2012

Great to meet you and run your race. I had a lot of fun! I look forward to running Bandera or Rocky Raccoon down the road. Thanks again for putting on such a great event!
Timothy Olson

Bandera made me bleed, I think that is how it got in my blood...
Lynn Ballard

My son Carter and I had a great time volunteering at CrossRoads. Everyone was exceptionally nice and accomodating of our many questions since we were new to the group. We're hooked. See you at Rocky! Carter can't stop talking about it. Timothy Olson took the time to talk running with him and has since sent him his email address so Carter can ask further questions. Really cool dude. Like everyone. Look forward to seeing you next time.
John Reed

I loved Bandera- a true butt whuppin'. Thanks Joe Prusaitis and Joyce Prusaitis :)
Jennifer Halabrin Kimble

I got my 500K jacket and I lopped off an hour from my previous Bandera 100k time. Heartfelt thanks go Joe Prusaitis, Joyce Prusaitis,Henry Hobbs, and many other unsung heroes who made Bandera possible for me. The reason I think Joe and Joyce are the greatest race directors in the world is they make it do-able for even the slowest, oldest people to participate in trail running. There's many trail runs that I can no longer have any hope of making the cutoffs. But Tejas Trails runs are possible for anyone who can power walk. For someone who loves trail running more than anything, it's so awesome to know that I can still participate and not just run until I time out. And I really appreciate all those aid station workers at that last aid station who sit up all night waiting for me to drag my plodding butt through their aid station before they can pack up and go home. You are saints and I owe you for life! Thanks so much for allowing me to do what I love most. I can never thank you enough.
Deborah Scharpff Sexton

The aid station volunteers were wonderful!!!!! I guess that's another good thing about bringing up the rear (a pun?) they focus entirely on me. I couldn't believe how they all knew exactly what to suggest. hahah!!
Lynnor Matheney

A BIG thanks to Joe, Joyce and the rest of the Tejas Trails crew. No one puts on a race like you guys! Tons of fun!!!
Shannon Mitchel

Dear Bandera, you owe me two new toe nails. After 20+ years of basket ball and running since the age of 10 (1980) the pain of this situation just drives me crazy, I'll see you in january to collect
Steven Ward

Great long weekend in Texas! I got to sleep-in in a super comfy bed at Paul and Mer's, then enjoy a great 50km in much nicer temps than 2 yrs ago, then I got to see my sweetie Cassie win the 100km, then have a great dinner with the rest of Team Oregon (plus a couple Coloradans), then hear all about Shannon's tough day and night on the trail, then enjoy Austin nightlife with some delicious ice cream and an icredible tequila bar, then run on some of the cool trails, then hit the flagship Whole Foods for a great lunch before finally heading back home to OR. Thanks Joe and the rest of the gang for hosting a great weekend!
Sean Meissner

Thanks for the help volunteers! The best of the best.
Neal Lucas

Great job with your race directing at Bandera Joe & Joyce! Thanks for being there for us.
Mitch Allen

Thanks for hosting such a wonderful race. And thanks to all the volunteers for their awesome help and support. I made my way fall the way from San Francisco and I'm glad Bandera was my first 100l. Definitely worth the trip.
Jeffrey Wong

Thank you, Thank you for an awesome race at Bandera! This was my first 25k trail run and wonderful memories...well, maybe not "lucky";)
Dorine Aguinaga Knott

Joe Prusaitis and Joyce Prusaitis and Henry Hobbs (and all the other volunteers) thank you for hosting another great race. Great way to start 2012! On a different note, after forcing my feet into my leather dress shoes this morning, I changed my Facebook relationship status with Bandera to "it's complicated."
Jeff Miller

You guys really know how to put on a fantastic race! Bandera was tough, well supported with friendly volunteers (and runners), and incredibly beautiful. Thank you for this wonderful experience!
Robyn Indovina Fitzgerald

I want to thank all the people that helped at the aid stations, they were all fantastic and a godsend. The runners were all so friendly (thank you for letting me cover distance with you), and I must thank my friends for housing me, driving me, and letting me ransack their supplies to be able to complete this crazy dream I had last year.. all bc of a book
Greg Sek

My first 50k at Bandera was a great experience , thanks to everyone.
Bobby Daniel

As always Joe and Joyce, you never disappoint. Bandera was so well organized, and the course was perfectly marked (thanks Henry). The volunteers are amazing - thank you so much for spending your weekend out there working so a bunch of knucklheads can torture themselves :). Your hard work and smiling faces make the day even better!!
Edie Riedel

Incredible race Joe, Joyce, Henry and all of the volunteers! I would add that it is especially sadistic placing Cairnes and Boyles at the end of the 100K loop.
David Jacobson

Just a short note to say thanks to Joe,Joyce, Henry,Mike,Mark L and Mark r, Elizabeth Comer, Paul and Meredith Terranova, Robert and Diana ,Weldon and Ann,Larkin,Louis and his radio personnel, Troy,Lalo ,Amanda ,Anie,Ryan,Jamie and Andrea , Kyle all the Aid Stations plus anyone I may have inadvertantly left out for an incredible weekend at Bandera. It is so exciting to see these races grow each and every year and I feel that it is due to Joe and Joyce making everyone of the volunteers and runners feel like one of the family. See ya next year!
John Kuss

Ditto. The aid station folk are key, and Joe and Joyce have the best! I'm very spoiled by running their races... I love the tribe, and I must love the pain also... in 31 mile doses. Thanks to everyone!!
JoAnna Lynn Hestilow Brand

Thanks for the great race!! I love the aid stations, they are better than any major marathon out there!! Time for Rocky!!
Stacy Kincy

Wow, when I don't think Tejas trails can't top themselves they continue. Thank you Joe, Joyce, all volunteers, and to the park crew! See ya next year:)
Brenda Baker

Thanks Joe and Joyce! Thanks volunteers! Thanks Bandera! Until we meet again...
Lindsey Waddell

Awesome race Joe. Thank you to everyone who made this race possible. Aid stations were great, the volunteers did a great job. The course was unbelievable. Need to learn how to sprint down those lil hills. Lol.
Manny Gonzales

Agreed! Fantastic job by all of the Tejas Trails group to bring it all together. Also, the course never disappoints those who like it rugged & raw!
Thomas Bowling

It was my first time running Bandera and I LOVED it! Thank you to everyone who volunteered, cheered us runners on etc. I can't wait for 2013's race. Thanks Joe!
January Cummings

Thank you for assisting us at the aid stations! We appreciated it very much. Thanks joe, Joyce, and committee for a great race I'd say that these rocky steep hills were the works of devil's from Hell! :-)
Meli Emmons

Thank you Joe for another awesome, non- Oprah race!!! If there is a hill anywhere in Texas, you are sure to find it and make us run up it!!!
Jennifer Fehmel

Thanks to all the great folks that took there day to work aid stations you rock we could not do it without you guys and girls thanks Jo for a great race at bandera tell Ann hi for me we are from the same part of the Uk
Rick Hensser

Thank you to all the volunteers and to the RD Joe for putting on a great race. Didn't think any course could have more rocks than in AZ. Fun times and great schwag on top of it.
Jay Danek

thanks to all the volunteers that give their heart and soul (and then some) , thanks Joe and Joyce as usual your races rock (pun intended) and well everyone behind the scenes that I didn't mention :)
Hor Hey

Couldn't have said it better! Thanks Joe and volunteers!
Michael Canle

Thanks guys for the amazing race! Thanks to all the volunteers.
David Hodges

Awesome run everyone, Bandera was fun
Randy Rigney

Bandera = awesomeness! thanks to all the volunteers, staff, and great people who made this one of the most fun races I've ever done. Can't wait for next year.
Dave Pratt

2011

You and Joyce, once again, did a marvelous job. Henry's course markings are superb. To you and your whole crew--Well Done.
Fred Thompson

Just wanted to thank you and Joyce for another awesome experience. I tackled Rocky Raccoon 2010 and decided to return this year for Bandera 2011. There were times I wanted to sit and cry on a rock but I finished Bandera!!! This is one of the hardest races I have ever accomplished but so glad I did! Your volunteers are the greatest and I wouldn't have been able to have kept going with out them and my 5 friends that came out with me this year. Thanks for such a great race and hope to see you all again soon!
Mary Ann Powers

I just have to brag on the 2011 Bandera Crossroads crew. If you haven't worked Crossroads at Bandera, you need to. It is not an Aid Station. It is a full blown 9 alarm fire drill from 8:30am to about 3pm on Saturday. As always, Jack and Lynda Chew were just wonderful. Lynda was the chief cook. She is the boss in the kitchen.....and I know it. Jack manned and ran the pbj's and other foods. Jack worked, then came back. I finally ran him off to his trailer early Sunday morning because he had worked too many hours. Doise Chew Miers ran her 50K, then came to Crossroads to work in the cold and rain. (I think that work till you drop philosophy runs in the Chew family.) John Frierson ran the liquid side, including water, Heed, Gatorade, Coke and Sprite. It was a hectic never stop job and he was sweating like crazy keeping up. But he did it. Dave Silvestro, Diana O'Connell, Ryan Beard, worked everywhere serving the runners. Runner Les Ellsworth loaned us his daughter Mary for the last two years and she was super. This year Mary couldn't make it so Les's wife Sue worked with us. She took over being chief cook when Lynda left and she was great. That is not an easy job when you have three burners going and the propane goes out. I knew those people were going to help, but I also knew that was not enough bodies. So out of nowhere comes Marla Briley, Kent Snead, Bridget Muldoon, Crystal Reynolds, Paula Ring, Matthias Stephens, Jami O'Brien, Peggy Jarrell, Paul Navratil, Marcia Inger and Bob Janiak. Even with limited sight, Bridget never sat down. She went from making a gillion pbj's to working the tables getting runners whatever they needed. She was just amazing with that never ending smile. If you were on the 'OUT' side and someone filled your bottle, got you food, told you where you were and how far you had to go, then that was Bob with his hat on backwards. If I had to say anything about one of them, it would be about all of them. They were a fantastic team. They came from nowhere, worked their tails off, then asked what else they could do. When they saw something that needed doing, they just did it. When a runner needed something, they got it from wherever they had to. When the rain and wind hit, they were taking care of the runners while also holding the tents and food down. I think it was Dave that dug the trench in front of the tables so we wouldn't get washed away. And it worked. Then the last guy that just would not leave - Kent - helped me clean up the Crossroads mess. And it was a muddy mess. He even helped take down my Pop- Up tent we used for the runner changing room and also helped load my U-Haul until about 2 or 3am Sunday morning. I hope I have not missed anyone. If I did, please let me know. I tried to get every volunteer's name and email, but sometimes you just get so busy. And I want to thank you runners for your 'thank you's" to the volunteers. That is our shot of Hammer Gel. After all, we are all there for one reason. To get you to the finish line.
Dinty Moore

Thx to you, your crew, and all the other aid station crews, you all are terrific and we appreciate you VERY much!
Jeffrey M. Lynn

Thanks to you and your team for all your hard work!!
Jeff Farrell

I'm always blown away by the efficiency of all the aid stations at Bandera. I really love that race. I was signed up to go this year but something came up and I wasn't there but my kids did the 25 k. (they are 18 and 20) I think my oldest worked at Crossroads for a couple hours last year and he said that place was like a well oiled machine.
Lynnor Matheney

had a great time in Bandera! Thanks for another great race!!!
Alison Dunn

I fear that I was many too dazed and exhausted to fully express my gratitude on race day, but as I sit here thinking back to a week ago, I have a deep appreciation for what you, your wife and your great team are able to pull off at Bandera. To orchestrate that many runners on three courses and have each race feel completely isolated is truly amazing. I have done 22 ultras since entering the world of ultrarunning in 2008, and aside from MacDonald forest 50k (30 minutes from my door); Bandera is the only race I have done more than once. There are just so many great races out there, but the terrain and atmosphere at Bandera is unique and special. In my mind, I am already planning to be back for 2012. Thank you again for a great weekend.
Pam Smith

My first Bandera 100K finish gets sweeter each day. Funny how that coincides with the diminishing pain. Thanks to all Tejas Trails folks for a fine event.
Woody Anderson

Bandera is no joke! Those climbs were B-rutal! Pre-race breakfast needs to be two slices of lightly buttered birch, a bowl of rocks, and a glass of lightening to wash it all down! Thanks Joe & Co. for putting on such a great race! Will be back for the 100k in 2011!
Jeff Miller

Had a great time at the Bandera 50K this year! Food was good, volunteers were fabulous and the weather was awesome! Joe, Joyce, Henry and others truly support the runners/walkers!
Robert N Lott Jr

This was my longest race so far and my first trail run...DAMN that was hard. Just got back from physical therapy to help (which I never do) and I am slowly getting back on my feet. Did the 25K and I am still trying to figure out how I could have trained differently, oh yea I could just become a billie goat
Steven Ward

Bandera is such a gnarly, tough, painful, and amazing race! Thank you so much Joe!!!
Joshua Stewart Gordon

Bandera 50K was my first ultra. My knee locked up from miles 15-25, making downhills particularly painful and my finish time much longer than I expected. Many, many thanks for a great well-marked course, to the amazingly helpful volunteers, and especially to the running angel who lent me & my friend a headlamp for our last two miles. I will be back for more!
Corina Cervantes

great race... can not wait to return next year
Norman P DeCelles

Thanks for a great race yesterday!
Jennifer Halabrin Kimble

The volunteers yesterday were the most awesome volunteers! Way to go guys!
Sue Lynn Duong Vann

how do you ever find time to rest with such big venues and lots of logistics to plan and so close timewise? We did the Rocky 50 miler last year, and Rocky and Bandera last weekend were flawless in every way when it came to support. Your races are incredible, thanks! Anyways, thank you again for a memorable 100K
Renˇe Shaw

I really enjoyed the race and look forward to coming back for Nueces.
Jason Bryant

Congratulations on what I heard was another great event! Vicky was really impressed with race and called it top notch. Geoff had a great time despite his stomach issues that forced him to drop. And course records fell for another year! Thank you very much for partnering with Montrail and helping us to promote and activate the Montrail Ultra Cup. We have several people who have registered for the series and live in Texas, and I have to think this is due to you and your hard work. We appreciate it.
Jesse Malman

Thank you and Joyce again for such a wonderful race. Humbling and fun. I look forward to these races so much because I get to see all these folks who feel like family now. I met most of my goals for the race except being useful to you and the volunteers afterwards. I keep getting sick to my stomach once I stop running and I have to lie in a ball for the rest of the night. I'll get my act together.
Liza Howard

Thanks for another great race, Joe. I was thrilled just to be there to witness it. You do it like no other.
Paul

Many thanks from all of us from the Burlington area up here in Canada. That is one tough race you put on but you need to know we have a blast when we are down there for one of your races. That race is one of the toughest, but the most fun at the same time. Yourself, Robert and your entire crew make us feel so welcome and comfortable. I sincerely hope this race lives for many more years. . . . maybe I need to train a bit more so I can get these old legs through a few more 100k finishes. Interesting records. . . Les has three age group records (all 100k), Vikkie has one (50k) and even slow old me has one (50k). Again Joe, Many thanks and some of us look forward to seeing you again next January
Moe White

Thks again to you/Joyce for putting on yet another great race at Bandera. Not surprising the folks deciding on where to hold the championships look your way. The folks at all the aid stations were simply fantastic. Given that there isn't much on the course that makes one feel pampered, it's nice to get at least a little love at the aid stations......and not just from my wife working at Cross Roads.
Les Ellsworth

Thanks again for putting on another great event. Love my 500km jacket! The volunteers were awesome as usual, and Tejas Trails is doing a great job!
Mariela Botella

Thank you for a great race and will see you next year.
Michael Matteson

Good evening Mr. Pursaitis! I just wanted to say that I had a blast running the Bandera 100k this weekend and as usual you put on an excellent race!!!! The other reason that I am emailing you is because I was speaking with John Sharp after the race, he mentioned a run that you are organizing in the months to come and it sounded interesting. John mentioned a Rim to Rim to Rim run in the grand canyon, he said that he was going to do it as well and that I should definitely think about doing it if I get into the San Juan Solstice again. I actually met you and John last year on the trail coming from the Alpine Gulch water station. Again I am interested in running with your group if possible. My contact information is at the end of the email. Call the cell phone first. Thank you for your time and for your wonderful race!
Jaime Garcia

Once again, fantastic production! Thanks for all your hard work.
Scott Wood

Saturday was my first ultra and I had a great time. Thank you for putting on a great race!
Lesley Hempfling

Thanks again for such an awesome experience! I hated missing last year and being a "barely east texas" boy, was happy to be back in the real hills to attempt my first 100k. All the Aid Station crews rocked! Olga - Thanks for your expert care. You turned my race around. Nachos - Thanks for rocking out the hills and being willing to run soup over countless miles in search of hurting runners. Chapas - Nicest people in the world...period. Cross Roads - First rate service and "sit down...just not too long" hospitality. Last Chance - McCallan & German Potato Soup...what else can you say? Everyone was so helpful and fun, reminded me (once again) why I love trail running. Gig'em & God Bless
Boog Ferrell

It was an amazing and historic event to watch. We had some elite runners show up and put on quite a performance for us. Besides the 100km course records set, Melanie Fryer also set a new course record for the women's 50km, but I don't know exactly what the time was. Our local Steven Moore, put on quite a performance as well! Steven went out with the top elites and really didn't trail far behind, coming in 5th place. It might not be too long before our very own Steven Moore becomes one of the top national elites and breaks this course record!!! During the day, there were clouds of cedar pollen blowing around, so if you have cedar allergies, it was terrible. Late into the night came in the rain, cold, and wind. These are the big obstacles that many of the runners had to face and I was impressed to see all the runners that just would not give up, and continued on to finish a tough race. Joe, Joyce, Henry, the tireless effort that you all put into this from before the beginning to way after the end is amazing. I loved hanging out with you all and I enjoyed some of the stories Joyce shared with us about you and some of your adventures. Thank you for all your dedication. Crash, thank you to you and your crew of helpers for the great food you provided to us volunteers and for keeping that lodge kitchen so dang clean! J Olga, it was a real pleasure to work with you at your aid station. You made it a lot of fun to be there and hang out with you. While there were so many great volunteers, I'd like to nominate Tracy Holland for MVV (most valuable volunteer). Tracy not only ran the 50km, but then she then came back to volunteer her time at the finish line aid station assisting runners, then she had to go out on a search and rescue mission at night, then, I guess since that wasn't enough, someone needed a pacer and she went out to pace them at night. Great example was set by Tracy. As always, the hanging out, listening to, and talking with all the great runners was a pleasure and very motivational. If anyone is suffering from being burnt out, I recommend you volunteer at one of these races. It'll motivate you to start training immediately!
Thomas Orf

Joe, great to see you again as always, you put on the best events. Bandera is my personal favorite race to run. But at this juncture I want you to pass on a note to your volunteers...I try to make a point to say thank you as I pass through the aid stations, but want you to know that not only Bandera is one of the best races...it has the best volunteers....every aid station....every time I passed through...no exceptions. Press On!
Dave Elliott

Once again, you put on a great race at Bandera. I enjoyed being a small part of the volunteer system (Chappa, evening only).
Tony Mathison

