On Nov 1st, near Bandera Texas, in the Hill Country State Natural Area, at 5am, 48 veteran trail runners began the 2nd annual Cactus Rose 100 mile endurance trail run. They had 36 hours to complete four 25 mile loops, and after each loop, they had to reverse directions. At first glance, this reversal of directions seems to cause problems, but in reality, this allows every runner to have a look at their competition and their friends, to help us find out quickly if anybody is having a problem, and also for the enlightenment of running the same trail in opposite directions. Two other circumstances also provided some entertainment: It was Halloween weekend and Daylight Savings time ended during the run. At 2am, it suddenly became 1am.

The land in this park is simultaneously, beautiful and difficult, which is what inspired the name: Cactus Rose - "Where Pain accompanies Beauty". The local cowboys tell me that everything here stings, scratches, or bites. First off, this race is not at all ( as I have heard) like Barkley. And I do know the difference. I have had my butt kicked at Barkley a few times. I have been there and this is not at all like it. This is a Full Blown 100 mile trail race with everything all the other 100s have, except Food. We provide aid stations, Patagonia shirts, finisher buckles, water, ice, medical, chip timing, constant support, turn signs, glow sticks, confidence markers, hand made metal roses for the top 3 winners, odd awards for many others, and the best damned butt kicking you might find anywhere in this country. We simply don't put any food on the tables or volunteers to hand it out. We expect the runners to put their own food at the stations and we even help them in doing so. The aid stations are large tents that we put up, with tables, and water. We put a notepad and pen with watch at each station and the runners are expected to put their own times in each station. At the end loop of each 25 miles is a timing matt where we track each 25 mile split.

There is no hand holding or coddling, but we do mark the hell out the route so that you can find your way without map (we do provide waterproof maps to each runner). What we have created is a format for experienced trail runners who want a good test, but prefer to manage their own nutritional needs. Some of the runner's crews typically set up near the main aid stations and are constantly helping all the runners with some hot food or cold melons. Granted, I promise no food, but so far, somebody's crew is sharing what they have. With no promises, its surprising how much support all the runners do for each other. It has been an incredible bonding experience. So far, the typical after race statement has been, " I severely underestimated the difficulty of this course", followed by, "I love it - please dont change a thing".

Most of the runners camp at the race site, and there were more crew than there were runners, such that may of the runners gained unexpected pacers, and had support from people who went into town for supplies and food. One of the difficulties for many was - leaving the main station for their next loop while a party was going on. With all the races that my wife and I direct, this one is by far the most fun.

And then there was the race itself with all its own drama. Josue Stephens went out very fast, seperating himself from everybody else quickly. He'd won the 100km here last January, so we all wondered if he could hold it. This course is much the same except that I removed the flat section of Bandera for a shorter more technical route. He completed the first 25mi loop in 3:45. His crew suggested he slow down, but he was wired up and enjoying himself. He slowed some for loop two, finishing 50 miles in 8:30. His pacer left with him on loop three, but it was too late. He walked in from loop three, still well in the lead, with over 2 hours of gap. Medical spent 15 minutes working on his feet but they could not rebuild him completely. He left on loop four, but at mile 80, he was done. It still took some time for the others to make up the difference.

The trailing pack was David Johnston, Mason Parker, and Ryan Beard after loop one. Loop two was then George Hitzfeld, Mason Parker, and Brad Quinn. Loop three began with David, Eric Moortgat, and Mason Parker. David Johnston became the new leader at 80 miles and held on to finish in 22:54:53, winning 1st overall and setting a new course record. He is also the only person to run this course under 24 hours. Mason also finished well, taking 2nd place in 24:22:28. George Hitfeld took 3rd for the 2nd year in a row, with a time of 25:08:08.

Melissa Heggen led the ladies race on loop one, followed by Niki Bellnoski, and Abigail Meadows. Loop two had Melissa Heggen still in front, with Niki Bellnoski close behind, and Barbara Hitfeld starting to move up. Loop three saw both Melissa Heggen and Barbara Hitfeld moving up quickly on the overall field. Melissa was now 2nd overall and Barbara was moving up fast. Only 3 women started the final loop and all 3 were running well. Melissa ran a very smart race and won the women's field in 24:27:01, coming in 3rd overall and setting a new course record. Barbara took 2nd female and 6th overall in 27:01:32. Lorie Alexander was 3rd female in 30:56:01.

We had 5 finishers who had also finished last year, but not a single finisher was under the age of 30: nine in their 30s, 10 in their 40s, and 5 in their 50s. The temp was between 46 and 80, mild to a bit warm. There was good cloud cover most of the day and an irregular breeze. Next year's event will be Oct 31st for a real trick or treat.

Joe Prusaitis