The 2013 Zumbro Endurance Run 100MI, 50MI and 26.2MI are in the books!  It should be of no surprise that when you have an early Spring race in Minnesota, eventually you will have one with some snow.  After a decade of snow-free trail-running in the Zumbro Bottoms this same weekend each year, it finally happened and in a big messy way.

Leading up to this years race it was fun to see the difference in individuals reactions to the conditions.  Some folks were filled with anxiety, certain that it was the end of the world – others were cool, calm and collected and laughed as they did their last few training runs the weeks prior, running through snow, ice, water and mud.  Prior to race day while the rest of the Midwest was getting hammered by an extraordinary early Spring storm, we experienced heavy rain, snow, sleet, ice and winds in excess of 40MPH.  The trail changed almost by the hour and when it was time to mark the course it was obvious that there were dry spots that we were marking would be wet come race day as well as wet spots that might dry out a bit – as a result we made very few revions and just had to go with it.  Snow, ice, mud and sloppy, slippery trails greeted 100 mile runners on Friday and things just deteriorated from there.  Many runners succombed to the conditions after long and protracted battles with the course, a good many carried on and got the finish.  Photos can be found HERE - notice all of the smiling faces – the spirit of the trail / ultrarunner is alilve and well!

A full race report will be written and available in an upcoming issue of Ultrarunner Magazine but below are the quick stats and links to initial results – these are preliminary results and are subject to revisions – timing is a science but sometimes mistakes are made, if your name is missing from the results or if your time is not correct, we will have you in the backup, please just bring it to our attention – if you see something please CONTACT US via email, do not use Facebook, final results will be available within a week or so.  We were unable to get a few awards out during the race – the 17 and 50 just had awards for the overall winners (male and female), but the 100 mile had awards for 1st place in each age division – after we confirm final results, we will mail out awards.

We had an incredible time hosting such a fantastic group of runners – we look forward to seeing you all again next year, hopefully under dryer conditions!

RUN WILD | BE FREE | ROCKSTEADY

100 Mile
Registered: 80
Starters: 68
Finishers: 23
DNFs: 47
Finishers Rate: 34%
Mens Winner: Garrett Peltonen, Madison WI – 21:46:18
Womens Winner: April Cole, Hammond WI – 26:47:21
Complete 100 Mile Results: HERE

50 Mile
Registered: 96
Starters: 80
Finishers: 53
DNFs: 29
Finishers Rate: 66%
Mens Winner(s): Tie / Jake Hegge, La Crosse WI & Michael Borst, Slinger WI – 8:53:45
Womens Winner: Maria Barton, Apple Valley MN –  14:04:55
Complete 50 Mile Results: HERE

17 Mile
Registered: 139
Starters: 101
Finishers: 96
DNFs: 5
Finishers Rate: 95%
Mens Winner: Tim Hardy, North Mankato MN – 2:11:57
Womens Winner: Leslie Semler, Hermantown MN – 2:44:13
Complete 17 Mile Results: HERE

100 Mile | Color: Orange | Number Series 1 – 200

50 Mile | Color: Blue | Number Series 500 – 699

17 Mile | Color: Green | Number Series 700-900

Zumbro 100 2012 Winner – Bob Gerenz – Photo Credit: Zach Pierce

Bob, congratulations on winning the 2012 Zumbro 100 Mile Endurance Run and setting a new course record.  Was this your first time running the Zumbro 100?
2012 was the first time I ran Zumbro.

Were you doing any training on the course prior to the race?
On March 24, 2012, I went to the river bottoms with one of my pacers and ran as much of the course as we could figure out from the map.  We missed a few of the single track / deer trails, but we got a taste of the area / terrain.

A lot of people at the race were commenting that they had not heard your name before – I think everyone remembers it now!  What is your running history and what led up to running the Zumbro 100?
I started running in junior high and high school on the cross country and track teams.  I don’t know really why I chose the running sports, maybe it was because I felt I wasn’t big enough for football or maybe because I kind of liked the independence of running even though it is a team sport.  I gravitated toward the longer distances.  I was never really a speed guy.  I ran for a couple of years at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.  After college, I ran a variety of 5 and 10k races, and then my first 26.2, Grandma’s marathon in Duluth.  The marathon was hard, and of course there are always parts of an event that are no fun and other parts that are exhilarating.  It felt good to complete that long of a race for the first time.  Over the next few years, I completed Grandma’s several more times.  Then I took some time off from running, probably because there were other time commitments – my wife, children, house projects and work.  Then after about nine years, I decided to start running again.  That’s when I discovered ultras.

