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Bad Ben's Trail Running Site
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2009 Psycho WyCo "Run Toto, Run" Trail Runs
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Psycho WyCo Run Toto
Run
Trail Runs
50 K, 10 Mile, & 20 Mile
Saturday,
February 14, 2009
(Psycho Valentine's Day)
8:00 AM
Wyandotte County Lake Park
Kansas City, KS
5th
Annual
The 50K, 10-Mile and 20-Mile courses are a loop course on rocky, rooty,
and hilly bridle trails & single-track trails. For a course map, click here.
Time limit: 10 hours.
Amenities: Hot soup and "normal" ultra foods at manned aid stations.
Post-race homemade soup, (regular and vegan).
Entrants received: Nicely-designed, high
quality, long-sleeve "technical" event shirts, a "Psycho Psoup Mug" & unique "finishers medal."
Race director: Ben Holmes 816-810-0440
The Psycho 5K course was a separate race, on an out-and-back course on very
hilly and tough trails, and will be held on it's own date this year (Feb 1, 2009).
2009 Race Photos
Dick Ross' Photos:
Race Reports
Lost and Found:
If you left something of value, please contact me directly. Other than the BMW M3 that was left in the parking lot with the keys
in it...I can arrange to get it back to you somehow.
Special Thanks:
Special thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers, and our main sponsors Dynamic Earth and Providence Medical Center. Thanks to Noodles & Company for the meal money (to the Nerds), and Dynamic Earth for helping to set this up. And Wyandotte County Lake Park
Deputy Director and all of the helpful staff and rangers. KC Multisport stepped up to the plate and provided an additional
"staffed" aid station that was much appreciated by the runners. A Golite rep was there too, and gave away some nice
schwag with Dynamic Earth's excellent offerings. And special thanks to Ultimate Direction, who donated water bottles for folks that forgot theirs. Once again, James Barker made some fantastic soup...chicken
noodle and lentil. The Amos Family aid station had fantastic cookies and quesadillas. Cowboy Bob Bundschuh set
up the Wyco Triangle Aid station, and had some excellent staffing: Pat Perry, Mel Baldridge, Coleen Voeks, Chrisie Craig and
others. Vicki made her signature black bean soup, and had some great help from Scott, Terri Burlingame, Cheri Sutton,
and others. Debbie Webster and Julie Toft were interloper helpers that went everywhere. Shane and Brandy Jones
helped here, there and everywhere. Thanks to Raul and Jeremy for their endurance timing, and to Nancy for letting me
have Raul for all of Valentine's Day. And my son Matt Holmes, who endured and relished 2-1/2 days of hard
work, helping his Old Man. There were many others that I haven't mentioned that worked in the "invisible background"
of this race. Including the course-marking crew, and the folks that are (and will be) de-marking the course. Yes,
the work goes on and on.
Thanks to everybody for a job well done!
Our Race Sponsors:
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| RaceDay Timing Solutions |
You can count on S!Caps and ULTRA Sportsdrink being at all of our staffed aid stations.
| Dr Jesse Walden, DC (Active Release Techniques) |
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| Dr Jesse Walden, DC (Active Release Techniques) |
Packet Pickup:
Friday, February 13, from noon to 7
p.m. at Dynamic Earth, at NW corner of 135th St & Metcalf, Overland Park, Kansas.
Or you can show up on race day 45-minutes early. Keep in mind that the park
will not open until 7:00 a.m., and we'll be setting up until 7:15 a.m.
Noodles and Nerds: Pre-Race Dinner
Dynamic Earth, one of our premeire sponsors (and our packet pickup location), worked out a
deal with Noodles & Company, just a couple of doors down from them.
If you eat at Noodles & Company tonight, and mention the Trail Nerds,
1/4 of the proceeds of your meal will go to the Trail Nerds!
Please consider this pre-race meal location for your dining pleasure.
Map Link to Park's Entrance (Start of Race)
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| Your 2009 Trail Marking Volunteers |
2008 Event Race Reports From Participants:
We also had some very good comments, including:
"I really appreciate your race and all that goes in to managing it. I am especially impressed with
how the back of the packers are treated. This was my 268th ultra or marathon and I rank your race as #1 for all aspects
of race spirit and organization. Thank you."
- Les Martisko Ph.D.
Race Details:
Brief Description:
Loop course on rocky, rooty,
and hilly bridle trails & single-track trails. Time limit: 10 hours. Estimated Participants:250. 6th Annual. All Race
Distances: Fee-pre $35; Fee-post $45 after Jan 31, 2009. Amenities: Hot soup at end of race.
