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Start of the 2000 Greasy-Gooney 10K
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Despite the terrifying elevation maps and scary course descriptions posted on the SVR Web site, twenty-four newcomers joined thirteen '99 veterans for the second running of the mountainous Greasy-Gooney 10K on Saturday 28 October 2000 in Browntown, Virginia. The skies were cloudy, temperatures were in the mid-60°s, and the winds picked up a bit during the latter parts of the race, but participants had colorful foliage and beautiful views of the Blue Ridge to distract them (if only a little bit) from the seemingly unending uphills on the first half of the 6.2 mile course.
Race director Patrick Farris had intended to signal the start of the race by using one of those cylindrical noisemakers which emits a "moo" sound upon turning it upside down, but he forgot to bring it with him. Thus, Farris resorted to the weak ceremonial yodel he had used in 1999, and like last year, the runners hesitantly lurched forth on their way down Bentonville-Browntown Road.
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Men's winner Joel McKenzie, viewed from above; runner-up Fred Franklin accepts his award
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With all of the top five men from 1999 absent from this year's Greasy-Gooney, 39-year-old Joel McKenzie of Stephens City was pegged as the pre-race favorite. Dashing out to a quick lead, however, was Warren County High School student Sean Rankin, 16. The hills proved punishing to Rankin, however, and McKenzie worked his way to the front after a couple of miles, followed closely by 49-year-old Fred Franklin of Linden. During the difficult third mile, McKenzie was spotted taking no less than two walking breaks, but the breaks left him fairly rested for the three miles of downhill that followed. McKenzie won the race in 40:56, with Franklin coming in thirty-four seconds behind him. Placing third was Bill Osuch, who ran consistently but didn't quite have the energy to catch Franklin.
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Women's winner Ruth Riemenschneider
Runner-up Heather Kremer
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As with the fastest 1999 men, all of the top women from the inaugural Greasy-Gooney 10K were missing, including '99 winner Krista Farris (who was out of action thanks to the virility of the race director). This left the door wide open for perennial favorite Ruth Riemenschneider, 43. The Winchester teacher won her third straight race in as many weekends and easily set a new course record with a time of 44:20. 37-year-old Heather Kremer, also from Winchester, topped the '99 course record was well to finish second in 46:22. Third overall was 13-year-old Warren County Middle School student Christina Moore (51:35), followed by sister Melissa (53:01).
The runner whose time improved the most in 2000 was Terry Leckie, who shaved 2:55 off of his 1999 time to finish seventh overall in 43:36. Also making significant improvements were Brian Gillispie, 43, who ran 2:17 faster than his '99 time; and Bob Gurtler, 65, posting a one-minute improvement. (Yes, I know, Chris Northrup's time this year was 9:12 faster than his '99 time, but in '99 he started late.)
Terry Leckie
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Not surprisingly, the prestigious "Most Dressed Like Lord Fairfax" Award went unclaimed this year, given how few people own or have access to powdered wigs and froofy attire. Farris says he just might have to hand over the reins of Greasy-Gooney to someone else so that he himself can claim the "Lord Fairfax" distinction. It almost goes without saying that local eccentric Karsten Brown claimed the "Most Awkward Race Outfit" Award for the second year in a row, this time for sporting stripes, polka-dots, and paisley all at once.
Assisting with the race were members of the Warren County High School cross-country team, whom the race benefitted, as well as a local Girl Scout troop, who manned one of the two water stops. Many of the random prizes were donated by Tom Lacombe, owner of O.J. Rudacille's General Store right around the corner in Browntown. Thanks to everyone who helped make this year's Greasy-Gooney 10K an enjoyable event! Here's hoping that Greasy-Gooney will return for a third running, perhaps on Saturday 27 October 2001. See you then!
Cows running across a field ahead of Chris Northrup in the race's first mile |
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Browntown's own Adelaide Elliott |
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Jenny Lacombe, also of Browntown! |
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