Just wanted to say thanks for another great event. All the volunteers were wonderful. I was able to chop an hour off my time from last year, so I was pleasantly surprised by that. That #6 trail was tougher than it appears on the profile...or maybe I overlooked it, I think calling it the "stepsister" may be more appropriate. Looking forward to Rocky.
Michael Dino

This was my second Bandera run (2009). Once again, it stands out as a class event and one of my favorite races of the year. At this point, I am only a 25K runner, but this may progress over time, depending on the time I have to allocate to running. It is certainly inspiring to see the 50K and 100K runners out there, especially knowing that a few short years ago, I had never run more than 5 miles at a time. Many, many thanks to you and volunteers for expending your time and energy to bring us this safe and fun event!! The scenery was beautiful and the trails as gnarly as promised. The terrific trail markings and positive feedback from the aid station & finish line crews are greatly appreciated. I ran with two friends and we spent the long drive back to Austin gushing about how much we enjoyed the event. Keep up the good work!
Ben Opps

Wow. What an experience! The Bandera 50K was my first ultra, and I had no idea what to expect, so I was glad when a couple of very experienced friends agreed to enter and drive down with me. Can I just tell you how much I enjoyed every single minute of the 11:14 it took me to finish?! And, yes, that was me & my running partner that my friend asked y'all to search for after dark - we didn't expect to be out there that long, but my knee had other ideas. I have to say that my biggest beginner's fear was unfounded - getting lost on the course would have been impossible unless I was just stupid because it was so well-marked. I am glad I remembered to stop and look around some, too, as the scenery and the course were just gorgeous, and those of us who got in early enough had good weather. The aid stations were wonderful (although I have to say that I heard the music at Nachos well before we got there and I thought it was too early to be hallucinating!!) and the volunteers were beyond helpful and friendly, as were all the other runners out there. Having mashed potatoes and pancakes at the aid stations were mental lifts as much as physical lifts, and when someone even offered to help me change shoes, I was just floored. It was all part of an amazing experience for me, and one that I look forward to doing again. Even though my time was not what I had hoped for, my ultimate goal was to cross the line upright and smiling and become an ultramarathoner, and that was accomplished. I would very much like to thank the mystery runner who lent me and my friend a headlamp after Lucky Peak, literally minutes before nightfall - we didn't get his name, all we know is that he only asked we return it to Thomas or Olga at the finish, which we did. He was a true angel and his actions were a lifesaver. That act was one moment out of many that made this weekend amongst the most memorable of events in my life. Thank you. I will see y'all at Hells Hills (and I'll bring my headlamp with me this time, just in case!!).
Corina Cervantes

2010

Just wanted to send a sincere thanks and job well done to one amazing adventure! Bandera was my first ultra and trail run and although I was naive into what torture I was putting myself through-I really had a great experience! The aid station volunteers were amazing! I wanted to give up at mile 15 but the volunteers literally nursed me/encouraged me and got me ready to finish what I had started. I don't think the beauty will be topped but I plan on running many more of your trails this year! Thanks for all the hard work and commitment that makes for a wonderful experience for many.
Jessica Holmes

After completing two 50k trail runs at Huntsville State Park, I decided to jump off the deep end and try something different. Not other marathon but a real trail run. So I chose the Bandera 50k. The course looked very challenging and would be a test of my stamina and fortitude. Until my hands and camel pack fluid valve thawed out, I had my doubts but continued the journey walking up and down the slippery rocky trails, scrambling over boulders, enjoying the views and shuffling along the 'flats'. Other than sore feet (I needed better trail shoes), I was managing to persevere with the only one thought in my feeble mind, just finish. I arrived at Cross Roads feeling very positive about the last ten miles but after the Three Sisters kicked my ass it was just became a long walk back. Then Lucky Peak, "WTF" that was insane but the finish was still beckoning me onward. Received my Finishers Medal and as I waddled back to my car I got to see the finisher of the 100k making me wonder why I did this. On the way back to my hotel in San Antonio, I said never again, you had cured me. My concerned wife said thanks. Wow, you still exceeded all my expectations! The course, the volunteers and whole experience was phenomenal. Thank you; it was a great and memorable day.
David Hover

Dear Joe, Just wanted to drop you a note to say "thank you"again for the Bandera trail run that you sponsor.After 10 yrs of street running marathons I decided to make your event in 2009 my 1st trail run wanting a "new" running adventure.Oh my goodness was it ever!!!! Being shy and unknowing I chose the wimpy little 25k(yea right!!! nothing wimpy about your run!!!!!) to begin my trail adventures.After a mix of complete shock,almost crying a couple times,laughing deliriously many times when I finished all I wanted to do was pass another year so I could do it again!!! Really at the finish line I was jumping up and down like a small child chanting I wanna do it again,I wanna do it again!! I started my plotting and scheming as to how I could tackle such a trail better next year,and in my wildest of running dreams could I ever or should I even dare to think I could run the 50k???? Well,yes,I got out of my marathon running box,Santa brought me some trail shoes(huge shoe mistake from 2009!) and I am so pleased that I finished,uninjured your Bandera 2010 50k Trail Run!!!! As excitinng and fullfillig as this was for me,and it is way up there,I want to convey to you how touched I am at the complete care and concern for a most perfect and personable race as an individual and as a whole group on every side that you have produced.Both years I have been continually wowed from every angle that nary a thought has become an unmet need in your run.I did like the addition of the downtown hall for the packet p/u and the pre race briefing.I also want to comment that every aid station along the trail was more than adequately staffed and stocked for every need as well as always being greeted with smiles and encouragement! I did also enjoy the unexpected laugh atŹvariousŹpoints alongŹthe way to break up the seriousness of the task at hand(armadillo crossing,tarantula crossing,whiner penalty box).ŹAnyway,thanks so much again for all that you did for so many of us and be seeing you again next year!!! Cannot wait to do it again!!!
Debra Bentley 54yr old female from Era, TX

Bestial!!! It was great, thanks Joe for the great organizatoin. The weather through the day was cool but good, someone mentioned 8¼F at 7am, it got milder, but it probably was too cold for the 50's and 100's going into the night.
Jose Antonio Caicoya

Thanks Joe and all the great volunteers. You folks were awesome...
R. Muzaffer Musal

It was an awesome (albeit frosty) day, I had a ball and the volunteers/organization were incredible, thank you much for everything!
Greg Mattacola

OMG.... was is COLD!!! when the sun went down after most of us 100K runners had left the lodge.... it got cold again!!! my water bladder frooze by mile 48...it was BRUTAL!!!
John Desenberg

Great Job Joe & Joyce Prusaitis and all the Volunteers at my 1st Endurance Trail Run 100K Bandera Texas; it was a magical experience for me, it tested all my survival skills, I loved it! Add me as a friend if you met me over the weekend! If this isn't the longest, toughest, hardest, baddest, most extreme trail run in T...
John Majalca

What a great event! I flew in from Kansas City where the temprature was negative something on race day. Cold start but a GREAT event. I met a lot of great people on the run and the course was BEAUTIFUL. I'll be back in 2011!
Oliver Burnette

Prior to Saturday I had never been further than 50/k...My 1st 100/k experience was dicey at times, and I will never forget it...Bandera taught me so much...Thanks Joe for giving us the opportunity to peel another layer back...Looking forward to 2011...
Charles Clutter

Thank you for all your work and passion and organization and vision for building such a wonderful Bandera 100k! I loved the venue and creativity of course design! I highly recommend this run to all who crave fair, runnable, technical challenges. You informed us (or warned us) via the website and what a fine day of fun and bruises! My sole source of critical feedback comes from my experiences at Crossroads. I was confused about where to go and what the etiquette was (I did study maps and race documents-yet I fear the volunteers were suffering from the cold and in survival mode.)I wished for some direction about getting my drop bag. First time through there was a fellow there to give it to me, yet after that, I sorta felt like I was trespassing to get my bag-Yet I did anyway 'cause I wanted to keep on moving! When I left the aid station for the 1st time outbound, I had no idea of where to run -it was sparse with 100kers and more populated with runners from other races.I also encourage aid station volunteers to know where the electrolyte caps were. I know the aid station captains you had-Jim 'ONeil and Sue Norwood (they are an amazing couple-Jim captained an aid station for me in 2008 at the inaugural running of the New River Trail 50k. and they were out there bustin' their butts with everyone else)...I might have just hit the station at funky times! Thank you for your getting the results and photos online so quickly! I can't imagine you've had more than 10 hours of sleep this this event broke open live! Take care of you! (By the way-Jill and I stayed at River Front Motel http://www.theriverfrontmotel.com/ and really liked it! Nothing fancy at all. No heat. No internet. Clean. We were cold. Pipes froze...yet the staff there were wonderful and place clean and large and warmer than camping! They had coffee and little fridge (essential for post run beer and margaritas!) and microwave and lots of little kitty cats wondering what was going on!
Annette Bednosky

Thanks again for a great weekend in hill country Texas. You have an amazing running community down there and a very impressive set of volunteers. Hope to be back down again soon.
Nick Clark

I would like to say what a great bunch of people! Although I went down about 4 miles into the race (on a very flat non-technical section???) I was determined not to stop...this was my first distance trail race I so wanted to finish. The knee hurt, but thanks to the support of fellow racers and the folk at the aid stations, I kept running! With about 3 miles left I thought by gosh I am going to finish in under three hours despite the fall!! Well, no such luck as I went down again about 2 miles from the finish, this time causing lots of pain in the knee, and at this point I was not sure I could make it in. Again, fellow runners stopped, 2 actually stayed with me to help me down the hill since I could not stand (back side of Lucky), and would not leave until they knew I was able to walk on my own. I only wish I got the names of the two gentlemen who stayed...as they stopped their race, losing time...to make sure I was okay!!! They were two incredible men and really, really appreciated their help. Those who ran ahead made sure to send help back...and soon Alex, ??and ?? (did not catch the other guy or girl's name) were there encouraging me to continue. Alex ran with me to the finish...do not think I could have done it with out him, heck without any of the people who helped me out. So very thankful. And last, this was such a well organized event with some wonderful, helpful, always smiles on their face people working at all locations. The trail was so well marked, the folks at each aid station so encouraging (I am sorry but I think I only checked in at Boyles), and fellow racers also supportive in a way I have never seen in a road race!! I am only sorry I could not stick around and help out. But...I will be back next year with the hopes of completeing the race injury free and finishing in under 3 hours!! And then I can stick around to help out all the other racers who choose to run the big distances. Thank you again for making my first distance trail race experince a good one and look forward to running in many more in the future.
Lesa

Joe P, Joyce and the volunteers at Bandera did an exceptional job with the race. With some 650 runners entered in the 3 different races, I was expecting delays at packet pickup and check-in the morning of the race. This was not to be and it seemed everything went smoothly and the races started on time. I thought the aid stations were set up very well, too. I'm sure I was one of the very few who appreciated the frigid temps for the race since my family and I have spent the last several months in firgid Colorado while we're waiting to close on a new home in Dallas. Congratulations to all who took part.
Glenn Mackie

Hey Joe - I just wanted to say a huge thanks to you and your crew for everything at Bandera. I was impressed with the quality of the whole weekend. My first 100 km finish is one I will definitely not forgot and for all the right reasons. See ya at Rocky! Get some sleep, you deserve it. :)
David Hanenburg

Bandera turned out great ...Thank You to ALL the volunteers mostly for freezing your butts off to help us...I think I had a frost buzz going on the whole run..with every one wondering about tights all week I was getting really nervous about running in the cold ..but once we started runningitwasn't so bad..I think I can run in anyting now:)
Nancy Marks

A huge thank you to all the volunteers that worked their tails off all day long with nothing but smiles and great attitudes. I cant imagine having to stand around all day instead of running and staying warm. You were AWESOME, and I look forward to returning the favor at a future event. And a HUGE thank you as well to Joe, Joyce, Henry, Crash, Robert and every one else that helped make this race the success it was. Thank you to all of you!
Mike Wilen

Really enjoyed working with everybody this weekend. Thanks to all who organized the event and kept it working so smoothly. Congratulations to all who attempted and/or finished their runs. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to all.
Sara Dierk

What she said!!!!! Incredible great time. Thankyou volunteers, soooooo much, I also look fwd to returning the favor.
Lynnor Matheney

I've had great times and results, by my standards, at Bandera over the years. This time the outcome was not what I envisioned. I still will remember this year as a good experience due to the understanding and support of the volunteers. In the end I made a difficult decision at Chapas on the second loop to end my 100K race. Thanks to all the volunteers and Paul Stone and the voulunteers at Chapas for being patient with me, supporting me, and trying to make me comfortable. And Shan, thanks for the big hug! I found out DNFing is not an easy decision to make. As I sat dejected at the lodge aid station, I was able to hear the stories from the winners and those others finishing at the top. Comments about how difficult, yet great course Bandera is and how well organized the Bandera event is. The best thing I heard was from a female runner from out west who was amazed at how great she was treated at the aid stations. She talked about how at most of the races she's run, aid station volunteers just sat around and watch as runners come by, and how here at Bandera volunteers rushed to fill her water bottles and asked what they could do for her. "I've never been called Hon at a race before" she said, "it was great!"
Tony Maldonado

Thank you to all the volunteers and the organizers for a great race. This was my first ultra and I was amazed by the support and encouragement at the aid stations. I'm looking forward to doing this again.
Bruce Coleman

Joe, I had such a blast at Bandera 25k - I'm thinking about signing on for RR 50, just not sure since I've never gone over 26.2!
Alma Millard

Joe, I ran my first trail race at Bandera this month. I am officially hooked. Thanks for a great event.
Joe Currens

"Hey Joe Congrats on another great Bandera! Your volunteers were super - toughing out the bitter cold and making hot food for us. It made a huge difference!"
Bob Botto

"Thanks for putting on a great race.. but I had no doubt you would :) See you and Joyce again soon :)"
Amanda Perron

Yesterday's run was everything the weatherman promised and more - 8 degrees. 8 DEGREES!!! You encouraged the runners to enjoy the scenery in the pre-race briefing, and it was a stunningly beautiful day. There was mist hanging in the valleys from the top of the Big Nasty, big ice crystals growing up from the dead grass just before Nachos, a spectacular sky all day long, the sun setting behind the hills as I crested Lucky Peak, and always the stars. But the most beautiful thing about the whole day was the selfless dedication of the volunteers. My heart went out to the shivering volunteers at Nachos, waiting for the first rays of sun to reach them. I can't even begin to imagine the discomfort of the cold through Saturday night. I was amazed that every aid station looked fully staffed - we all knew what was coming, and people showed up regardless. It touches me deeply that so many people would suffer such discomfort simply to help others. I wish I could send each of the volunteers my own special thanks, but I hope that this note reaches them through you. I know that my most profound words of gratitude will fail to compensate for the sacrifice made by the volunteers. I appreciate all of the volunteers just for the people they are. I tend to linger at the more remote aid stations - Nachos, Chapas, and Last Chance - to chat for a minute before going on my way. It can be Paul laughing at the icicles in my beard or a discussion of how fast the winners were. The moment people spend talking with me lifts my heart as I head on my way. It is a truly wonderful thing that each and every volunteer does. This morning when I got up, I put on an old Tejas Trails volunteer shirt I have. It made me feel really good to wear that shirt and reflect on how deep a measure of gratitude we all owe the volunteers for this weekend.
Peter Vrolijk

"Excellent race, Joe! Volunteers were awesome!! Hope to see again (just not at Bandera for awhile, I am trashed)! :)"
Brad Reno

My thanks to all the volunteers who persevered through the cold, taking care of everyone. You are the best.
Gabe Ayson

"Thanks Joe for an outstanding weekend of racing. You and your crew did an excellent job. Congrats!!"
Chuvk Duvall

Amen! Knowing there would be smiling faces offering me help with my hydration pack, warm food, and encouragement got me through it! The directors and volunteers are the BEST. Thank you all so much for making (what HAS to be) one of the toughestrace courses aroundmy favorite place for long runs!!!
JoAnna Brand

Runners are always thanking, the volunteers, and its usually well deserved, but I wanted to turn it around. I got to be a volunteer this year and I want to thank all the runners. Thank you runners for being out there and letting me serve you, and I mean this from the bottom of my heart! Because the volunteers did so much for me last year during this race when I was a runner, which was my first ultra, and because they meant so much to me, I swore I would come back and volunteer so that I could give back, and hope to leave that same impression on another runner. I feel it was a privilege to be able to be there to serve and help you runners. I absolutely had a blast!!! I'd say to anyone, if you've never tried working an aid station before, give it a try if you're not running. Its the next best thing to running!!! And sometimes, it might be better than running. I also got to get to know and fellowship with some great people and runners that I worked with at aid station. I also got some great tips and advice for my running. Great job to all the runners who came out and gave it their all. Whether you finished or not, be proud that you had the courage to take on one tough course!!!
Thomas Orf

Thanks everyone, I had a blast, I second what Brenda said, and congrats to all who ransuch a tough race!
Charlene Janiak

Bandera was my first 50K and only my second trail run. Thanks to everyone involved for making it such a great experience. I still can't believe the volunteers were out there long before we were - in single digit temperatures in the dark to make sure everything went smoothly. You guys all are awesome! Thanks so much and I hope to be able to return the favor someday :)
Shannon Mitchel

"Another great race hats off to you and the crew!"
Randy Rangel

Great race, you are amazing, i like it harder then hell, makes my life easier!
john majalca

Great race, as always, at Bandera. See you again soon!
Jake North

Thanks for a great race! very impressed!
Stephanie Edmison Kurpiewski

Congratulations Joe, Bandera is an incredible race, loved it from start to finish! This was my first race and I couldn't expect to have a better start in the sport, thank you for organizing this! I will be back next year no doubt.
Jose Antonio Caicoya

Just wanted to say thanks to you and your whole crew of great volunteers! I had a great time on the trail and was treated to wonderful service at every aid station. I can't imagine how miserable it must have been for all of those volunteers having to brave that cold weather this weekend. Kudos to all of you! Please tell whoever was making the grilled cheese sandwiches at the mile 26 aid station that that was the BEST grilled cheese sandwich I've ever had! It made my day!
Marlee Clark

Just wanted to let you know that I loved Bandera, and I know most others did too. Thank you and your troops for all that you do! I think I might be hooked, cause I can barely walk today, and already excited about running up a mountain.
Emily Howell

Bandera was my first trail race. The volunteers were exceptional. Joe definitely knows what he is doing. The coordination of the three events going through the aid stations is very impressive. The music at Nachos was fantastic. Cathy went above and beyond giving me a ride from Chapas to the lodge. I got a chance to sit around the fire at the lodge for two hours waiting for my ride. It was a great experience, sharing stories with 25kers, listening to the guy from Temple a veteran of four 100-milers who finished about 4th in the 50km. Seeing a few folks from the Wed night run.
Brian Edwards

I am a silent reader of these emails but wanted to say that I ran my first Bandera 25k Saturday and echo the sentiment below. Really enjoyed it. Very well done/organized and great people. What started out as a very chilly morning quickly warmed up after Lucky Peak and ended up being a perfect day. Beautiful scenery for those few glances away from the trail and my footing. Looking forward to being back possibly for 50k next year.
Jerry Fincken