Prices:
50-Kilometer Ultra - $35.00
10-Mile
Course (One Loop) - $35.00
20-Mile
Course (Two Loops) - $35.00
Online Registration Closes:
Soon!
Limited Number of Participants
REGISTER
EARLY! Due to the success of this event, the 5th annual event will be limited to 250 total participants. This is about
the maximum number of parking spaces that the park can handle. We have also scheduled the Psycho 5K on another date, to help
with this issue.
Course
The 50K, 10-Mile and 20-Mile
courses are a loop course on rocky, rooty, and hilly bridle trails & single-track trails. Each loop is a wheel-measured
10.35 miles long. For a course map, click here.
"Single-track" Course Sections:
There are 2 sections of
single-track trail on the loop course that were built by the Trail Nerds. "Fester's Wander" was designed by the race director's dog, "Fester," and built by Nerds. The "WyCo Triangle" is a confusing switch-back section that will have you totally flabbergasted, by the
time you exit.
Food and Aid Stations
We will have hot, homemade
soup for all participants (regular and vegan), after the race(s). Yum! On the 10-mile, 20-mile and 50--kilometer courses,
all staffed aid stations will have food and "SUCEED!" brand sports drink and water for participants. There will be staffed
and unstaffed aid stations. Our water is composed of the finest organic hydrogen and free-range oxygen, blended to perfection
as H2O.
Shirts
Well-designed long sleeve
"technical" t-shirts for all participants that enter prior to January 20. No guarantee of a shirt or proper size for later
registrants.
Medals
All event finishers receive
finisher's "hardware." The 50K and 20-mile finishers receive a large medal, that is appropriate for the effort they put in. The 10-mile finishers receive a special "dog tag" appropriate for a race
with the word "Toto" in it.
Charity
The "Kansas City Trail
Nerds" group is dedicated to having affordable and fun trail events, and it's our mission to add and maintain singletrack
trail systems in an environmentally proactive and responsible manner. The Trail Nerds are part of the Kansas City Track Club,
which is a federally recognized 501(c)3, not-for-profit corporation. Any proceeds leftover after race expenses are funneled
back into trail advocacy activities and putting on even more fun and inexpensive (future) events.
Packet Pickup:
Packet Pickup: Friday,
February 13, from noon to 7 p.m. at Dynamic Earth, at NW corner of 135th St & Metcalf, Overland Park, Kansas (Or you can show up on race day 45-minutes early). Keep in mind that the park
will not open until 7:00 a.m., and we'll be setting up until 7:15 a.m.
Psycho 5K
The 5K this year is a separate
event held on Sunday, Feb 01. It's a very hilly out-and-back trail race. Beware: It's the toughest 5K trail run in the Midwest!
This race gets its own special date, shirt and hardware, and is the Winter (Ice) Edition of the Psycho 5K "Fire & Ice"
series. Fee: $25 before Jan
20, 2009.
Sustainability:
The Trail Nerds have been working diligently to encourage Sustainability
issues. Our goal is to minimize the effects of our events and activities on the environment. We want to leave
the trails better then how we find them. As part of this race, we will require all participants
to carry their own water bottle or hydration device. We will provide water at the start / finish and one un-staffed
aid station. There will be NO cups on the course, except at the MAIN aid station (for soup and hot drinks). Each
runner will have to refill their water bottle or hydration device at the aid stations as needed. There
are approximately 25 million Styrofoam and paper cups thrown away each year. We want to minimize that number.
We will also be using removable course markings and requiring everyone to carry out what they take in. We treat litter
bugs............just like whiners.
We also encourage you to carpool to this race (and all of our races) and to any training
runs.
The 2008 Psycho WyCo Run Toto Run and Psychopathic 5K is now history. We set a couple of records, this year. We had an attendance record, with over 400 showing
up on race day to run. And we had our 50K course record shattered by 26-year old Matthew Laye from Columbia, Missouri,
in a time of 4:19:42 !
Not bad, even for this "flatter than a pancake" Kansas course, with the "perpetually
perfect" course and weather conditions that are always encoutered in this little corner of our fair state. (What's a
little mud between friends)?
Final Results:
Overall Results for 5K, 10-mile, 20-mile, and 50K
Split times for 20-mile
Split times for 50K
50K Trail Run Overall Finish List
By the way, if you were one of the few 10-milers that did not get a finisher's
dog tag medal, please go to Garry Gribble's Running Sports on 119th & Quivira, to get your medal. Any out-of-towners
that didn't receive a medal, contact me directly, and I'll take care of you.
