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Badgerland Striders 12/24 Hr 2000 Report

 A new race location met this year's participants in the Badgerland Striders
24 and 12 hour runs, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2-3SEP2000.  The race was delayed
just ten minutes to wait for a downpour of rain to quit.  Under turbulent,
cloudy skies the 24 hour runners started and an hour later the day version
of the 12 hour race got started.  The cloudy skies and winds attempted to
keep the runners comfortable despite 75-85 degree temperatures and high
humidity.

Race directors Marty and Lise Malin, chief scorer Mike Proctor, and a loyal
legion of volunteers kept food and drink flowing all day and night.  Race
results really don't tell the whole story - Klaus Thiedmann walked his
entire distance in preparation for a longer event.  Roy Pirrung adjusted his
run after learning that the course was not a "track" and probably held back
a little for the upcoming 24 hour championships.  Mary Callen managed a few
more miles than her usual companion Paul Sokolowski  as she used a few other
escorts before Paul came.  (Mary wouldn't like it if I pointed out that she
is blind, so let me say she is a good runner!)  Jennifer Roberdeau joined
her father, Dan, in the 24 hour challenge and I think is still on speaking
terms with him.  Doug Wielgat worked through many "surprises" as we all do
when you go farther than you have ever gone before.  Marty Sprengelmeyer
returned to this race after an absence of many, many years.  Michael Tyllas
ran just enough to stay in front of Klaus.  Rick Gretenhardt did is first
"long" run.  And 73 year old Donald Diesen and Kevin Magin, running the
second 12 hours, reminded us how fast fresh legs could move.

At 21 hours, rain returned - light mist which within a couple of hours would
turn into a total downpour complete with lightening.

T-shirts this year start a three year special edition set.  All results from
1982-1989 races (runners, mileage and place) are printed on the back of the
t-shirt, next year's t-shirt will feature the 1990s races.

The race did experience some difficulty with the electronic scoring, so
results here should not be considered final, nor official. 

For details on how to run for 24 hours with only hope and dreams, not much
training, contact me directly.  And yes, I have worn high heels all week!

Enjoying a gorgeous day in downtown Moline, Illinois - wish you were here-

Bonnie Busch
BuschBonnie@JohnDeere.com