 runners covered at least some distance on the course.

Volunteers at aid station 1, the fertility aid station, distributed oysters and doughnuts to incoming runners. This year, Aid station 1 was our only “unauthorized” aid station, but was blessed by the park police before the runners came by. The park policeman almost closed down the aid station when Amy Platt offered him a doughnut, as he viewed this as an insult to the police community. However, as a father of a young toddler, the park policeman enjoyed talking fertility with aid station volunteers, Amy Platt, Steve Platt, Meggie Scogna and captain Sierra Platt. Bob Phillips also assisted with doughnut distribution.

Because of the apparent doughnut surplus, Amy Platt offered doughnut bonuses. These bonuses are reflected in the results. David Olson and Marty Lindemann received the most doughnut bonus points.

Volunteers at aid station 2, the heavy metal aid station, dressed in heavy metal attire to provide aid to the runners at Roosevelt Island. Michel and Mike sported their heavy metal drinking vessels along with the Javelina finishing skull. Michele and Mike appeared to be having so much fun that one runner asked Michele “How can I get your job?”. I hope this runner volunteers to work aid station 2 next year.

After four miles along the Potomac Heritage trail, the runners reached the partying chain bridge aid station manned by Seth Mosier, Vicki Kendall, and Jason Murray (and I believe also Jason’s canine-American friend). At this point, some runners returned to DC over the chain bridge and others continued on to the next aid station at Turkey run staffed by Jaret Seiberg, Bob Phillips, Charlie Miracle, and Betty Miracle. Jaret has maintained such total responsibility for this aid station that I do not even know where this aid station is located, but I trust that everyone enjoyed the visit.

While the runners were on course, Mike Bur and I ate a few doughnuts and re-marked the course for the runners’ return from chain bridge into Battery Kemble Park. This year we used flour so that it would be difficult to remove before the runners came back. After returning home, Mike cleared out the back yard by chopping down weeds and creating a wood pile. I don’t care what everyone says about Mike…he’s really a pretty good guy. He created a lot more space for the after party at which he became the tireless grill master.

In addition to the volunteers mentioned above, I’d like to thank Amy and Kirstin for helping with food prep on Saturday night and Karen Krieg for marking the course with me on Saturday night at 10PMish. Seth and Jaret both had a huge part in the preparation and the three of us basically worked together to get the run going again this year, so obviously everyone owes a big thanks to both of them.

The first runner in was Joe Decker, who said he had a date with his Harley Davidson and rushed out without any refreshment. He was followed shortly thereafter by Janet Krones, who got a ride back after twisting her ankle. The first 50k runners in were Steve Burton and Brian O’Connor. These two may have deviated a little from the course for the last two miles, but didn’t really shortcut, so we’ll give them the win. Scott Mills ran the actual course and was probably about 15 or 20 minutes behind. Marti Kovener was the first woman to return. Marti is a transplant from the West, but is enjoying the convenience of our urban trails. Sophie would have had to either ditch Quatro or eat three more doughnuts to catch Marti. Gaynor Bourgeois also had another excellent run this year.

All of the runners were great guests and if I had taken the money everyone offered me, I could have thrown another big party next month. I think the photos of the after party will speak for themselves. I hope you can all come back again next year!

Other reports

Report by Nick Neakrase

Photos

Photo Collages from Sophie Speidel: One | Two | Three

Photo Collages from Michele Harmon: One | Two | Three

Results