So many have said wonderful things about all of those involved with this weekend, and I would love to express my gratitude, as well. I have run a distance at Bandera every year Joe has had the race. Neither weather, growth, last minute course changes (sometimes thanks to the course and in some cases thanks to a horse) has made Joe or his tea flinch. In fact, EVERY year the race only gets better and better! There are those who come back year after year to either head up aid stations (Bill, Paul, Doise (and family), Joni, Tammy, and this year the addition of Team Traverse), set up course (Henry, Robert, Jason S), make sure we park correctly and turn correctly (this year it was Mark L), heck did you freakin notice te HANDWRITTEN notes in our packets!!! (Linda and family), and those who are just everywhere (Joe, Joyce, Ryan, Mark, on and on). This year beyond the above and those I am sure I forgot to list, there was everyone prepped and ready to wait on us at the aid stations with numb smiles on their faces (Shan, Doug, Bill's Team, Doise's Team, TT crew....sorry I only stopped at Chapas for a refill so didn't have a chance to see who was at the other aid stations). There is NO WAY we, as runners, can fully appreciate enough what standing out in the weather was. We got to keep moving loving the sunshine and "warming" temps. I aim to guess that the volunteers at the aid stations didn't feel the warming. But, the volunteers were so incredible that you would have thought that they were enjoying a 70 degree day...cheering, helping, and keeping our spirits up! Maybe the most incredible piece of it all is that after I finished pacing, we went home slept, and awoke the next morning to take my friend to the airport...Paul noted that there might be people just finishing the race. What that means, and I am forever grateful for, is that not only did the runners have to endure our coldest night in 14 years but EVERY volunteer was out there just as long or longer. And, even more thanthey were through the busy day they were ON to keep the runners moving, spirits up, and then cleaning up after each of us. We should all be humbled by their generosity to us!!I know I am. Two more things: 1) As I told Henry, I could absolutely tell that they had stepped up the course markings for sake of all the extra people and for sake of all the Bandera first timers and out of towners. The arrows, wrong ways, ribbons, choice (I still hate those)...everything. I couldn't mess up if I tried. Thank you for not making me have to think!! 2), and my only sour note, and this is to the runners...we are stewards of the trails we run and I was incredibly saddened by the amount of garbage that people threw out on the trail. Had I worn a packI would have picked it up because I was embarrassed for what we were doing to the trail. I realize that it was very cold at the start and many people overdressed, but handwarmers are GARBAGE and I was shocked how many were just tossed on the trail. All of these volunteers that we are so thankful for have to pick up garbage and make the trails as clean as they were when we started. I wasproud of my friend who came in and won the 100K because as I cleaned her gear Saturday I threw out every used Gu wrapper she ate. Her pack was disgusting but every little piece of garbage she used was still on her (she obviously lost no time repacking her garbage). There were plenty of garbage cans at each aid station, so there is alwaysan opportunity to throw stuff away. I am by no means perfect, and I am sure I have dropped something on a trail before, but we really need to try harder and do our best and remember that the people tearing down the course are not our personal maids and the trail is not one big garbage can. Thank you, again, for an incredible weekend and for giving us wonderful races to run and enjoy!
Meredith Terranova

It was really Dinty Moore who did the hard work at Crossroads, bringing the Uhaul and getting everything set up Friday to teardown in the wee hours Saturday not to mention actually spending the night in the tent on an extremely frigid Friday night in case any critters were brave enough to venture out in the cold and break into the runner's snacks. Dinty and Jim put in a lot of time at Crossroads. Joe, Joyce and countless others did the same this weekend; there were high and numerous complements from the runners, Joe and Joyce continue to put on an amasing event.
Doise Miers

hey guys, i took 5th place with 11:20 something...I truly don't know HOW ANYONE ran in that cold darkness..you guys are mighty heros! totally awesome to run with those first four ladies...they all broke the course record of 11:18...and i was SOOO CLOSE too!! great time and lots of support.
Chris Tokarz

Many thanks for yet another amazing race. The folks from Canada had an amazing time, Vikki wants back to take a crack at the 100k. . . . Looking forward to returning next January!
Moe White

Wow! What else can be said, but thankyou. This is by far my favorite event, not because of the distance or terrain, but because of the people. The positive energy I get from everyone involved is why I return each yr to get my butt kicked. Thx u to all the volunteers, Joe/Joyce, Crash, Henry, Robert/Diana and the rest if the gang. As a novice race director, it's mind boggling for me to think about all the preparation and work that went into this one event. Tens of thousands of steps and hundreds of hours. A special thanks to Roger Davis for all his efforts at Last Chance. Although this was officially a Team Traverse sponsored station, Roger should get a majority of the credit. We were there to help out, but Roger did most of the heavy lifting. Thx to everyone else at LC who volunteered and made my weekend that much more enjoyable. See y'all on the trails.
Brad Quinn - Team Traverse "Running with Purpose"

First of all let me thank your and all your volunteers for putting on a great race. Not that this is a surprise to me since I have done the Bandera 50K once before and Rocky Raccoon 50 mile twice. I keep starting out thinking I am going to do the 100K and drop after the 50K. Maybe next year I will start out as a 50K entrant and claim jump up to the 100K. But then there is no psychological pressure and I need all the help I can get. Great race, great venue and a wonderful day. Thanks again Joe for all your hard work and all the time spend by your volunteers. I work several NTTR aid stations from time to time, Rockledge, Grasslands and even Rocky (Dam Road) so I realize how much work and fun it is.
Rick Carr

First of all, great race in Bandera this weekend. You and your crew are the best. I have done quite a few of your races and you guys always put on a good goodone.Ya'll pulled off a good one in spite of all the people and the weather!
Smitty Smith

In response to Deborah's post I will add that this race was very unusual due to the cold. Not so much in the way you might think about running, rather in the way that there was much less socializing. For the first time in my running life I pretty much ran the race and that was it. I did not hang out before or after the run. If it were not for the breakfast, I don't think I would have had a clue who even was out there. Enhancing this effect was that I ran the entire second loop by myself with the single exception of Gerado Ramirez flying by me once. Very strange how little I knew. But it was so utterly frigid that I stayed in my sleeping bag until time to run--then pretty much got back in it. The drama around camping in such conditions was frankly far more than any associated with the run. Weird. It was scary cold. It was also very exciting to hear Deborah finish at 7:15 am--and wonder who it was.
Matt Crownover

Great race as always! Crash did a great job with getting the hot food out early!
Chris Russell

I believe we shouldn't shy away from the issue of garbage at this particular race on this particular day and rather think what each of us can do to not let it happen again. Otherwise, being quiet leads to repeat offenses. Joe, Joyce, Henry and the crew - a huge thanks, from the bottom of my heart. The weather also was breathtaking, and I felt proud to show off Texas Hill Country to my PNW trail running friends - who would have thought it'd turn out this way:) Thanks for bringing up the issue. The amount of garbage seeing on trails was the worst I experienced in all my years running around the country, and I felt horrible for the sweep who not only had to pick up the marking (what WAS incredible), but carry all those nasty gu packets and cups and wrappers. Not sure what happened. That is not to agree on the good - no, scratch this, great - points. Joe puts the best races in the country, especially considering how huge it became this this year. And volunteers are saint to be there and smile endlessly, even if we don't always respond with such. Thanks to all!
Olga Varlamova

Thanks so much for once again hosting such a great event! After running Rocky in '05, I had high expectations for you for this race and you exceeded them. I think Bandera is a great stop on the Montrail UltraCup Calendar. The women's 100k was super exciting to watch and help with (I helped crew for 3 of the 4 top ladies). A wonderful event, Joe. I will highly recommend Bandera to others!
Sean Meissner

I want to thank you very much for putting on a great race this weekend. This was my first ultra and I had a great time despite experiencing difficulties I've never encountered running marathons. Overall my experience was fantastic and as a result I registered for Rocky Raccoon 50 today. Thank you again for a great experience and I look forward to more Tejas Trails races.
Bruce Coleman

Thanks once again for putting together an awesome race last weekend. The cold temps proved too much for me but like you said it's nice to come home after all the 100-milers around the country and get beat up. Can't wait to sign up for next year.
Dmitry Rozinsky

My wife (Sarah) and I along with our two friends had a great time at this weekend's Bandera race. Another awesome race with unbelievable support and a great course. This was my wife's first time on the Bandera course and she found out it really is an unforgiving land. After a trip to the doctor yesterday, it was confirmed that at mile 11.5, Sarah broke her nose during a fall, but continued another ~20 miles to finish her 3rd 50k ever and her first (hopefully of many) Bandera 50k. My wife rocks and the course was great. I just thought you'd appreciate hearing about my wife's toughness and yet another great race experience!
Adam Korona

I missed not being able to run, but then being able to volunteer and give back some of the great karma that others had given to me in other races was nice. That said I must admit I was a bit over-paid for my work. I my case the over-payment came around 3AM on Sunday morning. A few runners were in the tent and many were still on the trail but I was alone by the fire looking out for runners lights to come out of the trees. The night was crystal clear with too many stars in the sky to count. The horses were neighing and the temperature was in the low teen's, with each breath of cold air outlined by the fire. It was a payment beyond any I expected.
Bob Janiak

Your usual stellar job and then some. Love you guys. It just wasn't my day, but we'll be back to do it again.
Fred Thompson

Thank you for putting another great event at Bandera!! it was awesome...
Jorge Guevara

Thanks again to you and Joyce for making Bandera really great. I am amazed how great you all did--and with such a crowd! Thanks and congrats again on the growth!
Matt Crownover

Many thanks Joe! You put on quite the show last weekend and it is much appreciated by us mere runners. Hats off to your group. Looking forward to another Prusaitis event.
Glen Redpath

Thanks Joe, I love my road runner award. Thanks for a great race. I'm looking forward to racing it again.
Jen McRae

I'm sure you are over-run with emails but I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the race in Bandera this weekend. My friend Dave Reasoner and I came down from Dallas to run the 50K. We had a great experience. Your race was very well organized. All of the volunteers deserve a ton if credit for staying out in the frigid weather. Everyone was very helpful. I will be back next year for the 100k
Steve MacDonald

I was the one that ran the 50k and then ran it again. I'm glad I did as it was one of the best experiences of my 33 years alive. Thanks for all of ya'lls hard work, it was an AWESOME event. I hope to do it again next year. To long distances,
Wade Hudson

Many people have already expressed their thanks and gratitude for the events during Bandera weekend. I would be remiss if I didn't also express my thanks to my husband, friends, kind strangers, and most of all the volunteers. Plus I have a completely new appreciation for grilled cheese sandwiches! This was my first 100K and I have always had a knack for doing things the hard way ... and Mother Nature definitely played a hand in making this one of the toughest but most enjoyable race I've ever done! Plus I'm thankful that my native Minnesota blood kicked in and was finally useful here in Texas! And a big thanks goes out especially to Joe & his team for so many things through out the day. One small instance of his kindness: When I crossed the finish line, he was there to hand me my belt buckle. My contact lenses were so dirty and fogged that I couldn't see which way the buckle was facing. So as we posed for a photo, he helped me turn the buckle right side up, we smiled, and took the photo. Thanks Joe - for that and everything else. Now let's get some heat around here!!!!
Susan Farago

Just wanted to send my heartfelt THANKS to Joe & Joyce, and to EVERYONE involved with putting together this fantastic race! This was absolutely an amazing well organized race; beautiful country andcourse (albeit difficult and challenging, especially since I live and train in Florida); amazing & outstanding volunteers that were SO enthusiastic, supportive and filled with encouragement and smiles all while working in the frigid cold for 24 hours; and Lastly, to all the phenomenal and the friendliest ultra runners I've ever been around...camaraderie was simply amazing!! A big thank you to Runner #106, as he was so kind to loan me his fleece jacket. Very much appreciated it. As it turned out, I ended up not needing it, so it was placed back in your bag. Thank you Mark Raymond for all your pre-race expertise information, and loaning me a flashlight to get to Chapas! I was not able to finish the 100K race, and succumbed to the cold at mile 42....but I still had a wonderful time in Bandera.
Traci Cole

Having helped Joe with a couple of races, I never knewtherewere so many moving parts to organizing a race. It i amazing how well Joe,Joyce andtheir friends have got this down! Setting up aid stations, marking trails with Henry,food prep with Crash,timing from Kyle, Louis setting up the radio and horses for the runners in need,Linda and her race packets and the list goes on and on (I know there are many more names I should include). I have met more incredible, lifelong friendson the trailand streetsrunning ,than anywhere else.So, a big thanks toALL who helped make this an incredible event!
John Kuss

2009

You run quality races. Period.
Fred L Lowstetter

Thanks for putting on another fantastic race. We sure did have a great weekend down there. All your hard work to make that a first class event is appreciated. I can't believe you had such a huge increase in people without a noticeable hitch. Next year will be even more crowded, some day you may have to have a cap. Give yourself a break before Rocky Raccoon, thanks again.
Ken Gordon

Just wanted to drop you both an overdue THANKS for Bandera. You guys do so much for this run and it always amazes me how you seem to make it better every year. ItÕs not often in life that just the right combination of venue, people, and activity (ultra trail run) come together to make such special event! I understand that this combination can be something different for everyone, but it seems that youÕve hit on a popular combination that is also very special me. So thanks once again Thanks for all that you do and I plan to see you both again next year.vCheers,
Mark Raymond

You cannot tire of but enjoy instead the Lucky Peak's pile of praise you receive for putting on the great Cactus Rose ultras, much as we runners tire from but enjoy them also. So, I'm turning in to your lost-and-found these two haiku I discovered on the trail afterwards.
1. Cactus Rose '09
Gorgeous days, tough course, full moon
Two awesome ultras.
2. Cactus Rose races
Toughest ultras in Texas
Many winners there.
Sergio Madrigal

Hi Joe, My name is Debra Bentley.I met you at the finish line of the Bandera Endurance run ,I had come to run the 25k.I just celebrated 10yrs of marathon running this past Dec. I decided to try my 1st trail run with the Bandera and honest to goodness I am in love and truly hooked! It was so exciting from arriving in the middle of the night (400mi from my home), to sleeping in my car, to being awakened by the blistering cold and wind, to registering in the dark race morning, meeting the nicest support staff ever from beginning to end, well I could go on and on!! Oh yes I do want to mention my shock when I got to Lucky Peak!!!! Anyway it was the most fun running I have had in a very long time, shocking, brutal beat me up I wanna do it again fun!!! I want to say thank you ever so much for the careful attention to detail in organizing this type of event for all of us. Now to my subject, I have lost my medal somewhere on the trip home, somehow, somewhere. My question is would there be any way I could get another finisher medal from this run? Would be happy to purchase ,pay postage,whatever could be done.I would really like to have one to mark my 1st trail run after 10 yrs of street running thinking it could not be topped, yet coming there and falling in love. If you could let me know the possibilities, please,I appreciate your time to assist me with this if possible. Thank you
Debra Bentley

I would like to thank the volunteers at Crossroads, but need some names. It was kinda hectic and I just forgot some names. Dmitry was great. He worked those runners like a pro. Julia Gale she sat there the whole cold and windy night taking numbers. What a trooper. Henry sent me some volunteers, like Mary. I don't know her last name, but she was wonderful. She apologized for taking a short nap after being on her feet for 12 hours! Her dad ran the 100K. I also had two ladies that were sent over for first aid, but jumped in and did everything. Arne was invaluable. Just took charge in keeping the 50K and 25K on the right course. Our radio guy - Ralph... I think, was always on hand and helped us get the supplies we'needed. And the Chew crew was first rate. Absolutely could not have done it without them. Jim Lindquist was great too. His only problem was that since I knew him, he took the brunt of some of my temper when things'did not go right. Most of us agreed that we want to do Crossroads again next year. We now know what to expect and have got some ideas on how to improve Crossroads. I decided you had no Captain at Crossroads. But you had a hell of a lot of super'Co-Captains.
Dinty Moore

I have to say I really enjoyed the run in Bandera a couple of weeks ago, tough, but very satisfying. I appreciate how well organized the run was and how helpful and pleasant the volunteers were, I am sure that is a reflection of your skills.
John M Blanchard

Thanks again for another wonderful day running at Bandera. You make the successful execution of races look so easy. I know that you have the insight to surround yourself with a lot of motivated, competent volunteers, and you can trust them to do what needs to be done. I'm really glad you offer us Bandera - I probably wouldn't make the effort to drive out there to run otherwise, and it is a beautiful course to run on for all the reasons you describe. Finally, here's a joke I received recently that I told several times around the course last week, particularly to those who had the misfortune of running along side me for a while.
A guy reaches the aid station at mile 82 of a 100-mile race, looking real bad. The doctor at the aid station says, "You look pretty bad and shouldn't go on. In fact, I want to take urine, blood, and stool samples." The guy takes off his shorts, hands them to the doctor, and says, "Let me know the results at the next aid station."
Peter Vrolijk

The Bandera 100k was so hard for me that I don't think I will run it again. ...At least for a year. Thanks a lot! This race was well organized, and all your aid people provided needed encouragement along with support. This year I tried to figure out why this run takes so long, and I have discovered a few clues. You probably already know, but the course climbs, and descends over 15,000 feet. I discovered this by carrying a GPS the first lap. Is that already in the race info somewhere? Also, all shapes and sizes of rocks populate the trail at all ranges of density. Additionally, the elevation changes are often achieved via irregular rock ledges with poor footing and awkward height difference. This gets to be significant after a runner gets tired. You and Joyce really made this run seem like a good visit with the family.
Leo Lavender

Thanks for the awesome race this weekend. I had a blast! The volunteers at the Lodge aid station were especially comforting... the hot ham, turkey, and grilled cheese sandwiches really hit the spot! ;-) Thanks again and I hope to see you soon at another Tejas Trails run!
Chris Matuszak

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you, your staff and volunteers for putting on a great race this weekend. All the volunteers were not only helpful but very jovial and supportive. On a personal note, I didn't think a 25K could be so difficult and challenging. I never knew my quads could remain in constant state of cramping for so long. My hips and thighs were so tight, by the time we got back to Oklahoma I was shaped like a chair. That being said, keep those hills in the race, they were great!! Looking forward to next year. Have a great week!
John Marrujo

Thanks again for a great race. It was best race I have ran over the past 12 months. It was the first time I ran Bandera. The Bandera 50K trail race is beautiful, rugged, and tough...much like The Great State of Texas. I left part of my heart on those trails.
Dave Elliott

Thank you and your crew for all your hard work and committment. I ran the 25k in 2007 and then had to take some time off for injury and personal reasons. I have just gotten back into running and ran the 25k this year, if you can call it that. I was very slow and expected to be, but I did finish. Prior to your event the most I had run was 5 miles. Need I say more! Anyway, I will be back next year in shape and ready to run. I look forward to 2010 and seeing all you fine folks then. Sincerely,
Bryan Ewing

Great race, Joe. Bandera is a hell of a course and a fantastic time. Two down, one more to go for the TX Trilogy. Looking forward to seeing you next month in Huntsville. p.s. Casa de Amigos was a very nice B&B.
Ryan Valdez