What were your impressions of the course, its difficulty, the scenery and the fact that the course is 6 loops?
I wasn’t sure about the 6 loops, because I didn’t know if loops were going to wear on me mentally.  They did.  Everything I didn’t like, I got to see 6 times.  It was a difficult course.  But, as the day went on, the familiarity of the course took away most surprises, except for thunderstorms.  I found that loops are easier to crew for.  I knew where my crew was going to be and I looked forward to seeing them every lap.  Also, it is great when you recognize the aid station volunteers and they recognize you.  Some friendships are made.  I learned in the Superior 50 miler not to look at the scenery.  When you look at scenery, you trip and crush your handhelds.  The hills, both up and down, were really tough, but I think the worst, for whatever reason, was the series of little rollers coming into aid station number 3.  I did not like them.

Did you have a plan coming into the event in 2012?  Were you looking for a CR or the win?
As a matter of fact my friend Mike Nicholls started talking about Zumbro in the fall of 2011.  At the time, I didn’t pay too much attention.  I was registered for the Leadville Trail 100 miler.  That was going to be my first “Hundo”.  Then, Mike, I and some of our running friends (the Foolish Soles) went to Bandera, Texas last January to run the 100K.  And Mike kept talking about Zumbro.  So when we got back to Minnesota, I decided that I should do a 100 miler that was not at altitude to see if I could cover the distance.  So I registered for the Zumbro 100.  My goal was to complete the course in 24 hours or less.  That was it.

Besides the exciting “sprint finish”, were there any other pivotal moments in the race that stick out for you? 
For whatever reason, lap 2 was kind of a big lap.  Several things stand out.  The front group broke up sometime around the 1^st aid station.  That was the beginning of more alone time.   A little while after leaving the 2^nd aid station, just before the climb, I started getting the shakes that occur when you haven’t been eating.  That freaked me out.  It was too early in the day to be having a calorie problem.  So, I slowed to a walk and started eating and drinking everything I had:  2 oatmeal pancakes, a cereal bar, 2 gels, and ½ of the beverage in my handheld.  By Picnic Rock I was back to normal.  I promised myself I wasn’t going to let that happen again.  And lastly, I caught up to Mike (the leader) a mile or 2 before the end of the lap and I took over the lead.  That was really weird.  Taking over the lead was not part of my pre-race strategy.

So the finish was probably one of the most exciting finishes at any ultra run anywhere in the world in 2012 with Matt Aro catching up to within a 1/4 mile of the finish and the two of you finishing seconds apart – can you tell us your memory of what went down?
It was early morning.  It was dark.  I was tired. I was running with my pacer, Gary.  Our information had us maybe 15 minutes ahead of the next runner.  I didn’t know it was Matt.  Gary and I were just moving through the aid station as efficiently as we could and were just trying to finish this thing.  Then, with I think just over a ½ mile left, Gary and I were approaching the jeep trail from the single track and a guy (Matt Aro) came up behind us and we let him go around.  At the time, I didn’t know who it was.  There were a lot of people on the course (50 milers, lapped 100 milers).  After he passed, I knew who it was, because I ran with him during the first and second lap.  So Gary, Matt, and I went off the single track and onto the road headed toward the finish together.  We engaged in some chit chat as to how the race was going.  Neither of us said what lap we were on.  Finally, I asked Matt what lap he was on, and he said he was about to finish, he was on his 6^th lap.  I said I was too.  And without a word, my pacer, Gary took off and motioned me to follow and keep up.  I fell in behind him with Matt behind me.  We were running crazy down that road, everyone holding position.  I was watching for landmarks, the light from our headlamps bouncing everywhere.  I was watching for two sign posts that were relatively close together and the green gate, and everything came up so fast.  We all held position (Gary, me, Matt).  We went up the little hill and then past the green gate into the camping area, and the finish was somewhere around 150 and 200 yards ahead of us.  The finish was all lit up and Matt and I just ran and ran.  I did not know how close he was.  I just knew I had a step on him.  We both continued to run crazy and in the end we were separated by 2 seconds.  What a race!  Matt is an excellent runner and competitor.  It was an unreal way to end a 100 mile journey.

You are planning on coming back in 2013, is this in defense of your title, lowering the CR, or do you have something else in mind?
I am registered for this year’s Zumbro 100.  I’m looking forward to the event.  I like to check the “Who’s Registered List” every couple of days.  A lot of things can happen in 100 miles.  Who knows how the journey will end?

Any other thoughts or memories you would like to share about the Zumbro 100?
Zumbro was my first hundred.  I will never forget the experience.  I remember packet pick up and not knowing anyone and the nerves at the start.  I ran with some great runners (Matt A., Joe, Ed, Brian, Mike, Matt L.)  The course was challenging.  The weather also added some trials.  I had an awesome crew.  I will always remember my wife Sue (crew chief) freaking out at the end of the second lap when I was in first place.  The volunteers did an outstanding job.  I will always remember the finish with Sue, friends and family.  It was a life changing experience.

