Eight local runners (counting one who is temporarily living in Decatur GA) and several of their support crews were in Huntsville on January 24 to run what is touted as Alabama's toughest race. And despite perfect weather (Dry, with temperatures of 37 at the start, going to 54 by noon) and a record crowd (maxed out at 300), no one found reason to disagree with that assessment. This is a very hilly, rocky, and challenging course.
 

There were several persons injured and at least two broken ankles reported at this year's event. The tight time cut-offs also make it worrisome for some of the slower runners (like Running Bear). Local runners have been stopped at the various aid stations in past year because they were behind the time allowed for the stage, or have been stopped by injuries. But this year all finished and several who had run it before set PR's.

See Results, and the race story for the front runners by Jim Oaks (due to all the trees on the course R. Bear was not able to see and report on what was going on up front).

 

 

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Suzanne Taylor and her husband Dink are the founders and
race directors at Mountain Mist. This is their 10th year of
directing this classic event, and they did a masterful job.

Dink and Suzanne are planning to open a FLEET FEET store in Huntsville soon,
so if you are in the area you need to stop by and visit their store


Randy Saxon, David Dill, and Dennis Bisnette before the start


The compleat ultrarunner, zoning out before the start


Spyder Tynes and Raz Estridge before the race


Iva Lightsey is tended to at Aid Station #2 by her niece Megan


Dianne Herrington comes thru an aid station (sun shot)


Running Bear catches up to Raz Estridge at Aid Station #2


Iva overacts for the camera as usual


David Dill comes thru an aid station (sun shot)


Dennis Bisnette is running strong


Running Bear finishes, the same day as the rest of the group


Crossing the finish line at very scenic Monte Sano State Park,
Running Bear again breaks through the elusive 8 hour barrier
(since his wife Ann was taking the pictures, he got a lot of film)