Congratulations to all who braved the cold and wind at Bandera this weekend. Some would call it great conditions for a trail run. Others weren't so sure. This year I decided to help Joe and volunteer as much as I could. Which was very little compared to what many other folks do to put on a race like this. I helped with tent set up on Thursday, was asked to help at check in on race morning and worked with Paul Stone at the Chapas aid station. We as runners arrive at the race expecting signs, flags, glow sticks, and aid station tents to be on the trail, not really realizing how much work it takes to set these up. Joe,Crash,Henry,Mike,Mark,Joyce,Diana, and many others do this with such passion. I felt a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction being able to help runners as they came through the aid station and later pacing my good friend, Liza Howard, to a second place finish! I met new people, as is usually the case at these trail runs. Enjoyed socializing with and congratulating friends post race. After all the runners come in, revel in finishing their race, admire their medals and head for home, Joe and the race volunteers still have to tear down the course, the tents, gather the trash, pack it all up, and lug it home. Thanks to Joe, Joyce, et al, for putting on such a great event.
Tony Maldonado

Wish to thank you and your merry crew for another fantastic event. I know you didn't have anything to do with it, but what an awesome weather day. The rest of the awesomeness, of course, was all you and we thank you. Jumping on an airplane Sunday evening wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Apologize for taking so long to acknowledge your efforts, but life and business are big time-crunchers these days. Gotta run,
Fred Thompson

Since the din has now died down, I also wanted to thank you and your "support team" for all the hard work you all invested which made the race day activities such a success. This was my first Bandera and my daughter's first experience working at an aid station and we both loved it. Thanks for making it happen. See you at Rocky Raccoon.
Les L Ellsworth

Thanks for putting on such a wonderful event at Bandera. It was my first time at Bandera and my first 50k trail race. Whew! It was rough but I enjoyed every step! You guys ROCK! "Joe, bravo to you and Joyce! What a blast Bandera turned out to be! I'm sore all over! Great event, great people, awesome course! That one put the hurt on me! Loved it! Hope it's as fun for you guys as it is for us!"
Donna Chapman

That. Was. Crazy! thanks for putting on such a great race. you're right, it's really well marked. Every ridiculously rocky hill and turn and cowpath was very well marked. Kudos to you and your crew.
Dreadpirate Rackham

I ran the 25K for the first time with my husband Tony yesterday in Bandera! Whooo...what a great trail. I messed up my knees a little, but finished...so great to see so many wonderful and friendly people out there. Look forward to running the 50k next year and certainly seeing many of you throughout the year!
Michele Robinette

Thanks for putting on this most excellent event!! We appreciate you guys!!
Mariela Botella

Wow, great race (Bandera 100K)! Joe and his crew are OUTSTANDING. Super aid stations and great support, and the best night time trail marking I've experienced. The course is a gnarly beast and well worth the effort. Looking forward to next year. Thanks to everyone who made it happen.
Marshall King

Congrats to all the 2009 Bandera finishers! Looking forward to seeing you all in 2010!
Louis Upton

I second Marshall's kudos to Joe and crew. Awesome aid stations, kick ass course, a good helping of fun. "Thanks for putting on such an awesome race. I also had a blast despite dropping after one loop. I will be back. For now, I will have to settle for some FAT ASS 50Ks on the snowmobile trails here in Maine. Enjoy!"
Chuck Hazzard

"Just wanted to echo all the previous comments... Bandera was amazing, fun, challenging, cold, rocky, a BLAST! I did curse your name when it came time to ascend Lucky's AGAIN, at the end of the race, but I guess that's what I get for running a wimpy 25K! ;-) Seriously enjoyed the entire experience, including Rancho Cortez, camping, volunteering, and catching buzzes from running and later, drinking in celebration (and perhaps to quiet my screaming quads). Awesome. Hats off to you and Joyce. I'm not worthy! But I will be back."
JoAnna Brand

"Great race Joe, you've done it again. Bandera is my favorite race for so many reasons... the course, the people, the atmosphere. Everything came together so well. Thank you!"
John Reynolds

Thanks Joe. Bandera was a blast! I'd love to help out with future races ...
Layla Soileau

Thanks so much to you and Joyce for putting on an amazing race! It was great seeing you guys and of course I will be back next year.
Dawn Banka

wOw! great race and organizational/logistical feat! just got a taste of what must go into all this....bravo and thanks! hope you get to rest soon.
Alicia Post

Thanks for another great race! Awesome race (as usual). My friend from L.A. was totally impressed with rocks and steeps. We drank a few in your honour
Celeste Walz

Joe, Bandera was fabulous! Great course.
Brad Reno

I want to add my sincere thanks to all the volunteers at Bandera too. I don't know what words to use to express what a big deal it was not to have to fill my own hydration pack towards the end of that race. It's easy to envision myself reduced to tears trying to unzip, unscrew, pour water into, screw and zip that pack at the last aid station -- where mostly I think I babbled about how much I loved vanilla wafers. So thank you all. I hope I get to work an aid station at a race you run to treat you with as much care and kindness. And thank you Joe for the race itself. It couldn't have been done better.
Liza Howard

Wow - what beautiful photos! And, Joe, Joyce and all your crew, thanks for a really great race. You really know how to throw a party. Joe, you put on an incredible race. Everything was perfect. Thanks a million to you and all your crew.
Jay Norman

Thanx and THANX SO MUCH to you and Joyce and all the volunteers for another amazing event. Seya soon...
Moogy

Hi Joe, hope you've had a couple hours to relax after this weekend's awesome race. Everything and everyone rocked! I'll be back again next year for sure! I can't imagine all the hard work you and the team did to make the day/weekend so smooth. Thank you for your efforts and organization!
Kerstin Ackerman

You guys put on an awesome event! Hands down the best run race that I know of.... I know what I am up against now and will be ready for the challenge next year!!
Stephanie Huie

First of all, thank you for all that you do, and did with Bandera. You created an amazing race for everyone. This was my first ultra and it was phenomenal, all the way through. I couldn't imagine any other way this could have been better. Of course, the volunteers at the aid stations and elsewhere were angels. Thank you for everything and keep doing what you do. It's obvious that you and all your efforts are appreciated by so many people.
Thomas Orf

Thanks Joe for all your and the volunteer's hard work at Bandera! As always, you're a class act!! Already looking forward to RR. Much love
Beth Hall

I had a great time at your race this weekend (ran the 25k).
John Jameson

Thanks again for a great weekend in Bandera.....such a fun time. Tough? Heck yeah, but I wouldn't expect anything other from you! You guys are the best.
Stuart C. Skeeter

Just wanted to say thank you for the great weekend at Bandera.
Jon Hill

I ran Bandera last weekend for the first time. All I can say is WOW! That was the most beautiful course I have ever seen in Texas. It was also one of the toughest courses that I have ever run in Texas. You did a great job with organization, as usual. The aid station volunteers and packet pick up volunteers were awesome. You really know how to put on a top notch event. Thank you for all of the hard work!
Jennifer Evans

Just a brief note to thank you and your entire crew for a great race. I really enjoyed the Bandera 50km. I run more races on roads than on trails, but always keep coming back for more trails because of races like this one. This was easily one of the very best races I've experienced. (All others that are close are your races too) It was obvious that you had put a ton of planning into everything as, from the race, the course, the volunteers, the food, the awards, the family atmosphere, to everything in between, it was top notch. Thank you very much. I look forward to running another one of your races soon. Regards,
Mike Wilen

And to the Blanket Man! I didn't take advantage of them since I went straight to the car to change and warm up upon finishing but I really enjoyed hanging out under the heater watching the folks go from cold/hungry to satisfied with a warm blanket and a grilled cheese sandwich. So many others as well...parking lot attendees at 5am, folks picking up blown trash Sunday morning...the list is long and every single part is/was much appreciated! Till next time,
Steven Moore

I'll second all that! I heard lots of talk about those potatoes. Joyce, I know the kids race was a HUGE challenge, and believe me, it was SO appreciated. I have some pictures and a short video of the kids here: Those kids faces as they came across the finish was priceless. Logan has asked if we could live at Bandera J Thanks to Joe and Joyce both for a completely wonderful event!
Kelly Sawyer

I had a great time in Bandera. As usual, you ran a terrific event.
Buddy Teaster

First, my sincere thanks to everyone out there at the course who helped me scramble to the finish line. Y'all rock.
Naresh Rao

My congratulations to everyone who ran and persevered in Bandera. This was the first time I ever had the privilege of being there, and Joe has a right to be proud of both the course (it truly kicked my backside), and of the first-class way the entire race is presented. My three principal comments from this past weekend: 1) I didn't realize there were that many rocks in the entire state of Texas!; 2) man, was it windy out there (especially on those ridges at night); and 3) what fun!
Mike Potter

Congratulations and thank you for putting on a great run. My boyfriend and I had a great time. Thanks a bunch,
Donna Lawson

1st off - Joe & Joyce, thanks for doing such an awesome job again this year! This was the first year I've ran when it was clear in the morning and finally I got to see the spectacular views you speak of...it rocked. The aid stations were more than helpful as always and I have to give my biggest hugs to Cross Roads, they were life savers once again. Thanks to everyone involved for supporting the event that is absolutely the standard by which I judge every event I go to.
Mark Ferrell

Thanks for putting on a great race. I put on one myself (the Run, Rabbit, Run 50 miler in Steamboat Springs) so I know what's involved. Great aid stations, terrifically well-marked, I was really nicely taken care of at the finish while I waited for my wife to come pick me up. Just a little suggestion: Could you get some trail maintenance done out there? Seems there were a few loose rocks out there that must have been overlooked by the trail upkeep crew...lol. Hey, someone just told me the results are up and I was third masters. If so, I missed the awards... Again, thanks for a great run.
Fred Abramowitz

Thanks for hosting the Bandera 100k. It was well organized and a lot of fun. Thanks.
Jim Breyfogle

Great job this past weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed the race (maybe not at the time though)and as longs as I can free up my work schedule I will be back again next year.
Jason Costantino

I'm sure you won't be reading this for a few days as you've just finished up Bandera, but I wanted to tell you that I ran the 25K this weekend and loved it. This was my first trail run and my first 25K distance and I enjoyed it so much. You put on a wonderful race at abeautiful venue, so thank you. I hope all is going well for you and Joyce, and that you both have a prosperous New Year. Sincerely,
Christina Cruz

It was such a great, great race. Koby and I loved every minute and are totally hooked. I do, however, need to actually train for the next one...
Stephanie Beckett Crooks

Thanks to Joe, Joyce and all the wonderful volunteers that put on this event. This was my third time to run at Bandera and it is amazing how much this race has grown. This year I was really reminded that the trail running community is an amazing group of people. This was probably one of toughest runs I've had in recent years as I was significantly under-trained. The runners on the course did a great job of being supportive and caring. That on the course support is a great supplement to the already wonderful start, aid-station, and finish volunteers and supporters. Thanks again for giving me such a wonderful reason to come back Home to Texas and enjoy such great people, providing a tough (but fun) course and a needed challenge.
Tim

Joe, that was too much fun I will be back. I am trying to work Smithville since my dad lives there. I enjoyed the atmosphere you created there in Bandera..keep it up and good luck. Have a fun filled day.
Jeff Key, M. Ed

What an exciting and inspiring weekend! When an event grows as rapidly as Bandera has over the past 7 years (check out the "start" numbers each year on the website - the growth is pretty amazing!) I know the logistics become much more complicated and the number of hurdles and setbacks grows as well, so Joe, Joyce, and their loyal volunteers deserve an enormous congratulations for keeping the race so smooth for the participants. "Smooth" in reference only to the organizational side of the race, that is! Congratulations to all the runners who stepped up to the challenge this year - those who finished, those who didn't but were brave enough to start, but ESPECIALLY those whose races turned out to be much more difficult that expected and still somehow mustered up the determination to get themselves to that finish line. Gabe Ayson and Bill Patience were the two most exciting examples of this last group that I heard about, I know there are many more of you out there - you are all awe inspiring!
Melissa Heggen

This was my first ultra (50K), and Ken Gordon and Kurt Coonrod couldn't have talked me into a better race. It was a blast. I'm looking for my next one already. I echo all the glowing comments from previous years. I was glad to see that the race is growing! I would suggest having more port-a-Johns at the start. I got in line 22 min before the start, and I bailed out of the line to use the woods and still didn't make the start line on time. Also, it would be nice if the 25K ers started maybe a little later so they weren't passing us 50K ers on the steep single track. Even Jean Herbert said some 25Kers passed her before we got to the split in the courses. Just some thoughts, and you've probably had them already. Excellent job on putting together 3 great races on the same day! Thanks again for a great experience.
Margaret Welk

Great race, Joe. Thanks so much! I hope you got some sleep last night :-) See you soon
Ramsay Wall

Ditto - Joe's races are always top notchand tons of fun. Huge thanks to the whole team that was involved in putting this race together, as well as the runners I shared the trail with- you guys are the best. Special thanks to Roger Davis and his crew at Last Chance. Fortified with your good wishes (along with yummy pancakes,potatoes, beans, rice and a generous shot of Tequila) I was feeling no pain on those last 5 miles!!!
Mark Richards

WHAT AMAZING EVENT,SO WELL PUT ON AND EVERYTNING WAS AWESOME!SO MUCH THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR GRACIOUSNESS AND KINDNESS.WHAT A BLESSING TO BE AROUND SO MANY KIND PEOPLE!THANKS
LYNNE HARKEY

Ditto, ditto ditto,,omg, phenomenal event..what a blast!!! I loooooooooooooooved Bandera!!! It was great seeing everybody. I was going to drop my son off at UTSA on the way but nobody was back yet and he didn't want to sit in his dorm all weekend so he came with us. His comments about some of the stuff that took place at Xroads while he was there volunteering were hilarious. (race report to follow) Other than that, same as everybody else, first class race, HCTR, Joe, Joyce, all the people that worked so hard to make this race so much fun, I love you guys. Incredible, fantazmagorical good time. :-D
Lynnor Matheney

My race reports are never technical. I honestly don't remember most of it, usually my runs are getting to the finish, stay on my feet, move forward. #1 Thanks to my favorite and the best race director there is! Joe/Joyce are just top in my book and I am always impressed by his races their hard work, the love and support they show each and every runner. I love that when I finish I feel like I just WON! and looking at my stats, I am but a muddler; muddling through to finish. #2 I can not thank the volunteers enough, I think that is harder than running 100K. Honestly I was treated like Miss America! Thank you Jeff Key from Lubbock at start/ finish. He served me drinks as if I was at the Top of the Mark in San Fran. #3 Dimitry, I put you in my category with Mike Riggs (Mike is my hero he gave me a ride in the wee hours after being lost for over 2 hours at Cactus Rose) I was so cold, hurting you name it. I never wanted to quit something so bad. I couldn't even dress myself I was shaking from the cold. I was adding layers and Dimitry took care of me zipped me up, talked to me and convinced me to stay in. What an Angel and thank you thank you. The last time I hit crosssroads I was in better spirits, and so happy I did not drop. I had taken a nice tumble on my bottom that was worth a good laugh to the chef that was making those yummy quesadillas- I had an unfortunate case of the poops all day/night (sorry for lack of better words) so I didn't eat much but those hit the spot. #4 Roger Davis, I just love this guy, your aide station was great and I creditthat to just your upbeat personality ( and your red hair, I am married to a red head so I have a soft spot);and you were just a short order cook with your pancakes, they looked great but with the condition before mentioned I did not dare. I don't know the name of your right hand man out there, but he was so nice.Thank you both. I hate to start naming names b/c I will leave someone out, everyone out there Thanks is not enough. You all were working in some freezing/windy conditions. It was a top notch race as everything Joe puts on. I loved seeing everyone at the pre race dinner. This is just a great family and I am so blessed to have made some really good friends through HCTR- see you on the trails God Bless
Brenda Baker

Those roasted potatoes were awesome!:-) ...and so was the homemade chicken soup at XR, beans and rice at Chapas, the many cheese sandwiches that I consumed along the way, and the pancake breakfast at Last Chance before taking it home. Oh yeah I almost forgot, the Blackberry Cobbler at the Lodge, YUM!:-). Again I can't say thank you enough Joe and Joyce for putting on such a fantastic event and helping me to get my butt back out on the trail when I needed to. To all the volunteers (waay too many names to list and I am afraid that I would leave someone out) thank you for your support and encouragement in helping all of us get through the night and get her done.
BillPatience

Just want to echo the thanks! I did my first ever trail running event at Bandera on Saturday, the 25K, and it was a blast! The course was well-marked, the volunteers were a huge help, and the other runners on the course were great fun to run with. The trails were incredibly fun, too. From the minute I crossed the finish line on Saturday, I've been thinking, "I can't wait for the next one!"
Moishe Moishel

I also like to thank the organizers (Joe -You put on a marvelous event!) and all the volunteers. Special thank to Dmitry Rozinsky who gave us a gentle nudge out of the Cross Road aid station. It sure was tempting to sit there all night. One comment..those roasted potatoes were excellent! Yummy! My compliment to the chef. I'm even salivating right now as I think about them
Susan Bell

Thanks for the excellent job that you and your team do at all the races. Sincerely,
Robert Lott

You did a good thing.
Gordon Montgomerey

Just wanted to drop a note and say thanks for putting on a great race last weekend. Your efforts were very much appreciated! It was my first time on the course and I ran the 50K. I had a great time, and was impressed with how well the course was marked. You'd have to have your eyes closed to get lost on that course (though I heard some did, anyway). The volunteers were great, too! You seems to have had all your bases covered. At least, that what it looked like from my perspective. Thanks!
Todd Holmes

A heartfelt thanks, Joe. Your hard work and the hard work of all the volunteers is why this race has grown so quickly. First-rate all the way. And a quick special thanks to Paul Stone and hiscrew at Chapas who resurrected me from the dead on the second loop (the jambalaya rocked).
Miles Klaff

Charlie (sorry don't his last name), who headed up the ham radio operations, at Chapas can be thanked for providing the jambalaya. As far as the Chapas aid station, Doug Giminez and Shan Rooney worked tirelessly (and selflessly) at the aid station from the opening bell until closing. Tony Maldonado, who volunteered in other aspects of the race as well, was there throughout much of the day, providing support for all the runners. As in past years, the family of Scott Gordon chipped in throughout the day at different intervals. My thanks goes out to Doug, Shan, Tony, Charlie, Scott's family and all the others who helped at the aid station. It truly makes our sport special. Thanks again,
Paul Stone

Joe, you're amazing. It's so wonderful of you to write this type of thank you to everyone. The volunteers are to be thanked endlessly. Most people don't praise those efforts enough. You and your family and all the volunteers made Bandera a very memorable experience. It'll be hard to top. Hope to see you at one of your events soon.
Donna Chapman

Joe - you two are amazing! I have fallen in love deeper with the sport and am fortunate to have great friends in the running community! All possible due to your events and HCTR club! I am blessed!
Dawn Craig

There's not enough thanks that can be said to Joe, his family, and the rest of the volunteers at the aid stations and every where else who made this event so great. I would tell anyone that says there's no such thing as angels, to go to one of these races and in the aid stations. You'll see a tent full of them. Part of me thinks their job is harder than the runners. You all rock!
Thomas Orf

