This was the fourteenth running of another of Mickey's races that a small group of us have redone to benefit the park. We had a very positive turn out and I expect it to continue to grow. The course is somewhat changed only adding to it's difficulty and also it's time limit of 14 hrs in the 50M. This year, friday evening, we continued with a lasagne dinner and conversation under a clear Texas sky. For some reason as was last year, the dinner tent, in procession, was taken up to the start and finish area, I was told it is now a tradition that seals the arrival of the race. There was an increase in camping around our cabins that provided some with a short walk to the start which began at 6/7 am for the racers. As a small race this character of a get together among folks of like interest relaxing is the mission. The entire race is put together with friends that usually work together on Joe's races, it is understood what we all will be doing very effectively and with primary concern for it to be "all about the runners". Shan Rooney kicked it up several notches with her" Rooney Irish Pub". As it was terribly hot and runners were having to eat humble pie, once again, her aid station performed great miracles transforming runners with a leprechaun touch. Slammin Doug did a superb job of keeping fluids and ice at the field stations while ever checking the course for markings, glow sticks, and reporting constantly for more assignments. Phyll is without a doubt the "Iron Chef", I fancy to good grub and she is indispensable. Misty and Margo kept home aid together for the second year in a row. Sara also kept a massage watch, I figure this to be the prize perk. Dawn, "Da Judge". and Mike covered the areas with least fun, sincere thanks! Rick it is such a pleasure having you work medical again this year! Gabe you are "El Bandito". Steve I know the cabin area never looked so good.

It was off to the races at 6am for the 50 Milers. I was especially excited to have such a tough field of 21 starters. Packing weight from Lubbock Quent Bearden was nailing down 1st place until "Bread Man" Mark Henderson got his dough together and proofed off the race with a consistent effort to add to his list of winnings this year. They both finished 8:21:38 and 8:41:55 respectively. This is a new course record. Kelly Heath took 3rd in 9:28:39. From Atlanta, Ga. Trent Shipling took 4th in 9:41:03. Dalton Pulsipher, long time "Coon" runner took fifth in 10:43:40. David Berdis was our Master winner. Tom Watson in 6th completed his first 50M. Our Lady Champ was Chris Chandler 13:17:05. "Last Tail thru the Trail" was Duane Lewis in a finish of 13:49:35. Inks is a hearty course in itself, mentally challenging when you repeat it six times. This year making things even tougher was the hot afternoon that tried and failed to break the wills of this group of "Rocksters". My congrats to Robert, Jeff F, Stuart, Jeff D, Gerardo, Rene, Lynn, and Steve.

Back in the plan was the marathon distance. Sergio Martinez sizzled the course in a 1st time and course record of 3:32:34. Brad Quinn took 2nd with 3:47:15. Jon Telsher was 3rd in 4:04:07. Robert Stallings was 4th in 4:11:18. First Place, 5th overall was our Lady Champ Melissa Heggen 4:17:20. Frank Livavdois in 4:21:56 was 5th male. It was all about the lady's now with 2nd and 3rd tossed up between Bridget De La Rosa-Herrrejon and Meredith Terranova. 4th place went to Teresa Bartnicki in 4:41:27, 5th goes to Jenia Strudell in 5:19:43. Sandwiched between these two Our Master Lady Diana Heynen 5:10:52, she quickly assumed Volunteer duty at the "Irish Pub" for the rest of the day! "Last Tail thru the Trail" went to Susan Smith-Caballero in 9:55:35, Good Work! Forever Faithful!. . and to all Marathon Finishers.

I always am taken back when I read a few hours after an event of folks asking about results. I am wondering about the Volunteers who have been up sometimes for days if they have taken those very hours for some rest. Most cases they are still working the race long after it's over. Point made is Thanks to Joyce, Joe and Robert for instantaneously posting those results before anyone even knew the race was over. This is a team that has set a new standard of putting on trail racing in Texas that we all warm up to. I know the photos by Robert, Diana, Alex and Janice were truly enjoyed! Next years Rocky Trails race is set for Nov. 4th 2006, it will be it's 15th year. . . can you come to an ultra party then?