Photo Credit Scott Rokis
I started running marathons in 1996 and ultras in 2004. I also started volunteering at trail and ultra races right out of the gate, as volunteerism was as deeply rooted in the culture then as it is today. I am from what would be considered the 3rd wave or generation of Minnesota ultrarunners if you were attempting to quantify it. Every once in awhile I will have a peer from the 3rd or 2nd wave (there are very few from 1st wave around anymore), attend one of our races as a runner or volunteer and lament, “I don’t recognize anybody”. I trip over those words and underlying sentiment each and every time. Now to be fair, I know what they mean… trail and ultra races were smaller back then, and there is certainly going to be attrition over time. Some folks get injured and can no longer run, and some peoples interests change and they move on. That said, I look at it quite a bit differently, and certainly not as a negative. While it may not be practical or possible to know each and every person in the trail running community or at a larger race these days, I feel like I recognize pretty much everyone. Not just by sight, as in I know them or have seen them before, but I see myself in them as I was starting my trail/ultra journey. Finding distance running, trail and ultra races, and the accompanying joy, peace, and transcendence that they afford. The quiet miles on the trail and one of the most frictionless entry points into mediation there is. An easygoing and welcoming community. When we as organizers and volunteers come together to make a race like Superior possible, we are helping newer, younger versions of ourselves connect with something precious, and depending on the person, maybe even something life altering. We are paying back the gift that other organizers and volunteers shared freely with us. Beyond that, our organization gives back to the trail in the form of dollars and hours to the benefit of all trail users, regardless of the pace at which they traverse the trails. Most won’t even know of our work – that is the best kind of giving isn’t it. Whether we are here to give back for a few short seasons before moving on, or if we stay in it for the long-haul, we are spokes in a sacred wheel – forgive the weighty word, but feel free to explore the meaning of sacred on your own. So thank you all for giving of yourself, whether that is a couple of times over a couple of seasons or race in and race out, year after year. I have been fortunate to do a lot of cool things and wear a lot of different hats in my life, this is certainly one of the most enjoyable and rewarding – I know many of you feel much the same.
While not unprecedented, we faced a smorgasbord of unique challenges leading into this years race. It was only getting over 35 degrees for about 10 hours a day throughout the month of April and the trail was holding more snow than I wanted to see. There were more trees down this Spring than most of us seasoned sawyers and swampers have ever seen. The week of the race we had to take the effects of wildfires into consideration, and engage in intensive communication with local authorities, stakeholders, racers, and volunteers. 36 hours before the race, gale-force winds came off of the lake and took down more trees, flipped over our portable toilets, and more. Each and every step of the way the family, close friends, volunteers and vendors that help Cheri and I produce these races were there, springing into action to make sure that the race went off without a hitch; safe and fun for all. On Sunday just as we were pulling up stakes at Lutsen the sky produced a burst of big fluffy snowflakes – on brand to say the least.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Thank you for supporting Cheri and I, and each other. We love and appreciate you all.
Gratefully,
John Storkamp
Race Director
Superior Trail Race