Run to Win - Beat the Day, Old Dominion 2006

The 29th Annual Old Dominion 100-Mile, One-Day Run completed today with a record number of winners; Run to Win - Beat the Day. James Howton from Virginia won his First to Finish day in a time of 20:11:39. Liz Walker from Georgia won her First Women in a time of 23:16:21. When you come to the Old Dominion 100, always run the first weekend in June, there are many prizes. Each starter comes with a personal challenge as they toe the line. Our field this year, won the day in historical percentages with an 87 % finish rate. 53% of the starters finished under 24 hours, to win the coveted Old Dominion silver buckle.

Brian Kistner, who was First to Finish in 2005, came back to defend his title. He didn't waste any time establishing his position with a lead that just grew stronger over the miles. At 69 miles he was almost two hours ahead of the next runner and running a very smart race. But the day had taken its toll on his tendon. He decided to pull to prevent deeper injury and number two, James Howton, VA, was now number one as he entered the 75 mile stop at the base of Sherman Gap. This was not only a first for Howton as the race's leader over Sherman Gap, it was his first trip ever over the OD 100-mile trail. There was no hesitation and a new leader was established for the rest to catch. Howton's lead was not absolute with Finkle, Walker and newcomer Mike Oliva in strong pursuit. Oliva was full of surprises all day long that inspired us all. He had never trained in the dark nor run a 100 mile race. With his second place finish we will see more inspiration from him in the future. Liz Walker, who smiled her way around the course, was First to Finish Women. She's a strong runner and a generous one too, taking good care of herself and anyone she came across who needed a hand. Local runner, Dave Brewster persevered and won his day with 32 minutes to spare; a finishing time of 27:28. Yep, at past races Dave fed everyone mouth-watering BBQ steak at his 87-mile aid station. We are glad to see him running through it now! Denise Davis, also a former aid station volunteer and first timer on the OD race trail, took home her first Old Dominion buckle today. She ran strong, didn't stop as she came off the Woodstock Gap and still had fuel in the tank at the finish. It's apparent, by inviting more people to man aid-stations we will swell the ranks of our sport.

OD has a lot of aid stations, all manned by dedicated volunteers who give everything they have that day to the runners. From the Vietnam Veterans of America, Shenandoah Valley Chapter, to local families, these team members have made this local event possible for almost three decades. This year, four new groups joined the challenge. A Cub Scout troop from Richmond brought Webelos to camp and operate the 83-mile station. The Gym of Woodstock manned their station for the 12th year. The Gym is training their next generation early. The Marshall's 2 nieces, ages 8 and 10, assisted their Uncle Roy and Aunt Amber, both bucklers at the Mud Hole Gap station. And after 15 years of running aid stations with his brother and dad, Nathan Cooley took over the Veach West 87-mile aid station. Cline Mutersbaugh from Fairfax, VA 4-wheeled up to his aid station with runner supplies at the 60-mile point. Welcome to our next generation of volunteers.

As I write this summary sitting on the porch, surrounded by the Massanutten Mountains, I'm watching race volunteers from Ohio, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania washing water jugs and coolers after 30 plus hours awake, discussing next year's field and what improvements are ahead. I remember the complete and enduring sense of accomplishment on the runner's faces. We just presented 8 silver buckles to some of our country's finest ultra marathoners. There is no greater award for a race manager. Come race with us in the Fort Valley June 7, 2007!

Wynne D.B. Waldron, Co-race Director. (OldDominionRun.org; the only official website of the original Old Dominion 100 Mile One-day Endurance Run, Inc.)