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Carl Touchstone Mississippi Trail 50 2002 Report: Elmer Beardshall

The 7th annual Carl Touchstone Mississippi Trail 50 was held March 2 on the Long 
Leaf Horse Trail at the De Soto National Forest. Almost 100 runners participated 
this year, and all seemed to have a good time. It rained heavily (as usual) the 
night before, but not at all during the race for a change. The creeks were ample 
but not flooded, so no one complained of hot dry feet for very long. 
  
The course featured soft dirt trails and fire roads on 12.5 and 6.1 mile loops. 

The 12.5 mile loop had been modified to eliminate a 1.5 mile road section, so 
everyone set personal course records this year. Despite the very wet trail and 
a new, slower course, a new race record was set in the 50km

The 50km and 50 Mile endurance runs began at 6 a.m. in surreal predawn darkness. 

The temperature was in the 50's at the start, and stayed pleasantly cool till 
nearly noon, but got over 70 by mid afternoon.

Well supplied aid stations were positioned every two to four miles with easy 
crew access, so no one had to worry about dehydration or lack of calories. 

Trophies, and finisher mementos were awarded as each person finished. A full 
course chicken supper (courtesy of South Central Regional Medical Center) was 
served to each finisher, and the pleasant weather made relaxing at the picnic 
grounds with your platter very enjoyable.

The runs were sponsored by Bancorp South, South Central Regional Medical Center, 
the Laurel Area Dental Society and the Laurel Rotary Club. Many thanks to them 
and Steve De Reamer (race director), Marvin Overstreet, Shannon Holder and all 
the many course and aid station workers for putting on another fine Carl 
Touchstone Memorial Mississippi 50 trail run.