Thanks, Joe! This was my first 100K, so I am totally happy with the buckle I did get! I just started running very recently and my first marathon was San Antonio in November 2006. I've now completed over 20 marathons or ultras. I'm not fast, but I get there eventually. I have my sights on the Rocky Racoon 100M, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for this year. I did the 50M there last year, but I know it's a big jump from the 50M and even from the Bandera 100K to the RR 100M. I really appreciate your race management--the volunteers are great, the trails are tough but clearly marked, and it is such a supportive environment that I know I have been inspired to continue to head for the hills even when I've felt like giving up. Thanks for all you and your team does to support trail running!
Alan Peterson

Not even a problem. Thank you so much for such a well organized event and an awesome experience. It was mine and Rosie's 1st Trail Running event and we had a very challenging and rewarding experience. We'll be waiting anxiously for the final product. Thanks again for the opportunity,
Rosario Lovelace & Don Garrison

joe ,this was my first race at bandera and what a memorable one it was. the whole race ,aid stations ,volunteers were first rate!! fantastic job by all!! i'll be back !
John Kuss

I was one of the "size small" shirt orderers for Bandera and I gotta say - as much as I like the quarter-zip sweatshirts, this hoodie I got instead is about TEN MILLION TIMES MORE AWESOME! This has got to be the greatest race shirt ever. LOVE IT! I'm so glad there was a problem with the order!
Melissa Heggen

2008

Thanks for another great year! Thank you for all your great work each year to make this an event we all live for. looking forward to Bandera 09!
Jane Svehlak

You put on a great race! I will definitely be back next year. And I will see you next month for Rocky Raccoon.
Ryan Valdez

Great run you all put on. Thanks.
Sergio Madrigal

Thanks for a great experience this past weekend; the course was incredible and the volunteers were fantastic at each aid station. See you at Rocky Racoon
Mark Crisman

Thanx again for the great race.
Mark K. Henderson

We wanted to email and let you know what a great time we had at the Bandera trail runs this past weekend! The trails were brutal, though extremely well-marked with no chance of getting lost (given we DID attend the pre-race briefing J) and offered pretty views; fellow runners friendly and kind on trail; aide stations well stocked and extremely helpful trying to get you in and out quickly & efficiently -- even willing to help fix feet, dealt well with bladders & special concoctions, fetching drop bags, etc. (we could tell they were runners, and children of runners); and the weather fantastic, though quite HOT compared to CO. And the Sotol was all you warned it'd be! Thanks for putting this event on and taking great care to every detail. I spent some time around the aide stations and the lodge between my 50K and Pat's 100K and was impressed at the radio folks' keeping tabs on runners, care on adding more glow sticks to areas of concern, and aide station re-supplies. And, thanks to the medic for being available (at odd hours no less) and thorough - pretty sure it's something I ate.... Pat & I have been sharing our trail stories. We think you truly did look for every bump and rocky trail possible in the Hill Country for the event, with some flats thrown in just to get you to another bump. Absolutely sick to have the 100K'ers do the Big Nasty and then Cairn's Climb! Periodically I'd lift my head up and wonder where we'd go next and all I'd have to do is look for the most rugged hill in the area and know we were aiming for it. Pat was amongst other runners between The Sky and Ice Cream Hill and one runner slipped and said "I thought Joe had cleared all the rocks from the trail". Another runner said, "I heard Joe had cleared all the rocks from the trail this year, but found other rocks underneath". Another runner said "I've heard Joe went along and pushed more rocks onto the trail". We imagine your ears were likely burning all day! Thanks again for a fun (& successful) weekend, and see you at Hardrock!
Karen Pate & Pat Homelvig

What an event! The experience of finishing my first trail race beat all of my expectations by far. The aid stations and volunteers were terrific, the trail was well marked, and everyone was friendly. I wish I had taken the time to meet you personally but I think my mind was in some euphoric fog and could only concentrate on what was in front of my face at the time. Next time...and I have already set a goal of sub 6 hours for next year's race. My goal this year was to finish between 6 and 7 hours and I accomplished that even after twisting my ankle around mile 8, trying to get out of someone else's way no less, so I am already pumped up about next year. Thanks again for your encouragement leading up to the race and for putting on a fantastic event!
Bill Hamilton

I had a wonderful time not only running such a beautiful course but in getting to meet you and Sammy and Amanda and all of the other volunteers and runners. And helping Sammy was just an absolute hoot - what a great guy!
Penny Mooney

Thanks for a great weekend! The stars were just beautiful Saturday night. Clea and I stopped and turned off lights three times to fully appreciate the view.
Mer Terrenova

The race was amazingly challenging. It was the first running event that I've ever done. Good thing because now I'm hooked on trails and plan to make it a hobby. Thank you.
Miranda Mayhall

Thanks again for a great day. Lots of fun, but I'm still mad at you for throwing that final climb in at the end of the 50 K like you did!! :)
Nancy Shidler

Just wanted to say that the 2008 100k race was great.
Jeff Munroe

As usual the Bandera run was a challenge and lots of fun. This one is so frustrating because there is always a choice of two very good spots to shoot from.
Rick Kent (the photographer)

Again, another great event at Bandera. Thanks to you and all your crew and volunteers for making it possible! Cheers
Mariela Botella

First of all, thank you for putting on another great race. Crystal and I had a great time and I appreciate you letting us help out. It is a lot of fun. The race went really well, I heard no substantial complaints, just the obligatory what the hell is Joe doing to us - so you know it was good.
John Reynolds

As always, top-notch race. wished we could have stayed out there longer! hope to be out there again next year!
Rich Yavorsky

Thanks so much for putting on such a great event again! This was my second Bandera race (last year was my muddy first) and once again, from beginning to end you guys rock!! Thanks to all of the support folks, to the tallest horse I believe I've ever seen, to Cross Roads for knowing exactly what you need, and to our Creator God for the wonderful weather. See you next year! Ephesians 6:10
Mark "Boog" Ferrell Jr.

Thanks for another great event.
Sheila Ritter

Thanks again for all your work RDing the event. It was a great first trail race for me! All best,
Paul

Thanks for the great race you put on. I had more fun than my buddy Ed Craighead as he usually beats me to the finish but I guess your course was technical enough to give me a chance against him. I'll share the joy with our club members and trail lovers in hope to bring some more panhandle nuts your way.
Erik Buzzard

Bandera was a wonderful experience, one I am not soon to forget. Thanks for all you do.
Don Ruggles

I would like to thank you, the medical staff, your volunteers and the horse that got me down off the mountain Saturday. They were all very professional and kind to me. I have never been hurt and failed to finish a race before. I knew that my race was going too well. After all the extreme sections, I did it on a flat stretch! I was able to hop for a little over a mile, until some rock ledges grounded me. We drove to New Braunfels to the hospital. I did break my foot in a couple of places, but the doctor says it should heal just fine without surgery. Thank you and see you next year!
Erik Anderson

2007

I just wanted to thank you, Joyce, and all your volunteers for the tremendous job you'll did putting on the race. Did any of you ever get any sleep between Friday and Sunday? Being one of the last to finish the 100K, I really appreciated how much the volunteers at the aid stations helped me,,from making sure I ate and drink to making sure I went in the right direction. You do put on the best races..both in term of organization and memorable course/terrain. The course was the toughest I have ever run or in my case walk. After telling people, I never get blisters on my feet. This is the first race I got blisters...Wow! I feel like a "real" trail runner.
Susan Bell

I wanted to thank you for all the hard work you put into the race. It was wonder. Kicked my butt but wonderful. The trails were well marked and the base camp was great. I will look forward to next year. I was given a 50K rather than 25K metal and would like to send that back to you. Please send me your address. Thanks again.
Lee Shore

Thanks again for putting on such a great race. Beth and I really enjoyed the trails, Sammy's cookin and your(and Joyce's) hospitality. And we got to see the debut of the next great runner. Patrick Russell is the real deal. It feels strangely satisfying to lose to someone like that. It was a good weekend all around.
Larry Hall

Bandera was a blast. Sloppy, mucky, yucky, muggy and chilly. I was extremely lucky to be able to run the better part of the 100K with Henry Hobbs. Nothing like having your own personal trail guide. He knew where every dip, climb, rock and cactus was. It was a definite edge to be by his side. Better yet, it was about 10 hrs of great conversation with a really likeable guy. This weekend was what ultra running is all about....people who work tirelessly for the enjoyment, satisfaction and fulfillment of other people's dreams. The food was great. The volunteers were enthusiastic, helpful and encouraging. Friends waiting hours at the lodge for other friends to finish. Course markings were super. People sharing jackets, flashlights and socks....er....socks? Yes, I personally witnessed Joe peel off his socks and give them to Shawn Fagan at the 50K mark. Folks, there aren't too many people, let alone race directors, that would go sockless in the wet muck for another runner. That was just too cool. Thanks again to Joe, Joyce, Sammy and all the volunteers that went home after a hard day, sleepless night and too few "thank you's". Couldn't have gotten to the finish line without you.
Stuart Skeeter

This was the Bandera Joe's been talking about for awhile with all the elements of nature. It was nasty with the warm temps, rain, wind, cold, mud, etc. He got his wish and I got whipped. The folks at the aid stations deserve the greatest admiration, supporting all the runners in the same elements. Everyone is to be congratulated: Steve and friends from San Antonio at Nachos, Paul Stone and crew with Jeff Farrell at Chapas, Dan Keitz, Carrie Delbecq and the Rogues at Crossroads, NTTR with Letha and Mark Dick and Sammy V and crew for the fantastic food. They are the greatest! Mark Lindsey deserves my utmost appreciation. We paced each other on the second loop. Yet it was his encouragement that pushed me to finish when my mind was 'saying' otherwise. Thanks Mark. Speaking of clothes, Joe gave me his long sleeve shirt at the start/finish when the cold front arrived. I didn't have one in my drop so he offered his, more than likely one of his favorite because he said he wanted it back and he knows where I live. Thanks Joe.
Gabe Ayson

Just a quick note to say thanks and let you know what a kick-ass time Jessica and I both had last weekend at your event. Your volunteers were very friendly and extremely helpful at all of the aid stations, but most of all, Jessica and I were highly impressed with the staff at Crossroads, not to mention the fare offered at each aid station was awesome. And the course...well, what can I say other than it "cleaned my plough" just like a good rugged trail-ultra is supposed to do, plus it was very scenic and beautiful in spite of all the Goddamn mud, especially on the second loop, however, as previously stated, it (the mud) too, helped to make this one incredible utlra-experience that I will cherish forever. I will definitely be back and actively recruit participants for your fine race in the future.
Eric Steele

The race was awesome!!!! It's a race that us runners wouldn't be able to do without the volunteers and the volunteers are amazing!!!!!! They were so helpful and happy at the stops! They would just ask what you need and bring it to you- awesome!!! A huge thank you to them!!!! And, I'm loving the sweatshirt in this "arctic blast" weather :)
Carrie knapp :)

Joyce, Hello, This is Michelle Brooks; I don't know if you remember me. I was the first one injured on the trail run (the one whose ankle popped!) I just wanted to thank you for taking such good care of me and the medic who also took care of me. I appreciated your kind words and giving me some advice on my injury. I just wanted to keep you updated on my condition, I went to my sports medicine doctor and he said nothing is broken but I do have several ligaments that are torn. I am getting an MRI tomorrow, so hopefully my tendons are all intact! You will definitely see me at Bandera next year! Thanks Again!
Michelle Brooks

Many thanks to you, Joyce and everyone who helped put on this great run. Keep it going I truly enjoy coming here every year. Thanks Again
Robert Beck

Thank you for putting on such a great event!
Larry Teeter

I had a great time at Bandera. I can't thank everyone enough for putting on such a first class event: the organization, the trail layout and marking, the food, the aid stations, etc. I also enjoyed meeting several nice folks out there like Cris and Mark. Mark you kicked butt out there! Congratulations Gabe and Michael and all the other 100k finishers!
Dave Byers

I'd like to sincerely thank you for all your hard work in creating Bandera. My friend, teresa, and I had so much fun. You are right, the volunteers really had to tough out the elements, and they were fantastic, and the aid stations had the BEST selection of goodies. The course is so well marked, even someone like me with no sense of direction is fine. I love it out there! Thanks again, my friend teresa, who did her first trail race, commented how this race was more organized than any road run she's ever done.
Clea Csycz

Thank you Joe and Joyce and your staff for another superb event. Please pass along my heartfelt thanks to your volunteers for their incredible energy and support. Every aid station was over the top with their care and personal attention. As you know, this was my first 100k and I couldn't be more gratified. The conditions were less than desirable so it made each aid station a true oasis, especially on the second loop. What a great feeling to be coddled by the volunteers at each aid station and savoring that warmth of space and spirit for a few minutes before trudging on. I feel better about my accomplishment with each passing day and my ability to walk normally improves as well. I loved it and hope to be back next year to give it another go. I love this place. I took a few seconds on top of the Sisters this year to enjoy the view and said out loud "God, I love this place".
Fred Thompson

As runners, our job is done when we cross the finish line (even though my body continued to remind me of Bandera for a couple of days following). We collect our finisher medal, eat, shower and drive home. Not so for you and those at aid stations who pack up and clean up then take ample amounts of mud home on all gear to be cleaned, dried and packed away for another race. I may be partial, however, I was truly amazed at the ingenuity, time and investment that went into constructing the NTTR Last Chance Saloon…a sink, microwave, hot running water, and the list could go on…all powered by 3 generators. Then had to face a cold, wet, muddy, muddy Sunday morning for tear down and packing up. I ran the Bandera 25K the 2 previous years and loved the trail. This year I decided to go for the 50K– my first attempt at a 50K. Every step of the way, I chastised myself for not training appropriately and promised that I would be better prepared next time. (humm…almost sounds like a commitment for a next time) I must say that was the most physically challenging thing I have ever done in my life, however, equally rewarding to have successfully completed my first 50K at Bandera. I was so impressed to be personally congratulated by the race director as I crossed the finish line…I don’t compete to be first; I compete to not be last! You make every runner at Bandera feel like a winner when crossing the finish line. I feel so redundant in stating my appreciation for the planning and execution of all aspects of the 3 simultaneous races, yet I still feel compelled to express my appreciation. To avoid writing a novel, I’ll just briefly mention a few: the aid stations, informative website, volunteers, aid stations, course markings, organization, food, and did I mention aid stations? So what is the date for January 2008?
Linda Boggs

As one of those "fallen angels," I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for an absolutely first-rate event. Sure, the course beat me down (along with some poor planning on my part) until I wanted to whimper like a baby, but the beauty of the park & the terrific aid station volunteers made it all worthwhile. Can't wait for 2008. Thanks again.
Miles Klaff

Thanks again for another great Bandera event.
Kelly Carper Polden

I ran the 25k and just wanted to thank you for all of your work to make it possible, and to tell you how much I enjoyed the race. I'm still on a high from participating in the event, the great volunteers and other runners we met. Thanks again.
Richard Averett, Carmel Valley, CA

Just wanted to thank you and all the support staff for a great experience. It was a very well organized run, quite challenging as well...but that's why we're out there, right. I will plan on it next year and hope to do the 100K. Next time I might even run the course correctly. I hope the 100K runners didn't get drenched, it rained all the way back home. Thanks again bib #299. PS Great shirt and medal!
Dan Hamilton

What an awesome weekend! I have the battle-scars to prove it :) I heard the weather got a bit more challenging as the night progressed....sorry we couldn't stay to watch the suffer-fest.
Mer Terranova

This was my 1st Bandera Trail Run (25k), 1st Trail Run period, and 1st race this distance...you guys made it awesome! I can't thank or compliment you all enough. I really can't imagine how the 100K guys/girls managed (although next year I want to hang around and help and find out), but the folks at Boyles, Cross Roads & Last Chance are most certainly the only reasons I finished this thing. Boyles crew: thanks so much for the encouragement! Cross Roads: thanks for the encouragement & salt tablets & fruitless bathroom break! Last Chance crew: Thanks for the encouragement, the laughs, the beer & the pretzels! My compliments to the Chef---all the groceries were delicious! Thanks to Ezra for running with me and being a bud for a while & big thanks to all the fellow runners who offered support and inspiration. The course was great & finally: Thanks to the nasty-sticky-mud and it's glorious Creator for my new found humility. See ya next year!
Boog Ferrell - Athens,Tx

Thanks so much for putting on another great run at Bandera!! I came down from Michigan on Friday night and went back on Saturday night, but my short time in Texas was fantastic. You have absolutely THE BEST and most friendly / caring / encouraging volunteers I have ever encountered. The course is, no doubt, very difficult and challenging, but is scenic, beautiful and has so many variations and different vistas that it is always interesting and engaging. As I eased my tired body back into a reclining position on the flight from San Antonia to Chicago, a smile appeared on my face as I thought about the day at Bandera. Thanks again for all your hard work.
Steve Maas

Just wanted to drop a line and let you know that y'all did an awesome job on the race this year. It was my 2nd Bandera 50K race, and my wife Becky's first. We both had a great time. My first Bandera race was 2 years ago. There were notable improvements in the trail markings (which were already pretty good two years ago), and the separate starts worked extremely well, much better than the single start two years ago. Henri was disappointed that he didn't finish, but he had a memorable time, and was also very impressed with the race organization. I gathered from what he said that he didn't take the increased level of difficulty of this race (as opposed to his road races) sufficiently into account, so he started a bit too fast, and didn't take in enough food at the aid stations. On top of that, his watch fogged up and he lost track of time. I forgot to ask him when he actually pulled out of the race, but he said that he simply ran out of gas somewhere around the 60K mark. The food issue was a first for him. He's talking about possibly coming back next year to get his finish, in which case we would run the 100K together. I hope that he does. That would be a blast! I have a couple of very minor suggestions for improvement. Becky didn't get any pins in her bag at packet pickup on Friday, and there were none left on Saturday, so more pins would be good. As far as food goes, we try to avoid red meat, and eat whole grains when possible. I recognize that Sammy does a great job under difficult conditions. Anything that he can do in the way of non-beef items and whole grain buns would be appreciated. Luckily for me, he serves up a masterful mess of beans; the beans have been my main course at any of the Saturday dinners that I've attended over the last several years. All in all, it was a great race, and the suggestions are pretty minor. Let me add to that... The volunteers were awesome! I especially noticed Chris Matus and Billy Sederholm, because I happen to know them, and it seemed like they were there working at something every time that I turned around, but all of the volunteers were absolutely amazing.
Ed Gomolka

Great race in 2007...I had an absolute blast. I am the chick from Florida who "ain't seen mountains and weather" like this before...and mighta twisted an ankle for good measure, too...but managed to finish the 50K and do so smiling and shivering...you were most kind for finding me a shirt so I can take it home and wear it with pride..and bring some more southern runner-folk back with me... Thanks again so much.
Susan Haag

Thanks for another great race. As always, the Aid Stations were the highlight of the race. The food is good enough to take a date and the Volunteers are worth their weight in gold. Once again, Thanks so much for an outstanding event.
Rick Cook

This is an automated message from Geocaching. Location: Texas, United States TXHills found Cowboy Cache (Traditional Cache) at 1/14/2007. Log Date: 1/14/2007 Good thing this is an ammo can. Rain, rain, rain, and more rain! Tejastrails was here this weekend for an endurance event. 25km, 50km, and 100km! I came out to help watch them cross the finish line, call out their numbers and times, hand out medals - you know, pretty much nothing compared to the participants. Up and down these hills and trails for long distances. I got the cache when I went out to hang glow sticks for the 100k runners because they were going to be running almost all night!! They started at 730am and 100km runners would not all finish until well after midnight. There were people of all ages in this. And all this in the rain! Incredible. I am such a wuss. Either that or so much more intellegent than these weirdos. Everyone I met at this event was just great and very appreciative of the help given. Check out their website for a copy of the topo map of the park (much better than the one the state gives out) and for pictures of the park. Took a bandana and left a map of the topo map of the park with the race trails labeled on it.

