Sixty-six runners from eight different states showed up for the Seventh Annual Flat Rock 50 & 25K events this year in what turned out to be the most beautiful weather we have had for the event to date. Returning this year was the 50K course record holder Eddie Mulkey, who was undoubtedly on a mission to break his old course record. Nearly seventy percent of our field between both events had never experienced our "little gem down here in the southeastern corner of the state and they couldn´t have picked a better year to do it.
Evidently, after all of my taunting in past race reports and the fact that two women won the 50K race outright last year, we finally had two stallions show up, who ran the 50K course with a reckless abandon and ended up finishing within three minutes of each other. Needless to say, for anyone who has ever competed here at Flat Rock that is extremely close, hence the title of this article.
W. Sean Nunn from Raytown, Missouri, and Kansan, Brian Pawley, from Topeka, hammered through to the 50K turn around point in less than 2:15 with both of them leaving the aid station less than a minute later with another Kansan, David Wakefield, from Lenexa, right on their heels. Not only was this David´s first time at Flat Rock, it was his first ultra as well. In the meantime, course record holder, Eddie Mulkey, was already four minutes behind the leaders and would eventually end up dropping from the race. Paul Schoenlaub (the Masters Winner) from St. Joseph, Missouri, was only a couple of minutes behind the leaders threatening to clip their lead if they let up at any moment.
When the runners reached the home stretch, W. Sean Nunn, used his lengthy stride to barrel down the half-mile section of pavement and on to victory, setting a very impressive new course record of 4:47:12. Less than three minutes later, Brian Pawley came rocketing in with a time of 4:49:38. Amazingly, Brian´s time would have set a new course record as well, however, the younger thoroughbred´s final kick was just a little too much for Brian to overcome in the latter stage of the race.
Jess McNeely, from Wichita, Kansas, who was nearly fifteen minutes behind the leaders at the turn around point came on very strong in the second half to pass David and Paul and finish third overall in a time of 5:09:03. Within three minutes David and Paul came blazing in, by far making this the most competitive field of athletes we have ever seen here at "the Rock."
1996 Female Champion Theresa Wheeler, from Wichita, Kansas, scored another big chunk of rock as she easily cruised to victory in a time of 6:23:10 for the Overall Women´s Award. Eudella King from Edmond, Oklahoma, was second in the women´s division with a time of 6:50:59 and was nearly caught by Tammy Brewer from Wichita, Kansas, in a time of 6:52:18 to place third overall for the women.
One of the unique features of the 50K event is the offering of lifetime free entry for any competitor that finishes the race ten consecutive years in a row. This year we had three individuals with seven consecutive finishes. Wichitan, Dennis Haig, in a time of 5:41:00. Former Kansan, who now resides in Colorado, Dave Noltensmeyer, in a time of 7:39:59. And Dave "Blue Flame Dinkel from Olathe, Kansas, in a time of 9:33:51. We also had Wichitan, Tom Lasater, chalk up his sixth consecutive finish in a time of 7:28:25. Hats off to all of these sick, twisted individuals who put themselves through such torture just to save a few bucks. As Tom Lasater himself has said: "I will be lucky to still be running by the time I attain my lifetime free entry! Especially if he keeps running courses like this one. Seriously, these gentlemen exemplify the definition of commitment and heavy mettle through and through. We will be looking forward to inducting them into the Flat Rock "Hall of Pain in the upcoming years.
A new course record was set in the 25K by Wichitan, Brent Henry, in a time of 2:07:07. It seems like the future mark to crack on the 25K will be the sub two hour point. If anyone can do it, I´ll bet Brent will come back and attempt it, even though he truly seemed like the type of individual who will step up to the 50K next year, as he looked a little too fresh after completing the 25K. Not to mention, I think he would have a shot at the new course record on it as well. Joyce Harvey from Uniontown, Kansas, won the Women´s Division in the 25K in a time of 3:21:11 and looked so fresh that I am just sure we will see her back here next year competing in the 50K, also.
Impressively, placing second overall for the 25K in a time of 2:24:53 was 46 year old, John McAllister, from Parsons, Kansas. John is like so many others that join our sport, he told me he is just burnt out on the marathon scene and ready to take his running to the next level. Well, I think he definitely found the right place and organization as he is already talking of doing the 50K next year and two weeks later doing our 50-miler at Heartland. We can hardly wait.
I was also very pleased to see an Independence, Kansas, resident competing this year as we have had very few local entrants over the seven years of hosting this event. Christine Thompson finished in a time of 4:13:29 and has already spoken about competing next year and spreading the word to other local runners.
As always, these events could not be pulled off without the dedicated support and staffing of the volunteers who willingly give up the majority of their weekend, or more, to help the competitors achieve their goals and move beyond the spectrum of a limited lifestyle into the wonderful world of unlimited potential. As competitors, please don´t ever forget to thank them profusely, for without them we (runners) could not compete in organized events. And as a race director and founder of this organization (KUS), I sincerely thank them and love them all as well, for they continually teach me what community and unconditional giving is all about. Until next year, remember to always push it till you bleed, then push it some more! See you at the Rock on September 28, 2002.
