Volunteer Run

Each year a Carl Touchstone Memorial Mississippi 50 Trail Volunteer Run is held shortly before the open event. This is a closed race for specially qualified* ultra runners only. The Volunteer run is an official MS50 Trail run, and counts toward the ten year award.

The 2011 Mississippi Trail 50 Volunteer Run was held Saturday February 19^th. The day started out a little cool and warmed up fast to about 80 degrees. Normally not very hot for Mississippi but with lows below freezing and unusually cold temperatures until the last weeks the high presented a challenge for all runners unaccustomed to a little heat.

Randy Saxon, Michael Yarbrough, and Joey Smith each completed 100 miles at Rocky Raccoon less than two weeks before the Volunteer Run. As a result they had little enthusiasm for running 50 miles and opted for the 50K with David Dill, Iva Lightsey, Lori Ladd and Dennis Bisnette. Completing the 20K were Renee Bisnette and two newcomers to the trails, Eric Roberts, with little training on the trails and Serena Williamson who was running on dirt her first time.

We will see all volunteer runners and many more volunteers on race day. Thanks to all.

A quality race could not be put on without these knowledgeable, able, runners willing to sacrifice the time and effort involved. They give up their chance to be an open participant in the only ultra run in Mississippi. The Volunteer Run gives them the opportunity to run an equally challenging (and even more prestigious ?) Spring ultra locally. Many thanks and Kudos to all those who participate in the Volunteer Run.

Serena Williamson, Lori Ladd, Randy Saxon, Iva Lightsey (her 100th Ultra!), Renee Bisnette, Dennis Bisnette. Michael Yarborough, Joey Smith, Eric Roberts, and David Dill

* Must be breathing, physically fit enough to stand up all day, and pledge to work your tail off race eve and race day.