The 1st annual Swamp Stomp was a treat. October, 2005 out at the Zorinsky Boat Ramps, my first and maybe favorite cross country course in Omaha. It was also the Very First USA Track & Field Nebraska Association Long Distance Running Championships. I paid out prize money to the top 3 overall male and females and top 3 masters male and female. Over the next many years every event I put on hosted the association champs for whichever particular distance and discipline. Always provided free entry for the Team Nebraska mates, who would win the prize money and also enjoy the proceeds of the event.
I tried to right the rub among the general running community that you could indeed have Real Racing and fun, novelty running combined in the same event. I have to tell you though it was thought that a running club wasn’t a worthy charity, plain and simple. And while few have tried harder than me to make that work, it never really took off.
But times have changed and so have the players and the approach.
Big tip of the sombrero to Ben Cohoon. Ben started out the right way. Building quality events and only then incorporating an elite aspect. This weekend’s Leprechaun Chase is a perfect example of how smooth he has made it. Reaching registration caps. And then offering free entry for Elites. And prize money. And hosting our Nebraska Association 10K Championships. Kind of reverse of what I tried and far more successful. Good on ya Ben.
Mark your calendars! Wednesday Night Track Work will begin its 7th year 3 weeks from tonight! 6:00 p.m. at Millard West, get ready to get your fit and fun on!
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