Our race photographer, Dick Ross, has photos of the race on his site: http://www.seekcrun.com/. He and his helper took over 1100 photos.
Action Photos are here .
Finish Line / Award photos are here .
Fun Photos are here .
Thanks to all of our incredible volunteers that make this race happen
(and improve) from year to year. And thanks to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County Parks & Recreation Department
for letting us use this beautiful venue for our event.
Happy trails,
Bad Ben Holmes
Race Director
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| One of many hills on the course. Photo by Dick Ross. |
| Jason Crosby Illustration |
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| Jason Crosby Illustration |
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Run Toto, Run
Even More Information
General Event Description:
This is a REAL
TRAIL event. Yes, I said TRAIL event. If you want to run on a sissy, paved course, this isn't the race for you!
Course Description:
The course consists
of rocky, rooty, and hilly bridle trails & single-track trails. It's a Loop course, and you will be in the woods, for the most part. The length of
each loop is a wheel-measured 10.35 miles; you do the math; 3 loops is 50 kilometers long. The course's trails can be
challenging due to rocks & roots and the sometimes muddy conditions, and the constant barrage of rolling hills.
But remember: This is Kansas, so how tough could it really be??? Actually, only 22% is flat, and the rest of the time
you are either going up or downhill, and some of those hills are very steep. There is also a 1/3-mile section of paved
road that you will run on at about mile 5 of each loop. But, in keeping with the theme of the race, you will be going
uphill on the pavement. If you haven't done a trail race before, don't go for time, but go for a "good time" and just
have fun!
The trail is so well-marked, that a blind and stupid politician
could follow it. If you somehow take a wrong turn, please return the way that you came and continue the race.
DO NOT CUT THE COURSE, or you will be disqualified. If you get lost, please let me know, so that we can make the course
markings even better for next year. We also have the infamous "Totally Flabbergasted Award" for anyone who takes a long
detour.
Trail running shoes are highly recommended for running on this course
to avoid foot/toe trauma. Regular running shoes will work, but if you're not used to running on rocks, roots, mud, and
steep hills, you will "feel the course" for a longer span of time after the race than you would, if you wore trailrunning
shoes.
Weather:
The weather can be a factor.
We will run the race in snowy, muddy, or rainy conditions, or a combination of all conditions. Historically, the temps
can be anywhere from zero to 65 degrees F. Most of the time you will be shielded from any wind by the woods. Dress appropriately...(I
usually dress for 20-degrees warmer than it actually is). If it is snowy or icy on the day of the race, I highly recommend
that you "screw your shoes" or wear a "YakTrax" type device on you shoes. (Yes, even for trailrunning shoes).
The web site has instructions on how to "screw your shoes." We will have "shoe screwing stations" set up at the main start / finish area, if it's icy on race day.
Time limit for all three distances:
10 hours.
On the loop course, you will not be allowed to leave the start/finish aid station to start your final loop after
7-hours into the race. This is not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of the furry, sharp-toothed animals
that will gnaw on your free-radical-filled carcass, (if you happen to end up "ass over tea kettle" along the trail, somewhere).
We wouldn't want them getting sick, now would we? Race Management also reserves the right to pull a runner or a pacer
for their own safety, or for "other" reasons. We appreciate your help and understanding with this policy.
If you are registered for one of the longer distances and want
to drop out a loop (or two) short, you can do so and still get a finisher's medal. This is for runners that have "bit-off
more than they can chew." Don't worry, it happens to the best of us!
Timing:
This year we will again have Chip Timing provided by Raul Flores Race Day Timing Solutions.
Amenities and aid stations:
There
will be hot soup and "normal" ultra foods at the two main "manned" aid stations, (at the start/finish aid station and at the
Amos Family aid station at mile 7.5). The mile 3 & 4 aid station will have water and (maybe) some form of calories
for you. There will also be an unmanned aid station (with only water) at about mile 5.2, after the paved section.
Post-race, we will have homemade soup (regular and vegan), coffee,
other "hot stuff," and an assortment of calorie-laden stuff. "I never met a carbohydrate I didn't like."
We will have nicely-designed, high quality event shirts &
unique "finishers hardware". Our graphic designer is (trail runner) Jason Crosby, who also designed our logo and
the 2006 - 2008 KC Marathon shirt & medal. There will be prizes for age group winners.
History of the race:
2005 was the first year for this event, which was held on Feb, 19th, 2005.
