Bonnie Busch – Badgerland Striders 12 & 24 Hour 2000 Report
A new race location met this year’s participants in the Badgerland Striders 12 & 24 hour runs, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2-3 September 2000. The race was delayed just ten minutes to wait for a downpour of rain to quit. Under turbulent, cloudy skies the 24 hour runners started and an hour later the day version of the 12 hour race got started. The cloudy skies and winds attempted to keep the runners comfortable despite 75-85 degree temperatures and high humidity.
Race directors Marty and Lise Malin, chief scorer Mike Proctor, and a loyal legion of volunteers kept food and drink flowing all day and night. Race results really don’t tell the whole story – Klaus Thiedmann walked his entire distance in preparation for a longer event. Roy Pirrung adjusted his run after learning that the course was not a “track” and probably held back a little for the upcoming 24 hour championships. Mary Callen managed a few more miles than her usual companion Paul Sokolowski as she used a few other escorts before Paul came. (Mary wouldn’t like it if I pointed out that she is blind, so let me say she is a good runner!) Jennifer Roberdeau joined her father, Dan, in the 24 hour challenge and I think is still on speaking terms with him. Doug Wielgat worked through many “surprises” as we all do when you go farther than you have ever gone before. Marty Sprengelmeyer returned to this race after an absence of many, many years. Michael Tyllas ran just enough to stay in front of Klaus. Rick Gretenhardt did is first “long” run. And 73 year old Donald Diesen and Kevin Magin, running the second 12 hours, reminded us how fast fresh legs could move.
At 21 hours, rain returned – light mist which within a couple of hours would turn into a total downpour complete with lightening.
T-shirts this year start a three year special edition set. All results from 1982-1989 races (runners, mileage and place) are printed on the back of the t-shirt, next year’s t-shirt will feature the 1990s races.
The race did experience some difficulty with the electronic scoring, so results here should not be considered final, nor official.
For details on how to run for 24 hours with only hope and dreams, not much training, contact me directly. And yes, I have worn high heels all week!
Enjoying a gorgeous day in downtown Moline, Illinois – wish you were here-
Bonnie Busch
[email protected]
Race website: Badgerland Striders.org
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