The little engine that could. Nancy Hobbs is the founder of MUT, Mountain, Ultra, Trails. Her passion and dream became a reality several years ago when USATF finally adopted MUT as an official Sports Committee under the purview of LDR (Long Distance Running). This means that it joined Track & Field, Race Walking, Cross Country, and road events from the mile to the marathon as funded entities charged with developing world class athletes within the discipline as well as grass roots programs to spread the love of the sport. I was proud to serve with Nancy on the WLDR Executive Committee for many years, saw her fire and determination that has resulted in today’s depth and breadth of trail running notoriety and success.
Team Nebraska has always embraced the Very Best trail runners right here in our home state. James McGown won the USA National Trail Marathon Championship a couple of years ago in fact. Matt Schneider also won a 50K trail marathon a couple of years ago in his only foray off road. Supports my contention that the most Successful trail runners have to have a pedigree on the roads in order to achieve national level success.
We all know Ivan Marsh as a legend of verticality, undefeated at the Trek to the Top, 4 time winner of the Ni-Bthaska-Ke 12K Trail Run, consistent top finisher whenever he lines up in the Psycho Wyco series or other ultra and trail events around the midwest.
Todd Nott may be the most consistent ultra runner in Nebraska. He won the Stampede 50K in 4 hours 23 minutes on March 3rd. He followed that up with a win at the Run For The Bridges Trail Marathon on March 17th in 3:26. On April 7th Todd took 2nd overall at the Rockin K Trail Run 50 Miler in 8:39:44. Todd has been doing this for so long it is easy to sometimes forget just what a man among men he really is.
And now we’ve added another Real Trail Racer. At the same Rockin K Trail Run the overall winner was Jeremy Morris of Kearney, covering the 50 miles in 8:33:27. Jeremy has reached out and now has joined Team Nebraska. His resume includes wins and course records at every distance from the marathon to 50 miles to 100 miles ranging from Nebraska to Kansas to Wyoming to Colorado. He also boasts a nice marathon pr of 2:49 at Lincoln. We are proud to have Jeremy and his dedication to Excellence, proud that as a native Nebraskan he chooses to represent the spirit of our club.
And a quick nod to the “Father of Trail Running” in Nebraska. Jim Craig has done more for the sport over the last 30 years in Nebraska than any other person. www.angrycowadventures.com His series of races and passion for promoting trails and endurance events knows no peer.
Team Nebraska, yep, we’re Trail Racers!
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