Over fifty runners from twenty states and Canada gathered for the Third Annual Heartland 100/50 Mile Road Races and were greeted by a misty morning and overcast day that turned out to be just a "little windy" before temperatures dipped into the mid-thirties on Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Returning male and female 2001 Heartland 100 Champions and course record holders, Mark Henderson and Monica Scholz, were back on hand to defend their titles and do battle with the prairie once again. However, out of the west and from the far east came two veteran gunslingers, who even though were new to this event, have proven their ultra-acumen many times previously and would surely give our past champions a valiant fight.

When the race began at 6 am on Saturday morning, true to form, Eric Clifton shot out of the gate like he was running a 5K...and actually, in his mind, I'll bet he was...just the first one out of nearly 33 consecutive 5K's he would run back to back that day. Yes, Eric took off and opened up an immediate lead that he would increase and hold throughout the race. He blazed through the finish line in 14:30:27, smashing the old course record and setting a precedent for this course that will most likely stand for many years to come. As a matter of fact, I'm almost tempted to call it a "permanent record!" We'll see just how many ultra-legends step up in future years to take on Eric's course record in our simple little "race across the prairie." Equally as impressive was Sue Johnston's sub 19-hour finish, thus making her the 2002 Heartland Female Champion and new female course record holder, as well.

Hats off to all 100 and 50 mile competitors, who hung in there, or even attempted to hang in there this year with the vicious wind that I have grown to know as "Kansas Mountains." This course is really not technically difficult at all, however, there is virtually no shade and no element protection and the rolling hills at times seem to go on for an eternity. In many ways this course has the potential to wear on her competitors like a 24/48 hour track ultra does...relentless and repetitive, yet different than a track event...exceptionally beautiful. Congratulations to all ultra-athletes who have even attempted doing battle with the prairie!

Thank you very much to all participants and especially volunteers for making the Third Annual Heartland 100/50 Mile Road races spectacular successes...we couldn't pull it off without all of you. Our 100 mile race is quickly becoming the "premier 100 Mile Road Race" for 100 mile connoisseurs to conquer in the Midwest. And with the spectacular scenery of the historic Flint Hills, as well as the ultra-hospitality (that has came to be know as KUSpitality over the years) provided by an organization that was created "by ultrarunners for ultrarunners" and has eight successful years of putting on ultras, this is one you definitely do not want to miss in future years...veterans and newbies alike. Thanks again...we'll see ya'll next year.