That first year we had 41 starters and only 23 finishers. In 2006, we added the 10-mile and 20-mile distances. We had over 200 participants,
total. We also had a much higher finish rate in 2006. For more information click here.
2007 was a record year with 281 participants on race
day. For 2007 race reports, photos, and video, click here.
2008 had over 440 signed-up for all of the events, including the
new 5K.
Origins of the race's name:
"WyCo" stands
for "Wyandotte County," where the race is located. The term "Psycho" will become obvious after running one of the course
loops. "Run Toto Run"...well we are in Kansas now, aren't we? Speaking of Toto, there was a horrific tornado that
blew through this part of Kansas 4 years ago. It demolished many homes and buildings near the park, and dropped all
sorts of debris into the woods of the park. You will see some of this debris, (mainly aluminum & steal siding and
roofing), while on the course. If you see a witch that's had a house dropped on her, be sure to get her slippers; there
will be a special reward for you.
Other information:
Drop bags
and crew for the 50K and 20-mile race are ONLY allowed at the start/finish area and at the other "Amos Family" manned aid
station. How many drop bags do you need for a 10-mile loop, before you're considered a total wuss, though?
There will be porta-potties at the start/finish aid station and
at the Amos Family aid station.
The use of Poles on the course is allowed; and the use and abuse
of Gemans, Irish, or Canadians is allowed, as well. Just don't let your poles get in the way of another runner.
Pacers are allowed for 20-mile and 50-K entrants,
but they cannot "mule" for you. They can also run the entire distance with you. Pacers don't need to pay, but
they must sign a race waiver and be issued a numbered "pacer bib." Pacers can enjoy all of the food/hydration/service
of the aid stations, but must not be an "overbearing burden" upon the race organization (or their assigned runner). We reserve
the right to pull any pacer who we deem as "burdensome" either to us or to their runner.
Dogs as Pacers:
We are a dog-friendly
bunch, within reason. After all, a dog designed one of the trails you run on in other events. You can run with
your (well-mannered) dog, but it must be on a leash, and you must not let it get entangled with another runner. Your
dog will be issued a bib number that needs to be attached (with your name and cell # written on it with a sharpie).
Your dog will be included in the official results, if you sign it in at the starting line. There is no additional cost
to you. Please keep in mind that we won't allow any cruelty to animals, so you must attest to your dog's "trail conditioning."
If it appears that your dog is heat-stressed or otherwise physically stressed or injured, we will ask you to pull out of the
race and seek out veterinary help. Please provide water and food for your dog. You can refill your dog's water at the
aid stations.
Sustainability:
The Trail Nerds have been working diligently to encourage Sustainability
issues. Our goal is to minimize the effects of our events and activities on the environment. We want to leave
the trails better then how we find them. As part of this race, we will require all participants
to carry their own water bottle or hydration device. We will provide water at the start / finish and one un-staffed
aid station. There will be NO cups on the course, except at the MAIN aid station (for soup and hot drinks). Each
runner will have to refill their water bottle or hydration device at the aid stations as needed. There
are approximately 25 million Styrofoam and paper cups thrown away each year. We want to minimize that number.
We will also be using removable course markings and requiring everyone to carry out what they take in. We treat litter
bugs............just like whiners.
We also encourage you to carpool to this race (and all of our races) and to any training
runs.
Wildlife??? You may see deer, wild
turkeys, racoon, bald eagles, squirrels, and maybe even bobcat. But there are none of the "harmful animals" out and
about in the Winter that we have in the Summer here, namely copperheads and rattlesnakes. There could be a very slim
possibility for ticks, if the temperature rises above 50 degrees for a week or so.
Even though there are aid
stations on the course, this is a decently tough trail run. For the run, you will need to
bring along a water bottle or hydration device, because of our no cup policy.
You might want to think about bringing the following
items, also: TP, something to eat, electrolytes, and your wits.
Some optional items:
someone else's wits, defibrillation unit & jumper cables, GPS unit, satellite phone, a $500 Coach hand bag, satin thong,
sequined black leather teddy, bear repellent, redneck repellent, helicopter beacon, salted pork & hardtack, last will
& testament, shovel, tombstone.
AREA LODGING - HOTELS, MOTELS
| Psychopathic 5K Information |
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| Psychopathic 5K Information |
| This race will be the last in the 2007 series. |
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| This race will be the last in the 2007 series. |
Map to Start/Finish Area
Article about the 2005 event.
E-Mail:info@badben.com
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| Wyandotte County Park Information |
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| Wyandotte County Park Information |
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