The 2000 edition of the Oxford Dam Trail Race featured the fifth course design in five years. Ben (did you see that guy – whew!) Nephew crushed the course in 1:03:28
a mere two weeks after winning the “Beast of the East” Escarpment Trail race in NY. There were a slew of CMS runners making the transition from road to trails in fine fashion. Dave Mingori, a CMS’er from Webster finished a strong third. Dave also finished Escarpment two weeks ago. Linda Usher took the 50-59 women’s division and Matt Smith outlasted Rich Busa in the very competitive 70+ division.
Several runners missed a turn and ended up having a lovely run through the rock quarry. A speedster from Auburn who shall remain nameless was the leader of this rogue band of trail runners blatantly trespassing on private property. The race director takes no responsibility for the actions of the runners.
Many others screamed down a dirt road in one section only to find that they were supposed to be on a trail screaming downhill. Most turned around and trudged back up the hill to find the right course. Those who know the area knew that they could simply jog a little to the right and get on the trail thereby sneakily moving ahead of the confused hordes. That’s trail running for you. Hopefully, we can keep this course and next year will mark sections a little better.
CMS’er Richard Hunt who admittedly was talking while running and, oops, crashed to the ground and hobbled to a total of 5 miles with a very ugly looking ankle.
The race netted over $300 to the CMS club treasury and over $200 donated to the Hodges Village Environment Education Association which provides resources to educate people on wildlife and conservation issues.