Susan Donnelly – Zumbro 100 Mile Endurance Run 2012 – Photo Credit: Zach Pierce

Susan, congratulations of winning the 2012 Zumbro 100 Mile Endurance Run and keeping an incredible streak alive at this race!  You have run this race each year it has been held (2009-2012) and have placed 1st each time.  Does this add some pressure each time you toe the line?
Yes, unfortunately it does add a little pressure but I recognize that each time I’m on the way to the race and I ground myself back in my own race philosophy – I run my own race, not another runner’s, not the clock’s and not one that meets “everyone’s” expectations.  I may have goals for a race but no expectations, nor do I feel the need to have a certain outcome… bottom line, I’m simply grateful every time I stand at the starting line, for finding my passion and the ability to do it. 

Obviously you are no stranger to 100 mile races and to the training required to do these types of races.  How many100′s have you finished now?
As of today, I’ve finished 56 100-milers.  It’s my favorite distance, so I’d love to have the time to do more but I do have to spend some time at work to earn the money to support my 100-mile habit. 

Has the 100 mile novelty started to fade at all?  Is it getting easier or harder or does it stay the same?
No, it has never faded.  That part is like a long-term relationship with a spouse or partner that grows, changes, and grows richer and more beautiful over the years.  

As far as difficulty, I suppose it’s gotten easier for a variety of reasons.  I know I can do the distance and I’ve done it under a variety of hard and easy circumstances over the years, so in any race I can always think of races where I’ve finished in more dire circumstances.  I always run my own race and have learned to have goals but no expectations about the outcome.  And I’ve become very familiar with how 100 miles feels, how my body and mind typically react, and the physical and mental things I need to do to finish and have a good race.  Even after all these years, I am still learning, and that’s part of the fun and challenge of it all.

You know this area pretty well now from racing over 400 miles on this course, from a runners perspective, what are your impressions of the Zumbro 100 course, its difficulty etc., what do you tell friends about the course and the race?
Well, it’s got some decent climbs and since it’s a loop course, it’s important to recognize that those hills add up to a larger total amount of climb/decent after multiple loops.  And the sand adds it’s own twist.  Don’t underestimate it.  Oh, and those washes get darn cold at night!

I also tell friends that although loop courses are not my favorite configuration, I love the distance, traveling to races in other places I’d never have seen otherwise, the social aspect of this race where you get to see most everyone once or twice along the way, and most especially, I love having a great excuse to run with friends I don’t get to see as often as I’d like.  That’s the best part for me.

Do you have any advice or insider information for those planning to run the Zumbro 100 (or the 50 or 17 mile race for that matter) for their first time?
There is a ton of advice I’d give for runners on their first time at any distance, but I’ll try to narrow it down to the big picture essentials.

First, the “perfect day” doesn’t exist, and that’s okay.  Yes, you could have done more/better training, or the weather could be better, or you ate something you shouldn’t have the night before, or whatever, but it doesn’t matter.  Don’t worry about it.  You can’t change any of that on race day, so just do your best.

Second, take it mentally a section at a time, and don’t focus so much on the end goal.  You will get there.   

Third, keep your mental game positive.  When your mind wanders to tense, or unhappy thoughts, your body follows suit.   

Fourth, be patient with the low points.  You’ll have them, everyone does.  Eat, drink, whatever you need to do to get through them, but keep moving.  One of my mottos is “run until they pull you.”

Fifth, run your own race.  Don’t get carried away and go out too fast in the beginning just because everyone else does.  You may feel like running fast or running slow, just keep it comfortable – whatever your own version of comfortable is on that day.

Last, enjoy the journey.  Not many people in this world have the ability and chutzpah to do what you’re doing, and believe me, the race will be over before you know it. So please, be present and enjoy it.

You are planning on coming back in 2013.  I know that finishing is a priority for you and winning is icing on the cake.  If you both finish, only you and friend Daryl Saari will have finished each addition of this 100 mile race, amassing 500 total lifetime miles.  A streak like this is pretty cool… is this something that you think about?
Wow.  It’s nice to be reminded of that milestone because it’s a definite occasion to pause and be grateful for want I have and excited about the future.  Even if something unforeseen happens and I don’t finish, I’m so excited to have the chance to enjoy that experience again and to very happy share it with a good friend I’m doubly blessed to know. 

Any other thoughts or special memories you would like to share about the Zumbro 100?
I have random metal photos like spectacular spring flowers and years with patches of snow, and grouse drumming, and the picnic shelter at the top of the hill (read the plaque).  But to me, the memories of sharing the sport I love with Lynn and Darryl Saari and all the other friends I see there and have made there are the best.  

