Eric Burch, Steve Ulery, Pijume Diwesi, and Running Bear represented the Pine Belt Pacers at the 3rd annual ~5K/3 Mile run held in Timberton. Rumor was that Khalid Khannouchi was in town to promote his new running store on Hwy 49, and would try and wrest the title from Running Bear. Actually it was two years ago that RB won the race. He was out of town and unable to defend his title last year, so it went over to Martha Ray Sartor, but Khalid probably didn't know that. Martha Ray skipped town entirely when she heard KK was gunning for the title. But, intimidated by the strong group of runners lined up to race, KK used a minor injury as an excuse to pull out of the race. (See Khalid withdraws due to injury). Bitterly disappointed, RBear and Pijume decided to use the run as a training run, and give Eric and Steve a chance for a win. Eric was strong and pulled out a victory in 19:32.  Steve fought hard but finished second in 22:03. RB was third in 23:18, and PD cruised home in about 24:00. About 10 walkers participated in the 1/2/3 mile walks. It was the biggest crowd, and most exciting racing Timberton has ever had!

A Classic Win Turns to a Photo History Loss

Timberton hosted a 3 mile St. Patrick's Day run last Saturday.  Turn out for this run was small despite premier advertising spots on the PBP website.  Rumor had it that the big guns were afraid to compete against Running Bear on his home course.  When I talked to Martha Ray earlier in the week, even she was going out of town to race rather than face The Bear on their turf.  "Last time I ran with Elmer, I ended up lost in Dixie Community," said Martha Ray.  "He knows all the local trails, paths, streams and woodland creatures around Timberton.  You had better stick to paved surfaces," warned Martha.  Other big guns missing were Coll, Worley, Barrett, Copeland and Mozingo.  Guess they had better sense than me.

A 10:00 AM start made my wife happy enough to even participate in the walking category.  The Timberton sponsors were friendly and well organized.  There was no legal representation at the sign in table so the registrar signed the waiver form for us.  When I questioned her about this practice, she stated that all the runners' X's looked the same anyway, so know one would know the difference during litigation.

Then Running Bear showed up.  I started to worry.  He was wearing his big, clunky trail shoes and carrying a goodie bag that I speculated contained his climbing gear and shoe pontoons.  He had that cocky look of confidence on his face.  I checked with the race director to again make sure I knew the course directions and that all surfaces were paved.   As we toed the line, I started my pre-race mantra, "I'm younger, I'm faster, I'm better looking."  This chant started the women to guffawing.  Most embarrassing fact was that my wife led the cheer for The Bear!

I took off fast.  I couldn't let The Bear start with a lead.  I was able to hold him off for a little more than a mile, then he glided up beside me and said, "you can by-pass the hill ahead if you take off on a side trail.  I'll follow you."  I ignored his taunts and pushed harder, but I couldn't shake him.  With each surge he just laughed and floated at my side.  This was shaping up to be a real classic battle.  Past mile 2 The Bear pulled ahead and I was having doubts about my reserves to recover.  After all, I have been dusted before by one of The Bear's famous finish line sprints.  However, at the last bend in the road before the finish line The Bear stopped.  I couldn't believe my luck as I put the hammer down and raced forward.  Moments later, The Bear glided in.  I immediately ask him what happened back there.  He just grinned and said, "A real trail runner doesn't care about his time.  It's all about how good you look for the finish photos!  Have you ever seen a bad photo of Raz?"  There I was, humiliated again.  I am bent over wheezing and The Bear looks as fresh as if he was on the starting line.  Seems his goody bag was filled with towelettes and a fresh shirt.  He dropped it at a convenient point on his way out, and groomed before the finish.  Another secret of trail running revealed.

Well, I won the 40 to 64 age group time while Running Bear captured the coveted 65 to 100 age group.  Eric Burch, a ringer that The Bear brought from the MS50, won the event without any serious challengers.  Nestor ran well even though he claimed this was just a warm up event for the coming weeks' school protest marches.

Thanks to all the nice folks at Timberton and let's get more PBP members to turn out next year.  The Bear will reveal more tricks.

© Steve Ulery