I sent a note to the list at large, thanking you guys for a great race, and great weekend, but here's a personal thanks for going the extra mile in every area of the organization. Food was superb, volunteers were happy, helpful, efficient, and actually knew what they were doing, I love my nice comfy sweatshirt, I finally got that 100K buckle, every muscle fiber from the waist down, hundreds of thousands of them, are all saying "ouch", I can't find my new shoes, but there are a couple of muddy lumps in the back of the pickup, the weather was just peachy, I only threw up twice, I had beer and brisket at an aid station (not related to previous statement), and how you managed to coat all those rocks out there with grease to make them slippery-er than snot, I don't know... But more than anything else, it is just really classy for the race director to greet runners at the finish line - this, maybe more than the award itself or the joy of finishing, somehow validates the effort, and makes every runner, from the slugs to the gazelles, feel like they mattered in the course of the event. Thanks for giving of yourselves in that very personal way, at the cost of any sleep for the weekend... I hope you can kick back and enjoy some rest very soon. The boxes will all get put away eventually... don't rush it. hugs,
Deb Pero

I just wanted to express my appreciation for a rockin' good weekend. Despite my inability to maintain a normal bipedal gait this morning, I look forward to next year with anticipation. There seems to be some mystical force at Bandera that makes runners return year after year even "after they know" ... according to the veteran's page. I'm guessing it's like what my Mom and wife told me about childbirth... the joy that follows makes forgetting the pain easy. As far as the race itself, despite the mud, it couldn't have been better. I was again blown away by the genuine encouragement, care, and concern given by the aid station volunteers. And Last Chance always gives me a laugh... I happen to have been listening to "Dark Side of the Moon" on my MP3 when I reached the Christmas lights :^) Again, thanks for a great time. See yall in November hopefully.
Dalton Wade Wilson

Thanks for putting together such a great race. This was everything I've heard and then some. I really enjoyed the total experience.
Dmitry

Big Texas Hoorah for Joe and Joyce Prusaitis and their absolutely phenomenal gang of volunteers for an incredibly well run event. How they manage to provide top quality, hot, homemade food (we're talking smoked brisket, rice and beans, REAL mac and cheese, soup, sandwiches, and spirits!) at aid stations in the middle of Texas back country is nothing short of miraculous.. The course is tough, this year's weather made it a little tougher, but Joe and gang took great care of all the runners, with some classy awards to boot. The entire 50K loop has glow sticks hung at night - another feat which boggles the mind. Joe is there at the finish to greet every runner (about 350 of them this year I think), and remember, there's a 24 hour time limit on the 100K, so he's out there for a looonnnng time, and still smiling all the while. So, next January, git yourself down to West Texas for some mighty fine trail running, hanging out with good friends, and some good eatin' too.. You'll be glad you did!
deb pero (happily hobbling around the house today)

Awesome race. I'm as sore as I've been since Leadville and love it. You rock! Too bad, we missed the ice storm. It would have made a hell of a story and people would have talked about it for years. Would have gone from "nasty" to "holy-crap-i-cant-believe-we-did-that". Makes me appreciate my first Rocky with the 22 degree low.
Mike Riggs

Hey, great race at Bandera last weekend! That was my first trail running race and I was more than impressed! Great volunteers, well stocked aid stations (though the second one of the 25k was disappointing) [Boyles - Water Only], just good all around organization. I only did the 25k, but I can presume that the 50k and 100kers were well-taken care of by the looks of it! And also thanks to Joyce for letting me "hitch" a ride on the 4-wheeler to get back to Last Chance to look for a lost item... She's was super nice!
Tracy L. Jones

I just wanted to say thank you again for putting on such a great event. For all the long hours and hard work that you put in just to make sure that things go smoothly and come off just right so that a few of us can go out on the trails, be well cared for and have a great time (I sure did:-) If this race didn't have you and Joyce's name attached to it I highly doubt that I would have come back out each year to run it. Running Bandera is tough, but you guys help to make it enjoyable and keep it fun. I can't believe how well we are treated not only by you but all the volunteers that come out and give of their time, not only braving the cold weather but encourage us to keep moving, even though we may not want to. To be running back to the finish line dog tired only to have some of that great homestyle cooking waiting there for us (thanks to Sammy). All of these ingredients blended together make for the perfect elixir that only can increase the magic that we experience when we are out there on the trails. Thanks again,
Bill Patience

Hi Joe! I just wanted to thank your for putting on such a terrific race in a spectacular location. I have never felt more exhilarated than running up to the finish line last Saturday -- the rocks, the mud, the shredded quads - what a GREAT time! And your volunteers were so wonderful. My thanks to everyone who gives something to this race. It will always be one of my fondest memories.
Liz Stamey

Thanks for a great learning experience at Bandera this year. Nattu Natraj (I was doing the learning, not him!) and I had to drop from the 100K at the 50K mark, but we appreciated the consolation prize of an official 50K finish. Interesting course, great oragnization, superheroic volunteers. You done good. I'll be back for the 100K again. Thanks again for a no-worry, hassle-free race experience.
Ed Brickell

Hey Yall - sure is quiet out there. Was I the only one that had a great time out at Bandera? (Well - at least after I finished running). Seems like this year we came close to having it all! Rain, wind, heat, cold, mud, fog! Too bad Joe missed his wish for sleet and freezing temperatures by a single day. Better luck next year Joe. Oh yeah - and thanks for putting on this great run again!
Duane Lewis

You guys rock. I know Joe was bummed that his kick-your-butt course wasn't made doubly hard by extreme weather, but I had SUCH a blast (and was so happy it stayed warm). Thanks to Joe, Joyce, Kyle, and team for the fantastic organization, and thanks to all of the awesome volunteers for making it such a great day all around. Congratulations to Henry, Diana, Robert, Gabe, Mark, Ava, Donna, and all the rest of you crazy 100k-finishers, too. Don't know how you do it. Hope to see you all again soon,
Tracy Holland

2006

Belated thanks to both you and Joyce for producing another outstanding experience at Bandera. The bag drops this year worked amazingly well for all of us, so hope it worked as well to help all of you.
Jane Svehlak / Fort Worth

Hello Joe, I just wanted to say that I keep a very good remember for the week end of the 100 race. Go on for this race, and other ones !
Stephane Mathieu / Paris, France

I had a GREAT time this weekend. This was my first Trail Run and I think I am hooked. Your team did a wonderful job marking the trail so we would not get lost, supporting the runners at the various stations, and keeping the atmosphere very upbeat! It was a breathtaking view of the hill country and I am planning on returning next year. Thanks so much for being so patient with not only my emails prior to the race, but I'm sure a lot more emails from others participants. Thank you again for a wonderful event and please pass thanks along to the many many volunteers as well.
Jennifer Perez

The usual and well deserved GREAT EVENT! and THANKS! Had fun
Drew Meyer

I just wanted to send you and Joyce and huge thank you for putting on an awesome race this past weekend! I can't show enough gratitude for all the hard work you, Joyce and all the volunteers put in to create such a great event and environment. I'm extremely glad I joined the ultra community that is filled with so many solid individuals.
Pete Mehok

I know lots of people have already written their thanks, but I would also like to say thanks to Joe and Joyce and Henry all the other volunteers. Thanks to the aid station people who took good care of me, esp at Chapas. I enjoyed it a lot, and so did Jill who did her first trail 25k. Joe - you made me suffer! All that flat stuff between Chapas and Crossroads made my legs hurt. What a relief to finally get to the three sisters. I think the course needs more hills to give my legs a break.
joe kroesche

Just a quick thanks to you and the volunteers. What an awesome experience Bandera was. To the foot-repairman at Chapas... the lady with the beans and rice at x-road in... the guy at x-road out who told me "Tear it up!" at mile 53 when I needed the encouragement... and the long-haired lady at Last Chance with the "magic" beans :^). Everyone treated me like family and left absolutely no doubt in my mind I could finish the challenge. A special thanks to you Joe, for personally congratulating each runner at the finish. My whole family had a memorable time. We'll be back next year... any chance of a 100 miler in 2007???
Dalton (DW) Wilson

I finished with Drew Meyer. Thanks for a great race. The people were nice; the course was marked clear as a bell. All the comments I heard from other runners were nothing but the best. One suggestion- the web site isn't clear about where the race is. I had to search around before I found the name of the park at the bottom of one of the race applications. If it were listed on home page, it would make it easier for newbies to Mapquest and get directions. Thanks again for putting on a wonderful race.
ryan douglas

Joe, Joyce, I don't know how you do it but each year it just keeps getting better. Thank you! I look forward to this race every year and plan on being back for some more fun next year. It was a blast and although I did not get much sleep, it was fun to camp out behind the corral and get to see and hear what goes on behind the scenes. The race was tough and I cratered very badly on the second loop, thanks to Steve for his encouragement at Nachos to just keep it moving and to everyone at Chapas, X-Roads in and Out, Last Chance (even though they tried to put a special liquid in my waterbottle;-) All these guys and gals are just like a professional Indy Pit Crew! Talk about getting you taking care of, fixed up, fueled up and back out into the race. Then of course there was the lodge where I knew that when it was all over that I had Sammys fine home - on - the - range cooking to look forward to:-)))...Thank you Sammy, simply put, ..Awesome!! Also I might add that I thought that all you guys did an excellent job marking the course, it made it very easy to just run with out having to think too much about which way to go. Thank you, Henry, Robert and the crew! Your hard work paid off and made the race a lot more fun to run and to me that is what it is all about. It takes so many people working hard together to make this event to come off the way it dose and there just are too many names to list and I know that I would leave someone off, so a big thank you to everyone that volunteered their time and their race to make Bandera the special event that it is
Bill Patience

I would just like to say thanks for once again putting on a great race. I did the 25k last year and this year my adventure racing team and I decided to go for the 100k as a training run/hike for 6 day adventure race coming up in February/March. Well we finished at 50 miles and realized that we would have ran out of time before the cutoff, so decided to call it a morning and head off for bed. Thanks and see you next year for sure
Dianna Brackeen

Thank you so much for hosting yet another great event. Though it is a depiction of the event seen through my eyes it is also a note of credit to everyone who helped make Bandera 2006 such a great event. You two have the great ability to get the best people to volunteer. In my report I mention Mark Henderson's effort this weekend, but he was just one of many of your volunteers who pulled some long volunteer hours. Those volunteers are the core strength of your events.
Thorbjorn Pedersen

I know you have heard it over and over, but THANKS! I had an awesome time at Bandera. The 100K was tough, but hey, you never promised easy! You, Joyce and the gang did an absolutely incredible job of putting on a class trail race. The pre-race accommodations were perfect (especially Sammy's spaghetti), the aid stations were wonderful and everyone was quite convincing when they told me I looked good! I have to say that I was absolutely blown away to run into the Last Chance Saloon at 10:45 pm to see a line up of NTTR characters watching "Men In Black" on the big screen! Yet another first at an ultra for me! Paul Stone and his gang at Chapas were awesome at a time when I needed awesome! Paula Billman (volunteer after running the 25K) was an absolute angel to this dehydrated runner right at nightfall. I also remember Clea and Stephanie appearing somewhat angelic at Crossroads Out on the second loop. They did so much with so little! The Rogue team and the gang at Crossroads In were terrific as well. I really got a kick out of your "choice" signs...yeah, right...as if we had a choice! The course was great, with excellent trail markings. Even for a bedraggled wanderer like me, it was easy to stay on course day AND night. The glowstics in the cairns were a nice touch. Thanks for being such a trail runner's race director! You and your team rock!
Lynn Ballard

Loved the event....I can't even imagine how much you put into it, but it's very obvious you give it your all.
clea

First of all thanks for putting on such an awesome race! I enjoy myself more and more every year I come back. Thanks for the memories, and to the prospect of even better ones in the future!
Mark Raymond

Great race and can’t wait to do it again next year!!
Brackeen, Dianna

I just wanted to congratulate you on a great race this past weekend. I wasn't able to run but I did help Sisson out at his aid station. I was extremely impressed by the organization and how well you take care of your runners, esp the 100Kers after dark. There was a great laid back vibe that was definitely infectious. Please congratulate your wife, Henry, the cook, and your other race staff. Thanks Joe!
Lauren Miller

Thanks for putting on an excellent event. You have set new high standards for all RD's to aspire to! Despite having a tough day, I enjoyed the course, spending time with the other runners, and all of the TLC at the aid stations.
Paul Schmidt

I can't wait to run the 50k myself next year. I would also like to volunteer next year in whatever capacity you need. That was my first time to Bandera and I loved it.
Donna Ashmun

First off, thank you for an awesome race this weekend. Joyce and you put on the best. Every detail is thought through from a runner's perspective. I was glad to participate and come back and redeem after flaking out there 2 years ago. The course and people are what I love. Great friends, some solitude, and climbing. I'll be back and I think I am healthy enough to begin re-introducing speed back into my training. Seeing Doug and Bill's 50+ times are seriously motivating. Thanks again Joe! BTW, Great awards.
Kelly Heath

Joe - I want to thank you for allowing us to help your organization at this years Bandera 100k and for your generous donation. As usual, your event volunteers were superbly organized ( the food was awesome - send our thanks to the cooks!!) and I'm sure all the participants enjoyed the weekend. I do not think you could have ordered better weather. We hope to see ya'll on the trail again next year!! Thanks, Saludos
Bobby Reynolds: President - Hill Country State Natural Area Partners

I'd like to thank you and the rest of your team for putting on such a great race at Bandera last weekend. I had a great time and met some really great people. I can't wait to come back next year.
Kevin Walker

Bandera: what an absolute blast. The race was just wonderful. It was challenging and beautiful and put on to perfection. Course markings were extremely well done and the food and support first-rate. I coveted the beautiful awards but was happy to see so many Austin runners take them home. The Rogue aid station kicked some serious butt. It was a blast working after we were done running. My first 50K was just an incredible experience. Thanks, Sisson, for making it all possible--all the training field trips and coaching kept me running with a smile on my face and brought me a successful finish. And to my wonderful running buddies...what a great adventure. Now, Joe, if only you could just take out that boring flat section in the middle and give us some real running to do there....
Leah

This race is incredible. It's well managed, well marked, well everything. It's tough but thanks to Rogue (Steve Sisson) I was completely ready for the beast. Thanks Sisson! Mr. and Mrs. ATX are the greatest for having been out there all weekend. It was great to come into my first aid station and get a big ol' bunch of lovin' from Mr. ATX. Thanks bud, you sent me out of there with a big smile. Rogue's aid station -- Nachos -- was manned by Rogue Runners. They were awesome. Runnin'Horn, abba, lmil and Sisson waited on me personally -- filling my water bottles, making sure I was using my race plan, etc. When I left that aid station there was NO doubt in my mind that I was going to have a great run. Going back out to Nachos after finishing my 50K and working into the night to help the 100K folks was a blast. I can't describe the agony and ecstacy of this event -- lets just say that I know I'm going back next year. Joe and Joyce you are incredible. Thanks! Joe, Bandera was awesome. My first 50K and I have you and Sisson to thank for it -- thanks. What an event dude. I'm hooked. I'll be there next year and the next. You put on quite a show. Again, thank you for a memorable event.
Cathy Bridge

I just wanted to send in my belated thanks to all the gang for all the work that went into Bandera last weekend. It is truly a primo event. And a special thanks to Sammy for the beans and rice he sent to the aid stations. That got me refueled enough to make it through the second loop.
Duane Lewis

Bandera was so well organized I could not believe it. The moving of the 50K runners was the best since they did not hinder others. The different color tape for the drop bags was outstanding especially after the race when the bags come back. What can I say about Cross roads. You are the man and your team is championship quality. Great work with the weather too.
David Berdis

Bandera was incredible! Each year it is such an amazing event, and seems to get better and better. Sometimes I cannot fathom how it can possibly improve from what it already is. I wished I could have helped more than just washing aid station dishes post-race, but my weary body wasn't going to allow much more. I feel like a wimp when I watch you two go non-stop all weekend long, and then find even more energy to do more. I know from experience that it is SO MUCH EASIER running a race than it is volunteering, and I have a great appreciation for it. Thank you so much, Joe and Joyce, for putting on such an amazing race, and for all of the love and energy that goes into it. I loved seeing you two all over the course, and getting those Power Prusaitis hugs at transitions and at the finish. There is so much going on in your lives right now, and I am in complete awe how you are able to manage it all. Love you both!
Shan Rooney

It is an impossible task to please everyone because we all come with different agendas for doing these races and therefore different expectations but you and Joyce come as close to achieving perfection as I have ever witnessed. I have never seen two people care as much for not only their runners but also for their volunteers. It's not only the big obvious things that everyone sees but also the hundreds of other little details that maybe only make a difference to a few people but are no less important to those few. It is for this and so many other reasons that we are so blessed to have you both and are forever grateful for all you do. Please remember when you ask yourself why you do this that you make such a difference to so many people.
Linda Rust

Afternoon and thanks! Completely enjoyed the abuse at Bandera last Saturday and look forward to a longer punishment next year. My 9:30 time was longer than expected but a finishing time none the less. I was totally impressed with the team at Crossroads and they definately provided the "stuff" to finish out. I will withhold the comments regarding the trail abuse between cross-in and cross-out. I definately get smack talking rights to my road running buddies after that. Look forward to a good year and I promise to train more than I did this year...really. I may also stop drinking beer and eating to much after long runs...sort of. LOL. Anyway, Thanks for the welcome and look forward to meeting all of you.
Wallace Wakefield

I don't care what everybody else says, you're a class act Joe. Many thanks to all who made Bandera possible! One of the best races I have ever had the priveledge to run!
Lynn Ballard

We had another great time at Bandera and feel like all the runners were well taken care of at the Chapa stop. Probably a little warm for some of the runners, but weather was perfect for us volunteers. Anyway, another great job as usual. You've set a high standard for your races and continue to match or exceed the mark every time. Thanks for everything,
Paul Stone

I really appreciate the time and effort that you put into holding these races,and I want you to know that even though I left Bandera frustrated this year,you and your crew are to be commended for a great job,the aid stations and all the volunteers were great. Best Regards,
Frank Ceresa

I liked the Bandera 100k. It provided the training I need for Western States. It was an excellent race. One definitely saw that you have put a lot of effort into it. The volunteers were also fantastic. Great support at the aid stations and at the steart/finish area. Many thanks to all of you !! I want to return next year, now with the target to finish and not to use Bandera as a training run. Have you decided on the exact date for next year? Best regards,
Jan

Thank you for a great race. I am not a trail runner that was tough but I loved it! and plan on it again next year. 25K is just enough for me!
Zetta Young