Thank you very much for your time!
Thank you.  I’m happy to have the chance to share this with others.

Running is a relatively simple sport, put on your shoes and shorts and go, but to have success at a grueling race like the Zumbro 100, Midnight 50 or 17 mile races, you will need a few things, mo matter how minimal you like to travel.  Twin Cities Running Company carries the best selection of specialized trail and ultrarunning gear in the Twin Cities, heck the Midwest for that matter.  Weather you prefer hand-held water bottles, a waist-pack or a full on hydration / running vest TCRC has you covered – they carry the gear for you to check out in the store before you buy (one of the pitfalls of shopping online).  This is the same thing with their shoes – Magazines like Ultrarunner, Trail-Runner and Running Times do a great job of featuring the latest and greatest trail running shoes, but what a disappointment to go into a running store and find that they only feature a model or two – this is not that case at TCRC, they have a full wall of trail running shoes, they not only carry the traditional major manufacturers like Nike, Asics, Adidas and Brooks trail offerings, they have a huge selection of Scott, Salomon, Inov-8 and many more!  That’s all for now… now you know where to go to gear up for this years Zumbro Endurance Run. Visit the Twin Cities Running Company Website HERE and enjoy the hospitality at the TCRC RV aid station at the race (Bridge Aid Station / Aid Station 1/4). Chase the Ibex.

Republished below is a great article that was featured on one of our  past finishers blogs, Jordan Hanlon +26.2.  Read his entire article below and feel free to follow the link to check out Jordan’s blog.  Thanks Jordan for the kind words and great article.

 

Looking for a 100 mile race to run?  Here are 10 reasons to run the Zumbro 100 mile race.

1. I’ll be there.  Do you really need a 2-10?

2. It’s organized by one the best race directors around.  You can be sure that you and your crew will be well taken care of every last detail will be covered.  John Storkamp and his crew do an amazing job at putting on this event and many others races and events.  You have a million things to worry about when doing an event like this and it make a big difference when you are running a well organized race.

3. It is a beautiful course. Growing up in northern MN I have always reserved most of the beauty in this state for the northern part especially the Duluth area, but the Zumbro area is a bit of a hidden gem in MN that is a great area to run.

4. It is a great race to do your first 100 mile race.  This course is one of the better events to do your first 100 mile race.  It is challenging enough so that it will keep your mind from going to complete mush, unlike some super flat faster ultras.  Yet it is well supported and there are certainly plenty of runnable areas.  Doing the multiple loops also make crewing and supporting runners a lot more manageable and allows for a lot of flexibility for pacers.

5. It is a family event.  Having been at the last two races the size of the event has definitely grown, from 25 runners in 2011 when I ran to over 30 100 miles and many more 50 milers and now in 2012 with a 17 mile event it will be sure to grow.  Despite this it seems like everyone still knows everyone and it is almost like one big reunion.  Trust me it makes a world of difference when you pull into an aid station in the middle of the night and almost everyone there knows you by name and bends over backwards to make sure you have what you need.  There often are fellow runners not running that race that are more than willing to pace runners.  This works well because of the course set up and because there are so many great people at this event.

6. Amazing volunteers.  I know that at most races and events like this there are no shortages of great people volunteering but this event has some of the best.  Again John does a fantastic job at making sure that each ares is well staffed and that the volunteers are well prepared and know how to help support runners and crews alike.  Many of them veteran runners themselves so you will be in good hands the entire way.

7. I forget exactly where it is but there is a spot on the course that peaks out from the trail and over looks a field.  In the middle of the night especially when it is a clear sky and the moon is out you can look over the plowed field almost like looking out onto the ocean.  It is a eerie feeling but a view that was burned into my memory when running this race the in 2011 and then when pacing last year.

8.  Crowd support.  Because you are doing multiple loops and the course whines its way through Zumbro Bottoms State Park you have several areas that you can get access to the course and cheer on the runners.  This is not only great for actually being a spectator but to again provide support for your runner if you are a crew member.

9. Plenty of company.  Even though there are not a lot of 100 mile runners the race is growing and with the addition of the Midnight 50 miler and the 17 Mile races you will have plenty of company out on the trails.  This is always nice at 3AM when it is dark, cold, your tired and ultra-brained. (Yeah that’s a real word, look it up on the Internet)

10.  PR Course.  No this is not the fastest course out there but there is a lot of runnable areas and because you are running the same loop you know when you can push and when to take it easy.  So no this is not a fast nor an easy course but it is consistent and you can plan for the course.

So there you go now go out and REGISTER.