This was my fifth finish at Leanhorse and I realize that potential participants read these reports while making decisions about futures races so I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate some of the things I have said in the past.

Jerry, Emily, Chris, Ryan and others I am probably leaving out, simply do a great job putting on a race. This is true whether you are talking about the Leanhorse 100, the Black Hills 100, the Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon or Run Crazy Horse. I have run all of these races and they are all great events. There is great attention to detail in all areas. Everyone in the Leanhorse crew is a runner so they have been there, know your needs and meet them.

The planning for these races is meticulous and just as importantly the staff is able to react during the race to take care of unforeseen occurrences. This year was a perfect example of this. A positive course change in 2011 meant that there would be a short bus trip to the 6 A.M start, but the buses did not show up on time. Quick decisions were made by the race staff and unbelievably the race started, the race started on time and to my knowledge everyone made it to the start. What could have been a big problem turned into a complete non-event for the participants.

The Leanhorse 100 is a great run for people doing their first 100 (50K or 50 miler) or for veteran runners. Most of the race is on the Mickelson Trail which is an extremely good running surface. Even this year with no moon, I again ran the entire night with no flashlight. There is no portion of the course that cannot be run, so a strong runner could have an extremely good time on this course and a first timer can have a great shot at a good finish. The aid stations are numerous and well stocked. The course is beautiful and the Black Hills area of South Dakota is a wonderful travel destination. In addition to the great race you can visit an area with a lot of history and enjoy the scenery of The Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, and the Crazy Horse monument.

Hope to see you here next year!

Jim Newton

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