You the MAN! See you next year and thanks again.
Mike Frontz

Once again you and your staff did a fantastic job. I always look forward to any race with your name on it. You do a first class job. I direct a couple of races locally in the fall and help with several others. These events pale in comparison to the effort that I know you guys have to exert in order to handle a race of this magnitude. I am always in awe when I look at my own events and think about having to multiply that effort many times over. I know that it is not easy putting these together but be assured that it does not go unappreciated. Your name is well recognized in the community and associated with first rate, high quality events. Thank you so much for the effort. I look forward to next time. I'm planning on coming back next year if you continue the tradition. It will be for my 500K. I've been able to knock time off each year having knocked off almost 2 hours from my first year (14:51 down to 12:56). I hope to break 12 next year. None of it would be possible without the outstanding crew support that this race has. Kudos to all of the team.
Scott Wood

It was a great race! The organization and voluteers were exceptional and you can pass along my thanks to everyone involved. Usually, there is some part of a race that I note could stand tinkering or improvement, but I can think of none for Bandera. Thanks for a great experience.!
David

The event was one of the best I ever attended. I can tell you put a lot of thought into choosing the course. The course was well marked w/o ruining the scenery. The aide stations were well stocked and the volunteers were friendly and helpful. Thank you for putting on a great race.
Travis Green

Thank you, thank you, thank you (no cussing included) for a wonderful event! I know you put your heart & soul into it. Those who can... do. Those who can't ... complain about it. At least you step up to DO, & give the grateful an opportunity for wonderful memories (which I now have). Teri Lee (25K) had a tumor removed from inside her spinal cord in the cervical region (neck) roughly 2 years ago. She wasn't supposed to jog again (walking was a miracle!). We were two very grateful people as we experienced her maneuvering 25K of rock & hill. This was her longest distance since surgery. Contact her if you ever want to post a story of interest! Thanks again for the challenge! and Glory to God for the miracle!
Sylvia Morris

Thanks for all your hard work in putting on such a great race. This was my first time to participate in this event, the 50k in my case, and I had a wonderful time. I saw a nice sunrise from the trail, took in the sublime vistas that the Hill Country offers, and met some nice folks along the way. The course was tough, but then that was the fun. All of the aid stations were fantastic, with some really nice encouragement at each, and the salted potatoes were awesome. Also special thanks to the lady on the bicycle (I don't know her name, but I'm guessing she was a volunteer) who was pedaling along the trail, checking on runners and lending kind words. Finally, the blue Patagonia race shirts are very cool. I definitely intend to come back next year for another great time. Regards,
Matt Bliss

Both Jo and I wanted to let you know that we really enjoyed the race. It was our first long trail run, but it probably won’t be our last.
Lyle

You and Joyce have done such a great job at making this a really special event. This was my first 100K finish and knowing that it was on such a nasty course makes the accomplishment very sweet. You guys have certainly put your stamp on this race....making it "truly Texas". Can't thank you and the host of volunteers enough for everything. No need was left unmet. Thanks again.
Stuart Skeeter

I was pacing one of the 100K guys at Bandera. Great race and organization. Sunset on the trail and the night portion was awsome. Thanks again for putting on a great race. Hope I'll return to running instead of pacing in 2007.
Chris Kapraun

The event was fantastic. Hats off to you and all the volunteers and sponsors that made this possible. This was my first and I'm already looking forward to enjoying it again next year. Thank you!
Marty Ortiz

Wednesday, 4 January After the early morning chill burns off, it is comfortable and dry in this very dusty area of hills, scrub vegetation and rocks. I am alone at the race headquarters lodge and find some shade to park my camper under and enjoy the peace and quiet of natural sounds for a few hours. Joe Prusaitis, Race Director and ultrarunner of some repute, arrives with part of his crew, vehicles raising walls of dust that choke everything along the access road. These dust storms would accompany each and every vehicle arrival/departure for the next five days. Joe and I first met at the Rocky Raccoon 100M in 2003 and as we crossed paths at races since then he would always invite me to come down and try Bandera, invitations I was only now able to accept. I had come down early to lend a hand and familiarize myself with as much of the course as possible. Other staff arrive; vehicles are unloaded; trail marking areas assigned, and I am off with a bag of ribbons to explore some trail, dry creek beds and hills, with puffs of dust at every step. I must admit, however, after hearing stories of how challenging that dust is when it turns to mud, that the dust seems to be the lesser of two evils, especially along the short but steep hills where footing is quite challenging enough when dry. Joe makes me feel right at home with the rest of the friendly staff as we clean up and go out for dinner in Bandera that evening. I go to bed as soon as we get back to the lodge and sleep for 10 hours.

Thursday, 5 January Dawn creeps up after 7am and by 8am we are out marking more trail, intersections, and potential confusion spots. This is the best-marked course I have seen in my 4 years of trail running. One would have to be completely befogged (always a possibility, as I well know) to wander off course. In addition, one is never far away from the main access road as the course loops out to both sides of that road and around the lodge start/finish area, somewhat like spokes about a hub. Ginny and John of Montrose arrive after spending a week in the warm Arizona sun, bicycling and running the trails of McDowell State Park. They are soon exploring parts of the course. Shortly before noon, Joe’s wife Joyce and her son Ryan arrive with the largest U-Haul truck I have ever seen, packed to the door with tents, coolers, heaters, folding tables and chairs, and cases and more cases of food, drinks and assorted gear. We all start unloading, sorting and staging. And more people arrive with yet more supplies and gear. I greet Jo and Lyle, and now the five-person contingent from Montrose is complete. We are all running different distances and they concentrate on the course differences and before returning to their motel. Soon, it is dark and someone goes out for pizza as we clean ourselves up. Someone brings in a large pot of homemade soup; another, several pans of homemade brownies, and we all relax and socialize. I am quite content and tired and soon retire for another 10-hour sleep.

Friday, 6 January At the crack of dawn a small group lead by Joe heads up Cairn Mountain to, as he says: “play with rocks”, restoring/modifying existing cairns and building more of them. For those not familiar with cairns, they are groups of rocks stacked one on top of the other used at intervals to mark a path that may otherwise not be recognizable. Here, they are not simply piles of rock, but artistic sculpture-like works where shapes and coloring are used in imaginative ways. A somewhat straight part of the trail is dubbed “The Gallery” where some of the cairns are side-by-side, on display. Later on during race night Joe would go up there and use artificial light for special effect. There are even cairns perched in the stark skeletons of downed trees, that truly are imaginative works of art. As more volunteers arrive we tackle the raising of the tents. There are twelve large rectangular units, all similar, and assembly lines form. It doesn’t take long before they are raised with tables and chairs lined up beneath. Runners start arriving and picking up packets. The kitchen area is a flurry of activity. Due to the extreme fire-hazard this year, there will be no roast pig. Aid-station staff collect their gear and move off to start their setups. Around 3pm I lie down in the camper and immediately fall asleep. At 5pm a runners’ briefing; at 6pm dinner; and by 8pm I am in bed. There is much traffic noise and loud conversations that prevent sleep. I read for a couple of hours while the noise continues, getting even more raucous. Someone shouts a complaint; the noise abates for a while then grows louder. Another complaint rings out, loud, and some of the revelers get the message and finally keep quiet.

Saturday, 7 January I wait as long as possible before getting up. It is chilly but not cold. Despite the warning to wear long pants as protection against the razor-like cuts of the Sotol cactus that lines parts of the course, I choose (as most of the runners do) to wear the usual shorts since predictions are for increasingly warm, if not hot, weather during the afternoon. After a more than 20 minute wait for my turn at a “portolet” there are ten minutes left before the start, just enough time to tighten my shoe lacings, strap on my gear after one last check, and line up behind the other starters. There are three simultaneous races: a 25K, a 50K and a100K. The 100K is 2 loops of the 31 mile 50K course; the 25K uses only parts of it. Everybody gets a taste of the dust, rocks and hills. Dawn has turned to daybreak at 7:30am and we are off, with the 50K runners starting a slightly different sequence to prevent congestion at the first aid-station. The sun rises bright in a clear blue sky and the hilltop vistas of this wooded rolling country are pretty indeed. After a few miles I find my pace (a little too fast on the downhills as my tired legs would complain later in the afternoon) and settle into the zone of focus that allows for efficient forward progress for hours on end. We have 24hrs. to complete this course, which seems generous enough, but have been warned that this is a difficult course with effort expenditures equivalent to a 100miler. I feel very comfortable with none of the aches or pains of last season. As noon passes, I start to feel the effects of the rising temperature and become sluggish; everything becomes an effort even the ever necessary nipping and sipping of food and water. Electrolyte capsules every hour; a mouthful of water every 5 minutes or so; another mouthful of food chased down with water every 15 minute or so. The trick is not to wake up the full digestive system as we do at a regular meal, but to sneak frequent small easily digested amounts that are rapidly absorbed by the stomach lining and the very start of the small intestines. This does not demand major blood routing for digestion and maintains maximum flow to the nutrient and oxygen-hungry propulsion muscles. By the time I finish the first loop in 7hrs and 18min I feel as if I’ve run 50 miles, not just 31 miles. The time it takes to rinse my head and upper body with cold water, put on a dry shirt and grab some solid food is enough of a pause to refresh me somewhat and uplift my flagging spirits. The heat soon gets back at me and I plod along. By 5:30pm it is cool enough with the sun setting that I start reviving, and by dark around 7:15pm I feel fine again. I delight in running the flats, struggle up the rock-slippery climbs, and gingerly pick my way down the slopes, running whenever the rocks thin enough that I am not risking a costly tumble. The elite run almost all of it; I am content to take almost twice as long: the price of a mistake is too costly. No need for caffeine tonight as I am wide-awake and consciously but cautiously pushing, checking off the landmarks as miles and hours pass. I eat hot soup at every aid station, arriving there just as the runner ahead of me exits. We play tag this way for most of the night. I am not concerned with catching him. By my choice I am not competing with him; I am competing against the terrain and the clock, running all alone under the stars, among the trees, along the winding trails. I don’t see any lights behind me all night long, but know there are more than 20 runners following. Finally, I roll over the group of hills called the “Three Sisters”, have a last sip of soup at the “Last Chance” aid-station, struggle over Cairn Mountain while enjoying the sometimes spooky visual effects we had created the day before, and tackle “Boyles’ Bump”. “Boyles’ Bump” is misleading. It is a long climb with 4 false summits that trick one into believing that the climb has ended when it hasn’t. It can be demoralizing, especially when one is not aware of it, or has lost the focus to count. Even aware and counting I felt impatience mounting in me, but soon I was up and over and zigzagging down a very runable trail, pushing for speed, wishing I had done more track workouts that would enable a more powerful end-kick, and then I can hear the noise and see the lights of the lodge and cross the finish line with Joe pressing my belt buckle rewaed in my hand. It is over. I am disoriented by the lack of motion and need to process race information. My mind is blank and I just stand there. Someone takes my arm and leads me inside a warm tent, sitts me down and feeds me hot soup, and more soup, and gradually I become alert again. No longer hungry or thirsty, all I wanted is to clean up and go to sleep. After a hot shower and a part-by-part body check, examining each area of soreness, I find no blisters, no cuts, pulls or scrapes; only one sore toe joint. Small price indeed!

Sunday, 8 January After a solid 7 hrs of sleep, I turn on the furnace in the camper. I can do this without getting out of bed, simply by reaching. As warmth floods the camper I gingerly stretch every sore muscle in my body and get dressed. Grateful that there is no pain anywhere, just soreness, I realize I am very hungry and thirsty and hurry to the tents for breakfast and the award ceremony. The Montrose group eats together and compares notes. Everybody is happy and content with their experience. Jo won her age group at this her first trail race! I finished in 17:18:03, 42nd of 62 finishers and 81 starters, and at 66 yoa the oldest person to finish this year. I am quite pleased. I mentioned the “elite” earlier; the winner this year took only a little over 10hrs to finish; the course record set in 2004 is 9:25:39. They are to ultrarunning what the Kenyans are to marathon road racing. One of the enjoyments of running is that one is on the same course on the same day as the elite, participating in the same event, thus truly aware of the magnitude of their talent. Takedown and loading of everything takes only a fraction of the time it took to set up. By noon everyone is gone but me, and the dust has settled. Natural sounds return and I take my time to pack, load and make ready for the road. By 3pm I am on paved roads through Bandera and Kerrville where I decide to spend the night. By 6pm I am in a corner of the local Wal*Mart parking lot having dinner and as dark falls, so do I into bed.
Jean-Jacques d'Aquin

Joe, since this was my first Major long distance trail run I just want to say this sure beats doing the “Road Runs!” Everyone was so polite at all the rest stops and the course was very well marked. To me everything was perfect and again thanks for making this a life time event for me to remember the rest of my life.
Jeff Richard

Thanks for the message - I ran the 25K and it was my first race after more than a year off with injury and my longest run since 2004. My wife and I will definitely be back. It's not the award I won (but it's really cool and on display in our living room!), it was just a great race. I'm a Lake Grapevine running club member and know many of the NTTR guys, I suspect we'll bring a bigger contingent next year. I can't even think of any good cuss words right now, do you want me to try harder? Some thoughts & comments: - Parking and logistics went well. I did see a half-dozen people take a wrong turn on the morning of the race and go straight ahead instead of turning hard right across the creek. It was good for me though, I got in front and didn't have dust. - The trails were well very marked, I can't imagine getting lost. Kudos to the guys that did the work! - The meals were great, as well as the post-race snack table. I also got a great massage after the race. Combine this with the weather, the fun race and a couple of beers - well - life doesn't get much better, huh? - The road section didn't bother me, it was less than a mile. - It was very hard to hear Friday night's pre-race meeting at the back, particularly with people talking near us outside the tent. Maybe a microphone and loudspeaker?
Alan Walker

Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated all your efforts in putting on a great event. It was a great way to experience TX for the first time; in the Hill country with fellow runners. The course was very tough and technical with all the hills and rocks. I kept pretty busy checking out all the different rock formations and new vegetation. Henry and his marking crew did an excellent job on the trail marking. The aid stations were great and the a/s crews knew what they were doing. Thanks to everyone for their hard work.
Jan Gnass

Much thanks to you and your crew for hosting such a wonderful race. Everything was first class--from the pre-race feed to the course marking to the actual lay-out of the course itself. Being able to cruise the final stretch in the 50k was welcome--I wish I had been able to hammer it, but I was pretty trashed (My wife blames the delicious Texas beef brisket I was mowing down all week. I know, I know--but we were on vacation!). I love running hilly, technical stuff, but at 29 miles you like to have the option of hammering a finish just for good measure. I've done other races where I've felt great at the end, but couldn't run it in hard because the footing or terrain was so brutal. From the photos I've shown a few of my fellow runners, they may be inspired to take a shot at Bandera (these are road marathoners, mind you!). The course was beautiful and interesting--one of the nicest I've run on--and this includes some real beauties such as Flatrock (Kansas), Stump Jump (Tennessee), and Superior (Minnesota). I hope to be back in a couple of years. Thanks again and I'll wear my Bandera shirt proudly.
Gary McGowan from Chicago

Yes, that crystal-clear sky you ordered up for us this year helped me think I was in the mountains without the thin air. For sure the last part of this year's Bandera was the most enjoyable night run I have ever done--I either saw (or hallucinated seeing) the lights of Kerrville as well as those of the 'burbs of San Antone. But the early evening moonlight was, I must say, a very nice touch, Joe! I'll expect a few more hours of moonlight next year, though, when the course is due to be wet and muddy (as in slow) again. Not to worry about race times--in my mind, my "time" refers to how much opportunity I had to enjoy one of the most unique venues in "the greatest nation on God's green earth". So, if my official "time" was longer than actual, it just makes me think I got more enjoyment for my trouble than I may have thought. And, if the actual time was shortened, on paper it makes me look more like an athlete (which also brings me enjoyment). Either way, I win! It was a GREAT improvement to send the 100Kers by themselves into that first leg of "mountain goating". And, although I don't know the issues on the road sections for the other runners, for safety sake, I would like you to consider putting the 100Kers on a long stretch of at least 2-track surface next time. This is because, early in the race, I don't think it's possible to expect even veteran runners to honor the amount of following distance required for the safe return of runners who are "mountain goating" without allowing sufficient time to get well spread out. My definition of "well spread out" before doing "mountainous" terrain is enough distance to ensure: number one--a minimum of yo-yo passing on treacherous, single-track trail, an activity of which I am admittedly involved (scary but challenging!); number two, a minimum of intimidation to "goat" faster to maintain a safe distance in front of the jerks/kamikazes running behind us; number three, a maximum of opportunity to step aside and let an occasional runner go on his (the ladies are NOT a problem here) way without having to wait until an entire herd goes by; and, finally, a minimum of incentive to take "short cuts" and merge later at literally "break-your-neck" speed on the downhills. For some illustrations of my concerns, consider a runner on that big "oxbow" on the way up to Ice Cream Hill possibly becoming impatient right at the "pinch point" where the "down" comes within about 10 yds of the "back up" part of the same hill. If he (again, she-runners are probably not a problem) follows the natural opening to the right there in a crowd of unfamiliar faces, he could cross the ridge between and, if seeing only runners to his right, innocently assume he had just used an alternate, but equivalent route, make a quick right turn, and charge after the others without realizing he had skipped a significant "out-and-back". Also, not just once, but several times, I was so intimidated by runners behind me that I evoked some disapproval from the ladies (regardless of their disapproval, the men were mute) in front of me (even from laid-back, congenial, your friend and mine, Diana Heynen!). As much as I hate to report infractions by fellow goats, Joe, I must bring up the fact that, if "Paul Frost had a large lead by 50km" and "Shan Rooney also would lead by 50km", they must have started one loop earlier than their competitors! As far as the cussings you got, just remember: the runners for whom you designed the course will come back, especially if they cussed you! And, also, "those that mind don't really matter and those that matter don't really mind". Let's have another heel click for THE BEST ULTRARUN IN TEXAS!
Herb Jarrell

You put together a great race - better every year I've done it (x3). You took advantage of most of the toughest trail there to make the 25K a real workout - and a blast to run! My sincere thanks to you & all who helped. I already look forward to next year.
steve allen

This was my first Bandera race (25K) and really only my second trail race. While I was on the course, I thought about DNF'ing while going up the two peaks towards the end of the race. However, i stuck it out and actually felt like I finished pretty strong. It was the hardest race (other than bonking in a marathon) but in a very morbid way - I can't wait to do it next year!!!!
Joe Tammaro

Thanks for a great day. I have always enjoyed this trail run with the hills, the rocks, and the cactus too!! I manage to talk several of my nutty friends into doing this run every year and most all of them love it as well. I did the race for the first time when the rest stops were 5 gallon water jugs sitting on the ground! Quite a different story now, the rest stops are buffets! I just may try the 100k in 2007. To finish that would be AWESOME! Thanks again, and please don't ever give up on this run, you do a great job.
Deb Burley

First timer for Bandera. Very well done! I can't think of a single complaint to be honest. From a runners standpoint, everything just fell into place as it should. It was very well marked, especially at night. The aid stations / people where great. Even had hot coffee which I crave on long runs. Food, directions, pre-race, facilities, everything was great. Well done.
Patrick Perry

