Bimbler’s Bluff 2009 – Race Director’s Report

The morning after the race I was out clearing the last course markers from the Bluff course. It was another beautiful morning, one that matched the previous day when 101 runners crossed the start for the second running of the Bimbler’s Bluff 50K. Heavy wind and rain the night before, almost an exact repeat of the previous year must have made a few of the competitors a little nervous as to what to expect. In just 2 years, the Bluff has managed to attract runners from across the US and beyond. Within the list of 128 registered runners were representatives from 15 states and the country of Iceland. Some braved a cold wet Saturday evening to collect their race packet at KCs pub in Guilford. Inside though, they were greeted to a warm reception as staff there juggled things around to accommodate a large group of hungry runners. The following morning as the early dawn gloom lifted, clears skies were an early indication of the great day that lay ahead. Every runner received a bright orange tech shirt with this year’s race logo designed by fellow runner Cathi Bosco. The shirts were sponsored by Poron® Performance Cushioning, a Connecticut based company whose product is used in a range of products including running shoe lasts and insoles. Cathi also designed the unique Buffs presented to every runner who finished with 10 hours.Bimbler’s Bluff

Assembled at the start, the field was treated to a note perfect rendition of the national anthem by Russell and Michelle Hammond, music teachers by day, runners whenever the opportunity allows. For a few moments their combined talents captivated everyone within earshot; then, inspired by their performance the signal was given for the race to begin.  Almost immediately, last year’s winner Chris Schulten and Brian Rusiecki, who went on to become the overall winner, were leading the pack. Close behind were a number of young bucks from the Westpoint Military Academy.  At the second aid station just 6 minutes separated the top 5 runners, while women’s leader Amy Lane was 10 minutes behind the leader in 6^th place. She arrived at aid station 3 at Braemore with Peter Fitton who was running the Goat leg of the relay for team Thing 2 (so named because the runners didn’t offer their own).  By now Rusiecki had started to pull away from Schulten who we later discovered was starting to struggle with an injury. Just 2 weeks earlier he had completed in the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon.

At Renee’s Way, Amy had moved up into 3^rd overall and Megan Raymond for team Old Quarry Racing had taken the relay lead. Also moving up the field was Choukri Benmamoun and Jay Avitable, but Rusiecki’s lead over Schulten had now extended to 11 minutes. At the finish he was 28 minutes ahead finishing in 4:31:02. A few moments after finishing, he expressed surprise at his time which he thought was slow even though he felt had run well. Was he right, or was the Bluff a bit more than he had expected! Megan Raymond took the relay honors for Old Quarry Racing (5:10:47) while Amy Lane was the first individual lady finisher in a time of 5:15:24. Meanwhile, Benmamoun had moved up several places and went on to finish 4^th in 5:24:31. Close on his heels was Zachary March one of those young bucks and the first of the Westpoint contingent to cross the line (5:24:35).

There were several great anecdotes that came out of the race but perhaps the most memorable was that of Terri Hayes who ran the race with her grandson pacing her. It had been an ambition of hers to run an ultra with one of her children, but that had never happened. She drove to Connecticut from South Carolina to run the Bluff and visit her grandson serving in the military. At the last minute, he offered to pace and her dream came true. Many of the finishers expressed surprise at the toughness of the course and that it had exceeded their expectations. There were the inevitable tales of going off trail but the consensus seemed to be that the markings had been good. At the mid-way aid station several runners decided it wasn’t going to be their day and several more made it as far as the next stop at Renee’s Way to do the same. The Bluff is a demanding course. The scenery was in prime fall foliage but the weather the previous evening had caused a fresh covering of leaves to blanket the trail. The bright sun light reflecting off the seasonal colors was at times dazzling, making it hard to see course markers. Added to this, some of the tape streamers had been wrapped around branches by the stormy winds. To run the Bluff competitors have to not only stay alert to the many hazards under foot but also keep an eye open to ensure they stay on course. The middle third contains elevation changes that aren’t particularly large but are capable of draining the legs. The Bluff shouldn’t be underestimated, but don’t just take my word for it ask anyone who has run it. Better still, come and try it for yourself!

The Bluff 2010 is planned for October 24^th I hope to see you there.

Jerry RD

Race results