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coolTopic: Firecracker RD Report
Firecracker Run - Race Director’s Report
Brownfield, Tx
July 3, 2010
“A River Ran Through It”
A river ran through the course; the in-case-of-rain alternate course had three blocks of knee-deep rushing water; for two hours before the scheduled start approximately 600 potential runners called to see if the race was still on; and the rain came down and down and down, alternating from a light drizzle to full buckets from heaven.
In a 48-hour period, Brownfield officially had over 8 inches of rain.
But, oh my, what a great race we had at the Firecracker Runs in Brownfield this year. The temperature was just right; we sang the national anthem; everybody was smiling and enjoying the company; many Brownfield supporters showed up to cheer; and 122 hardy athletes completed the 3-mile course.
Lordy, how many would we have had if it had been sunny!
Just before race time and after consultations with the high command of the WTRC, we decided to cancel the 1-mile and 10-mile runs. Both courses would have been too dangerous. We established an alternate 3-mile course, and with its running, the tradition of the continuously-run Firecracker is carried on.
All the officers and members of the club should be proud of the fact that next year will be the 42nd annual Firecracker Run.
Tell me another local running club in America that has done such a thing, and I will personally send them a letter of congratulations.
We had no new records for this year’s run, but we did have a few individuals of note in the race. Chris Rodriguez, 9th overall and age group 40-44 winner held the 10-mile record for that age for many years since he set it in 2000. Paul Darden, participating in his first WTRC race, is the excellent cross country coach at Sundown. Chad Carver, who has run other WTRC races was 11th overall, is a fine distance runner and an outstanding physician in Lovington, New Mexico, 60 wet miles to the west of Brownfield.
Much thanks to the men and women who make it happen, the volunteers: Randy Holloway, David Higgins, Suzan Caudle, Gabrielle Saldana, Lee Handlin, Bob Jackson, Shannon Anderson, Ron Lubowicz, and George Jury. Thanks also to P.J. and Wayne who were selling shirts and giving away hats for those who signed up for next month’s Hot Dam Race.
On Thursday night before the Saturday race, Wayne and P.J. hit a deer while riding in PJ's BMW south of Lovington. The car is not good, but Wayne and P.J. are fine.
A special thanks to many in Brownfield: Chamber of Commerce President Lorena Valencia; Police Chief Tony Valasquez; Brownfield News Editor Brian Brisendine; Recreational Director Scott Jackson; Water Department Director Butch Wagner; and Joe Sears who sang our national anthem.
Jim Harris, Lovington
