2011 LLTH - one to remember

First of all, condolences to the Heady family as Cynthia's father passed away Friday, the day before the event. Although Cynthia & Todd Heady had directed this event together the previous 3 years, this was "Cynthia's race" -- her pride & joy. Cynthia did not make it to the race, but her post race soups did -- hope everyone had a chance to sample them.

8 am start:

Race morning turned out to be cool & clear with a light breeze. A little snow covered the frozen ground near the start area. The temperatures rose quickly on this bright & sunny day and within a few hours, the snow on the trails melted away and the frozen ground quickly thawed. By mid afternoon, the trails were a real mudfest for the 50k runners. Despite the tough trail conditions, most everyone kept to the task & completed their race. Congratulations to all who finished!

early in the day:
Unfortunately, everything did not go as smoothly as planned this day for Todd, who was thrust into directing a race that Cynthia handled and all at the last minute. I hope everyone can be understanding:

Due to miscommunications, the volunteer who was to man the most critical junction (50k/15m split) on the course did not make it there. Once it was discovered there wasn't anyone there, Todd himself went to the junction & directed traffic until help arrived.

part of sign map for RD:
There were 16 runners, including 1 15m runner (based on the tracker at the Siltstone trailhead) who started on the 3rd leg & bypassed most of the 2nd leg. When the 50k runners reached the junction again on the return trip, they were directed to Yost & onto the remainder of the 2nd leg which had been bypassed earlier. The 15m runner was turned around at Bearcamp Road. RESULTS are currently posted, however, I would say they're preliminary until notes can be doublechecked. The link to these results has currently overwritten the 2009 results and the link for 2011 results on the Headfirst Performance website is currently (2-13-11) incorrect. Please be patient as Cynthia & Todd are attending to family matters.


Thank you Headfirst Performance for proceeding with this event despite difficult times. There was a record number of finishers & I believe most would say they enjoyed themselves!

last minute notes 2011

Online registration at Active.com has closed. Late registration is available at packet pickup Friday or on race morning from 6:30 - 7:30 am EST at the Horine Center (Lodge) at the START area.

The temps for Saturday look like they will be close to normal this time of year. Roads are clear. As of today (Thursday), the trails are frozen and there's a dusting of snow from last night. With the sun out today & tomorrow, that dusting will be gone by race morning. However, remnants of last Monday's 1 inch snowfall will still be present on the shaded areas of the course. Be prepared for some snowy trails early. With the sun & temps reaching the 40's on race day, there will be some thawing and a little mud. Most of the streams are dried up or frozen.

A mile worth of course flagging was removed by a vandal & fortunately it was discovered yesterday. The course has been remarked but we cannot guarantee the entire course will be intact race day. If you're unfamiliar with the area, it may be wise to carry a map.

Headfirst Performance (Race Directors) will be missing a main part of their crew Saturday as there's been a very serious illness in Cynthia's family this week. Todd Heady is now handling most of the duties.

The entry list has not been updated lately as I get the info from Cynthia. With better weather & course conditions this year, there should be close to 200 entries, matching last year.

Here are some pics from this morning on the 2nd leg near the dam:






May everyone have a SAFE & FUN race!

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