2004 Coal Creek Cross Country Challenge

by Bruce Kirschner

It was back to Randy's Ranch on October 17 for the 6th annual Coal Creek Cross Country Challenge (CCCCC) in Louisville. As usual, the morning featured near perfect racing conditions for the 92 participants that showed up.

This year the race directors made special arrangements with the City of Louisville to have major new highway construction cross the very start of the race course just to pose additional challenges to the competitors. So the start of the usual race course was cut a bit short so the runners would have to circumnavigate concrete construction barriers and webbed fencing - either by running around them or hurdling them.

The next real challenge for runners was the tunnel that passes under Highway 42. Always dry in the past, this year there was several inches of water for a good stretch of the tunnel's north end. After crossing a relatively deep Coal Creek it was over the barbed wire fence and on to the farmer's field, the condition of which is always a mystery until race day. CCCCC participants in recent years have had to contend with plowed furrows, soggy mush, and knee high brush. This year was something new - 10 inch high stalks from freshly cut oats. The course had to be shifted a bit around some of the field where oats had yet to be harvested. The farmer's combine was still sitting out there in the middle of the field ready to go. But at least the field was dry.

Fleet Feet Sports Racing Team manager and Erie resident Tim Geldean woke up Sunday morning and decided to race. Starting out in fourth place, he moved into second place just before crossing Coal Creek. He passed race leader Andy Ames as they were heading over the barbed wire fence into the field. According to Geldean, "[the farmer's field] was easily the toughest part of the course ... I really had to work hard with the uneven footing." He continued to lengthen his lead, crossing the finish line in 28:52, just 21 seconds ahead of second place finisher Ames. Katie Blackett was top woman finisher and 13th place overall in 34:06, 1 second ahead of second place female finisher Tanya Poel.

Meanwhile, Lee Bengston made it just beyond the construction zone until he twisted his ankle. Lee turned around and hobbled back to the start where he assisted in course management duties for the duration of the race.

In addition to Bengston, a hearty thanks to all the volunteers who made this event possible. Jerry and Rosalia Murch did a fine job with the registration. Jim Price, Joe Baird, Connie Ahrnsbrak and Joe Sanchez performed finish line timing and scoring duties in fine form as usual. Other volunteers along the course were Mark Bailey (ditch marshal), Lori Dill (creek crossing), Rollie Erickson (road crossing), Nate Pierce (pace bike), Pete Wolfe (fence crossing), Donna Luallin (parking), Caleb Luallin, and Sue Schmidt. The club also extends its appreciation to Hamon Contractors for providing a course marshal in the construction zone. CMRA Quartermaster Joe Sanchez assisted with equipment transportation and logistics as well.

Special recognition to our commercial race sponsors and supporters for prize drawing merchandise: Runner's Choice of Boulder, the Arvada Great Harvest Bakery (Barry Sparks), Sun Rose Coffee Shop, Vic's Coffee Shop, the Old Louisville Inn and Flowyoga Massage . Odell Brewing Company Sales Manager Rick Newell was out there with his "Easy Street Wheat" beer keg and post-race samples for participants. He awarded 12-packs to the top male and female finishers and contributed more beer, t-shirts and hats to the post-race prize drawing.

A final thanks to all the participants who have contributed to the race's success over the years by promoting it by word-of-mouth. We expect to see everyone back here next year on October 16, 2005...and bring at least one friend!