We were blessed with an absolutely Perfect Morning for Saturday’s 7th annual Swamp Stomp 8K Trail Run & Cajun Festival. All that Good, Clean Living you can rest assured. An early morning fog shrouded Lake Wehrspann and the still vibrantly colored trees, shadowy deer present only in glimpses. As start time neared Master Gator Steve Kunasek’s rendition of the National Anthem on his squeeze box called the runners to their marks. The sun burning off the last of the mist just prior to the gun. There were a lot of very Happy Trail Runners out sharing the camaraderie and Cajun music and Red Beans & Rice, the swiftest taking home voodoo dolls, mardi gras pimp hats, masks, and the very fastest porcelain jester dolls. This event truly is a taste of Mardi Gras and New Orleans, right here in Omaha, in October.
Maybe my favorite part of the morning was the Little Gator Gallops. The energy and determination and finish line celebrations were a delight. Each Little Gator breaking the finish tape, receiving their medal, and smiles all around.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Gretna Family Health. And to our guest emcee Michelle Bandur.
Fifty year old Gary Wasserman proved to be the class of the field this year taking the title in 29:50. Team Nebraska’s Alysha Davis was the Overall Female in a quick 31:43 over the rugged terrain.
Meghan Schneider ran the Governor’s Cup 5K yesterday and took 3rd in 21:16.
Nod to our Wednesday night favorites Keely Nyman and David Frost for conquering the Des Moines Marathon yesterday.
Still time to register for the 6th annual Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Trail of Terrors 5K and Monster Dash 1 Mile. And of course the Little Goblins Runs. Register before Wednesday night to get your guaranteed t-shirt size.
Alysha had been making a name for herself on the roads and trails this fall. She’s got the Right Stuff if not yet a Team Nebraska singlet.
Gary Wasserman, the Overall winner often trains out on the back trails of Chalco, just to his liking!
Who likes Trail Running? Melissa McKibbin of Lincoln sure does!
Krista Palm keeps a rose colored eye on Angie Hodge. The two battled for much of the race before Krista pulled away for a :28 second advantage to win their age group.
Jack Duysen’s 34:55 was the top performance in the 50-59 age group.
Mindy Popevis and Lanette Epps, both of Lincoln enjoying the perfect trails and perfect morning. I was surprised and very pleased by the number of runners that made it from Lincoln. All photos courtesy of Brandon Fenster.
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