Hosted by: Missouri Baptist Children’s Home
Timing service: Ozark Racing Systems
Weather: cool, sunny (shorts, long sleeves)
Route: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, paved Ozark Greenways South Creek Trail
Race Info:
Races: 10k, 15k, or a 4 mile option. All distances out and back.
Last year I ran the 4 mile distance, it was the only option. It was neat because we got to run a unique distance and see cows wandering on the course because the trail goes through a real farm. The coordinators experienced some inaugural hiccups with directions but learned and excelled this year.
A 10K and 15K distance got added to the lineup and I chose the 15K. While it’s all paved trail it’s still very challenging to dodge cow pies, walnuts, soppy leaves, while taking on the twists, turns, and hills. The directors made exceptional directional signs that were visible and easy to spot. Pre-race instruction helped anticipate the farm life and nature trail.
If you like technical courses this will be easier for you but if you don’t it is a bit of a challenge. It’s still very manageable considering there isn’t too much water or debris on the trail. While more difficult than I would have preferred, I felt very accomplished in having gone the distance. Well worth the scenery and it felt good to complete that specific course. A fantastic cause can’t go without mentioning as well. The Missouri Baptist Children’s Home is a ministry serving the community that benefits from the proceeds. Hope to be there next year. Happy running! ~trvw