2008 No Longer the Easiest Hundred Miler

No longer the easiest 100 miler in the country, Leanhorse has evolved into one of the best! There are no oxygen sucking passes, death defying climbs or roped river crossings, but the 13 miles of rolling hills at the beginning and end of the race provide plenty of challenge.

The race headquarters and start/finish is at the Mueller Center in Hot Springs SD. The first miles wind along the Platte River, through about 5 blocks of residential streets and then open fields, before arriving at the Argyle Road around mile 5. Argyle is a wide gravel/dirt road with almost no traffic. After 11 miles on the rolling hills of the Argyle Road, runners arrive on the Mickelson Trail and continue there for another 34 miles (9 for those doing 50 miles) to the turnaround.

The Mickelson Trail provides the perfect venue for the runner looking for a PR or who wants to step up to the 50 or 100-mile distance. It is a wide, cinder trail that provides perfect footing. While there are a couple of long climbs, the trail is on an old railroad bed so the grade never exceeds 3% and the entire course is very runable. This was my third finish at Leanhorse and for the third year I never used my flashlight at night. Even in the moonless part of the evening, the stars provided plenty of ambient light for running on this superb trail.

The race management provides two days for pre-race check in so there is a relaxed atmosphere that gives plenty of time to visit and rest. Unlike most ultras, Leanhorse also has a small, but full service expo that provides opportunity to purchase last minute and hard to find running accessories. Also, in what was a change for 2008, the pre-race dinner was a homemade sausage and buffalo burger feast at the packet pickup area. The food was excellent and the ticket proceeds went to the local Kiwanis Club who prepared the meal.

Leanhorse is a great event. The course is scenic, it is a wonderful area to visit and race is superbly organized and managed. Jerry Dunn and his wife, Elaine Doll-Dunn are both very experienced runners and exceptional race directors. Their other races are the Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon in early June and the Leading Ladies Marathon in mid August.
Put all three of their races on your calendar for 2009 and we will see you in Hot Springs next summer.

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