It was a lovely day out on the Greenway trail for the "Nearly a Marathon". Well, perhaps not weather-wise. Following a night of heavy rain, Seneca Creek was rising and the trail was sporting significant shoe-sucking mud, monster puddles and challenging water crossings. But the runners approached this event as an adventure, and no one was disappointed.

Rob Magin and Mark Hoon, who had trained on the course together, finished in fine ultra tradition, tying for first place in 3:14:30. I'm in awe of their time. It's not just their speed that amazes me, as they've won more club races than I can count. But I'm sure they must have defied one or two laws of physics in managing to sweep so easily through the ankle-deep fields of mud. Michele Harmon ran a strong race to finish first woman, in 4:16:48. Also winning Monika Bracken's hand-crafted pottery awards were first male and female masters, Stuart Kern and Pat Zerfas in fine performances. photo by Bill Kuta

After a brief starting run on the road, we hit the trail and quickly encountered Ed's first challenge, a water crossing that normally requires one to step and balance across the two-tree bridge over the creek. This time we had a rope to hang onto as well, which nicely prevented a traffic jam so early in the race.

I've run this trail many times, but have never seen the water level this high. Tributaries became rushing creeks; the stepping stones just a memory. Expecting wet ankles, we were up to our knees. Swimming pools were disguised as puddles. It was great fun splashing through the water and stomping through the mud. The notorious shoe-sucking mud section near Mid-County highway confiscated Samar's shoe, but she went back to fish it out of the muck, and in no time at all had passed me again. Fortunately Mother Nature had designed the course so that we could generally count on a water crossing to clean off our shoes. Which was followed by more mud. photo by Bill Kuta

Trail running secret #94: Opportunities abound to shed the staid workday suits and briefcases and get outside to play with your friends in the mud and rocks and lovely scenery. Rushing streams, old railroad bridges, mountain laurel and in April lots of bluebells. All can be found on this trail.

The volunteers at the aid stations were great. They had chips and boiled potatoes with salt, candy, coke and electrolyte replacements. Not the usual fare for our club marathoners, but when you are out there for 4-7 hours, re-fueling is critical. I made a rookie mistake at the Lake and bypassed the aid station, and paid the price for the next several miles with rapidly-declining energy. But the aid station appeared once again at the end of the loop, allowing me a second chance. The volunteers were helpful and encouraging the entire way. Thanks to all of you! photo by Bob Fabia

The mud reached absurd levels after Route 28. It was alternately comical and exhausting (or comically exhausting), as I was reduced to a slog along the trail, with the occasional swim section as a diversion. That carefully-laid-out detour at Berryville road? Nah, straight through the creek instead, as keeping my shoes dry had ceased to be an option after about the second mile of this race.

Trail running secret #112: Sloppy conditions often make the run more fun. The camaraderie of braving adverse conditions with other like-minded people is one of the best parts of a run. I had a great time out there with the various people I shared the trail with along the way.

The finish line was a welcome sight. Anyone who ran this race should have a real sense of accomplishment at having battled the elements including some who finished their first ultramarathon. Yes, it was over 26.2, and leave it to Ed to sneak an ultra experience into our first trail "marathon". Ed was wise this year to divert the energies of the notorious hashers Jaret and Kerry (along with Bob Coyne) to sweeping the course. But maybe next year he'll let them mark the course and this "marathon" will morph into a 50K. photo by Bob Fabia

Race Director Ed Schultze is the heart and soul of this race and deserves a tremendous amount of credit for putting together such a great event. When the inaugural race was cancelled last year due to snow, it was a huge disappointment after all the work Ed had put into it. But he came back and did it all again this year, and has given so many club members a chance to try a different sort of race experience. Those of you who think you'd enjoy this experience do not have to wait until next year. Just come out and join Ed's Sunday run on the Greenway and see the trail for yourself. photo by Erik Beecroft