Hey great race, my first one ever. I did get a bad sprain on mile 5 but I just couldn’t stop. It really slowed me down toward the still would not have caught Bales though. I kind of know him. He is just one heck of an athlete!!!!!!!! Best marked coarse I have ever been on, including road races!!!!!!!! I never felt lost. See you next year.
Patrick Darragh

Hey, before I forget, just wanted to say that that was a helluva party at Bandera. You and yours do fine work and make Texas proud.
Mark Henderson

2005

I just wanted to thank you once again for hosting a great event. Boy has this event grown in the last couple of years. You and your volunteers preformed flawlessly. The only suggestion that might make the race experience better for the 25ker's is to have a separate start time. The slow start did not bother me, but I could see some 25ker’s were getting impatient. Thanks again for everything you have done for the trail running community in Texas and I will see you next weekend at RR 100. Can’t wait!
Mike Hayes

I wanted let you know how much I appreciate the great job you do directing trail runs. I believe you do a 1st class job. I had great time the whole weekend. Has anyone told you that this is tough course?
Robert King

I had a wonderful time running this year and can not wait until next year.
Lindsay Talley

Thank you for putting on a great race! I finished the 100K in about 16 hrs., 10 minutes. I liked your belt buckle and the vest is very nice. It was cool to get something other than a shirt and I liked the green color. My running friends from Arkansas want to see them and hear about the race. I think I am the first from Arkansas to do Bandera. Your race is tough! It got hot for January and I felt alot better after sunset. The aid stations were great--they had alot of good food and the workers were helpful and encouraging. I have to compliment the Cross Roads aid station and the Lodge aid station alot more because I had my drop bags there. The workers helped me with my drop bags and offered me food that really hit the spot: a superb hamburger at the Lodge after the first loop and delicious smoked ham at Cross Roads on the second loop. Your website info helped me alot in preparing for the race. I took your advice and carried two bottles, which I needed before the next aid station. My race went really well and I really savored my finish due to the difficulty of the course and the hot weather.
Kimmy Riley

Greetings Joe. We want to convey how much we enjoyed our first Bandera Trail Run experience on 1-8-05. Granted we only did the 25K, but we thought it was pretty neat. We are neither the fastest and far from the slowest, but we ran cautiously to make sure we didn't blow ourselves out. And, we finished with a plenty left. Next time we'll know what to do. You deserve a lot of praise for a well organized and managed event! Everything watch top notch. (I speak from a background of having race directed many races in the Plano - Dallas area.) I got to laughing at myself in the middle of the course saying, "I guess I'll do anything for a free lunch". I want to mention a couple things that are not reflections on you. First, in your list of "Please" don'ts, I would also suggest no head phones. You can't be heard when asking to pass. And, I noticed how dangerous it would be if someone was stumbling down a hill and the person with head phones in front couldn't hear to get out of the way (or whatever proper response). Not to say how ridiculous it seems to be out in nature and not be paying attention to IT. Secondly, we had a bad experience at the Bandera Lodge. We experienced a den of prevaricators who would not accept the price (AARP) that we had a confirmation for (and had re-confirmed on a second phone call on race week). We ended up paying +$20 per night for 2 nights and that was even more than what we were told the standard rate was. Simply, they are unscrupulous business people. We are a couple of suburbanites breaking away from street racing. We had a wonderful time at your run.
Thank you. Salud! Bob Wilmot and Linda Boggs
(p.s. I hope some day you will see the need to recognize a senior level with awards. People 55+ and 60+ are really not in the same category as masters. It is not the prize or medal that makes a difference. It's just the recognition.)

I had a so much fun and I plan on doing the race again next year!!
Rebecca Holloday

Sir, I am truly sorry that I was unable to complete the 100K. This was the First 100K event that I participated in; I loved it but hated it. I loved the individuals at the aid stations they were awesome, the run in full Battle Dress Uniform was fairly easy, it was the terrain that hurt. I really was not prepared for what my body was going to go through around 35 miles in the dark of night. It was an eye opening experience. I hated it because I have never ever failed at any task mentally and physically placed before me until that day. Now I know that in order to accomplish one of these runs I must first train with 50K’s. Prior to your event I had only done the Bataan Death March a year earlier. I realize one must train all year for this event. I would have rather run Bataan twice than the Bandera run once. Thank you very much for the wonderful event, and please thank the wonderful people from the aid stations for me.
Raymond W. Archambo, TSgt, USAF
EA Recruiter, "F" Flight

You guys did an awesome job making all the details come together!
Jan Shirk

I had loads of fun and gained deep respect for your organization.
Thorbjorn Pedersen (Gr8 Dane)

I am still ecstatic after the Bandera 100. I am really glad I did it. Fun Fun Fun Fun and that nasty "spooky head" section is the best. Congratulation to you and your team for preparing that part of the trail.
Thorbjorn Pedersen

Great race, this was my 1st time. I did not realize there was this challenging of a race so close to home (San Antonio).
Roy Bogar

We had a great time at the Bandera Race. Once again y’all out did yourselves. You are a tough act to follow.
Bill Gardner

I want to thank you also for allowing us to help in our small way. You and your team do a fantastic job of organizing and executing a great event. We are already looking forward to the 2006 Bandera 100k.
Bobby Reynolds

Thanks, joe, for such a great race! it is lots of work. your race is appreciated so much by everyone. Everything was well done. The pre-race meal, course marking, aid stations, drop bag system, volunteers, sponsors, other donors of time and money - all were great and appreciated!!! I did it in 2003 and I think the new course is an improvement. Thanks again for giving me and hundreds of others the fulfillment of finishing a great and difficult race and for some the hope and inspiration to take the next step at Bandera 2006 whether it be to go faster, finish feeling better or go longer. David Jackson

Bandera this weekend was a truly special experience. It just doesn't get any better than this. Prior to the race I'd read several accounts of runners cursing you as they traversed the course, one climb after the next. Personally, I laughed aloud as I sat down on my butt in the middle of the trail following the Last Chance aid station, wanting to cry. it was only then that I really understood just what a masochistic course you had designed. As I'm finally beginning to heal, I want to thank you for what was the best run ever for me. I want to offer special thanks to Paul & Abby at Chapas and all the folks at Last Chance and the other stations. Most of all… to Sammy, a terrific and kind human being, and one hell of a chef. It was truly an honor to be part of this race, and I can say without hesitation that it's the best race I've ever been a part of. Thank you so very much. I'll be back next year. What a race, what a day, what amazing people. Thank you Joe, and all of your crew. You are exceptional people, worthy of recognition.
Eric Stommel

A sincere thank you to you and the dozens of volunteers who put in all the hard work to put on a great race! The course was well-marked, the hospitality was great, and the food was tremendous. I would not have made it through the second lap without the real food (rice/beans, warm potatoes, hamburgers, pork fajitas, soup, etc.) and the great support and encouragement from all the wonderful aid station volunteers. The Bandera 100k was only my second 50+mile ultra. As I said at mile 26, "this is no Sunmart.... We're not in Huntsville anymore Toto". Your butt-kicking, quad wasting, stairmaster course has given me newfound confidence. Western States, here I come. You rock, dude!
Arne Espe

I have to admit, I really liked the idea of having a night of sitting around a campfire, hadn't done that in a while. I'm a slow runner to start with, must admit I dogged it a bit this weekend, but that course was something else. Thank you so very much. I just can't express what fun I had, including making new friendships (and yes, perhaps imbibing a bit) at Last Chance. I've been hoping to develop an ultra family, and now I feel well on my way! What a weekend!
Eric Stommel

Thank you very much for looking into the problem. You know that I consider you the "BEST" race director out there. I love running in your events and will always continue to do so. Anyway I can't wait to run in another one of your "Great" races, especially my first 100mile race. Also, Beth told me she had a good time and was very happy with her performance, thanks to your team.
Gary Moroney

I really enjoyed the race... as it was tough but do-able. The most difficult aspect of the race was the heat (coming from the Pacific Northwest) although you certainly did not lie regarding the rocks, hills, or the cacti. As far as getting lost...I am glad that you found out the issue and that it only affected the 5 of us. The most frustrating part was that I did follow flagging the whole way. I will talk to my wife about returning next year to complete this race or perhaps run RR100 in 2006. Thanks again for the message and please note that this was not your fault (stuff happens) and I do not view my experience at Bandera as anything but positive. I spent almost nine hours on some tough but beautiful trails and enjoyed testing myself. What else could you ask for?
Pat Hinds

Joe, thanks to you and everyone else who put on such a great event. I'm sort of new to trail running, but as far as athletic events go, this wasn't my first rodeo. I've never been treated so well at an event! The food was awesome, everyone was helpful, the course was excellently marked - I can't imagine how things could be improved! Well, maybe a nice big bathroom and shower house installed near the start/finish area, but then it wouldn't be a "natural area" would it? I'm definitely looking forward to coming back next year!
Wayne Haley

Thanks again for organizing such a great run. It's motivating be to organize something around here.
Kurt Coonrod

A little belatedly (hey, you see it takes me a long time to do everything!) let me add my deepest thanks to Joe, Joyce, Sammy, Henry, Chris (I know I'm forgetting some important folks) and all others who planned and executed an amazing weekend at Bandera. But I also want to add a separate thanks to each and every one of you on this list. I started meeting you all just one year ago - Bandera 25K last year was my first trail race. The support and encouragement you have provided me over the past year has been unbelievable. If you had told me after last year's 25K that I'd be doing 100K in a year I would have told you that you needed to have your head examined! You've helped an average to below average ability runner persevere and accomplish things I didn't know I could, and the support, like at the Bandera finish line, has been almost overwhelming. Thanks all.
Jeff Lynn

The aid stations in this race are just unbelievable. At night, there's hot soup, spaghetti, rice and beans -- a whole spread to choose from. And at the finish, there's a full breakfast.
Linda Rust

I did the Bandera 50k on Saturday, which was my first trail run and first 50k. I had a great time! This event was well planned and a ton of fun.
Richie Harpel

Thanks to you, Joyce, and your staff, for a most excellent day of running. I think that the thing that most distinguishes your races is that you really take care of the runners. (Except for the course. Are you any relation to Gary Cantrell?) I walked to the first aid station with Mickey. He said that in all the years he had marked trails out there, he had not seen that pretty part of trail #1 with the ponds. The view was great there.
Leo Lavender

Once again, you put on a great event! Great food, great aid stations, very well organized! The course is a tough one. I keep thinking it is only a 100K, so I should not feel this tired. But I guess it is really a pretty tough 100K track. And I guess I am just not in really good shape. Bandera is a great way to start the new year. A tough and scenic course, great people. I really appreciate how you work to make this a successful race for each runner. Your goal is for people to finish, and I really respect that approach. Thanks for all of the work you, Joyce, and the other volunteers put in to give us runner a great experience. Last Chance was a fun . Boy, that beer tasted good. Made those last 5 miles really long, though!
Bill Nictakis

Thanks again to yourself and the whole crew for organizing a great event at Bandera.
Paul Adams

I had a great time and as expected, this course was difficult. But I had fun and the volunteers were great. Thanks to Joe and Joyce and everyone involved with course control and aid stations. You guys did a great job and I appreciate your hard work to make this such a great race.
Rebecca Watkins

A big THANKS goes out to you and all the volunteers that made the Bandera Trail Runs possible this past weekend! I know I said I would not do the 100K again any time soon....but I've already started reconsidering, I guess 1 year is enough time to recuperate!
Mariela Botella

Thanks to Joe, Joyce, Henry, Chris, Sammy, and all involved for facilitating a fabulous fest and feast at the first-class fun-filled frolic for fortuitous fools who flung forward into the faraway foothills and fells (and falls).
Fondly, Diana Heynen

I just wanted to drop a note of thanks for a wonderful race! It was my first time to do your race and only my 2nd 25K. It thouroughly kicked my rear end! I loved it! I am also the crazy lady who stayed up all night working the Last Chance Saloon. Thank you so much for sending all of the food and having your volunteers (and wife) check on us all night long! It was a really great expericence and I truly appreciate being taken into the fold so easily! You guys rock!
Stacy Miller

Bring your A game is easier said if you have the background information, well we have it. We are Team CSC. We are the very few. very proud,the kitchen roadies.We have been travelin to trail races for the RD Prusaitis family now and wait for other CSC teamies to break out on their own to cook! So at 6:00pm as in years past we open with our spaghetti extravaganza, with tossed and pasta salad.Looks like a good line up and it came this year with a second punch. There's plenty vittles for one and all. But today the black pots have added an ambiance of fire, let's say Bandera style. The race brings on 280+,Scotty, Amanda, our Homecoming King and Queen. Last Chance Saloon is ready, Big Bill has slit the Pig, smokin his happy self. This is not a Zoo, we are all workin hard , on the weekend, for a passle of ultra runnin banditos.I could be drinkin by now but this is for the runners, and the volunteers do work, so we prep for lunch, burgers, that's Britty Ann there, Brisquet is a cookin and Terry's got the cookie detail.Slammin Doug is talkin with the health official Dawn,really just the Medical attache, as she wants to cite Sammy V for a water violation. non potable water or potable? CSC keeps a team of lawyers back at Penn Field to keep the C.O.B at bay.No count, no case.The soup must go on, and word is out, good as Texas and homedown delicious. CSC will rock for you on soups at night, so to the night they become, chicken, beef , veggie,in the black bottoms over the smokin wood.Preppin breakfast is biscuits and gravy, upside pineapples, taco challenge, migas eggies, hotcakes, atole,oatmeal, and what would yo mama say if ya didn't eat your breakfast? We send out fuel to the aid stations and constantly clean what needs a cleaning.Terry is real good at keeping the sink empty, so is Pat for that matter.The race is a work in progress that keeps you entertained with it's high drama. The Lodge is buzzin with music and aromas of black beans n arroz and beef stew. We have a couple of Blue Ribbon dishes with the Tortelini Trail Dust soup by the Raymond family and Cowboy Chili by Duane Lewis, these dishes set out at lunch and dinner are devoured in a wink of an eye. Looks like their in the book.Sleep a little so you have just an edge at the next task, kinda like doing a 48 hour, better rest a little so you chip away again at the task at hand.Looking at it from the angle you don't get to run this event ever cause your a volunteer fades with the know how of helping your mates reach the finish of their endeavors. Trying both sides of ultraliving keeps you balanced, when you go through the stations your reminded your not the only one a having fun.So your running and not having fun, a volunteer is going to tell your are a lookin good and you can do this thing.Then your on your way. HCTR melts runners and volunteers back and forth till Bandera has evolved into a fine running machine.There you have it, sore and crippled like 100K, 50K, and 25K folks lifting that bale and loadin up them trucks and break dancin down the tents. So by noon on Sunday things are getting wrapped up.Daddy Joe and Mama Joyce need their rest too, and runners and volunteers are pitching in now to finish of this as well.Shan is having a time of dispensing the left over goodies that are to be divided, some for her, some for poor college students. What's a girl to do? She just wants to have fun.Doug and I can just look and give words of encouragement to her plight.Well don't let the dust settle on your trail shoes, kick out your jams! Other races comin up to run or volunteer. no question. Don't forget if you've never been a volunteer give it a whirl. You might find out something you never dreamed possible. If you a mind to help you'll might forget about what's weighing on ya. You'll then run a whole lot faster. Well unless of course you ate to much of your own cookin. But hey that's good too, nobody trusts a skinny cook! You just gotta ask? Have you ate yet?
Sammy Voltaggio

My best regards to you, Joyce and Henry plus many, many more. Bandera has given me a taste for more. Thanks again for wonderful weekend.
Thorbjorn Pedersen

I said it during and after the race: You put on heck of a race for us. AND I do realize you cannot do this alone. I send my deepest appreciation and gratitude to your entire team for having had the chance to "play" on the Bandera trails. I would not have had such a joy had it not been for the perfect planning and execution and all the surport from all involved. I received the best help I could ever ask for at all aid stations also at night when I needed it the most. Thank you, thank you, thank you
Thorbjorn Pedersen

Henry, I laughed every time I heard you explain the bag layout at the aid stations. People would claim chaos and you would patiently explain that it was numerically ordered "starting here" where you were standing and so on and indeed it was... It was like Ground Hog Day at each aid station I was at with you; Same assertions, same clarifications, same explanations. I am still laughing about it. You guys totally rocked on the race management and coordination. Thanks!
Bryan Trammell

Hey Joe great race this weekend. You are one sick man setting up that course. I liked it.
Kurt Egli

What a fun time this past weekend! This is a great race with a lot of great people! The course is rugged and beautiful! The support is out of this world! And the food! Silent Slammin' Sammy has to be one of the best cooks around! The logistics of putting this thing on is unbelievable and the volunteers make it happen. My hats off to all the runners, but a double hats off to the volunteers! There were SO MANY behind the scenes that I can't even start to name them. And quite a few not only helped out, but they also ran the 25K, 50K, or 100K. Joe and Joyce P. put on a first rate event and I was more than happy to give up 5 days to help them out. And thanks to Henry for trusting and believing in me on race day!
Chris Matus

we came, we ate, we ran, we were conquered by the heat and the hills. we all smiled and said: "we'll be back next year". the end
Henry Hobbs

Once again I have to give you kudos for a well run race. Your reputation as an ultra race director is well deserved. I had a great time Saturday. I wished that I could have hung around and visited longer. It would have been nice to commune with my fellow sufferers.
Scott Wood

I would like to thank you and your staff for putting on such a well organized trail race. Every thing about the race was just terrific! The volunteers at the aid stations were so friendly and helpful, that it made running the race so enjoyable. After I had finished the race I was able to spend quite a bit of time at the first aid station ((Nachos). I was waiting for my friend who was running the 100K. I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere that these people from one of the Houston running clubs (tornado) They made me feel "right at home". Once again THANKS FOR PUTTING ON SUCH A GREAT RACE.
Ken Burns

I believe that this is the toughest 50k I have every done.
Bart Childers

Once again you and Joyce and your whole crew put on the best race, and my favorite!, of the year! Thank you so much! You've got my son, Riley, already dreaming of doing a 100 Miler. That's what happens at these Ultra runs...you get so inspired!
Annie Reese

Thanks for all the hard work and coordination you and your team provided to make the Bandera race the awesome event it was.
Bryan Trammell

It really is an amazing race. Thanks!
Annie Reese

I highly recommend the Bandera 100k/50k/25k put on by Joe Prusaitis and the Hill Country Trail Runners of Texas. The race is in the HCA park near Bandera Texas. This is a very hilly course with the 100k two loops. Aide stations are about every five miles apart. The aide stations are great with various ultra food such as hamburgers and breakfast burritos and all had beer. The last one run by Letha Cruthirds even offered Tequila shots to those brave enough. I wasn't that brave but the three hard charging runners in front of me were. They changed from kicking my butt to a merry band of minstrels walking and singing. They definitely had more fun over that last 5 miles.
Matt Watts

First let me say that this was a truly excellent race. I had never been to Bandera before. It was worth the trip. I ran (er, mainly walked) the 50K, and loved every minute of it. The scenery was fantastic, the course was extremely well marked, and the volunteers were great. At the pre-race orientation, you indicated that you were interested in comments/suggestion. Here are mine:
1) Drop bags. I was a little confused as to how to get my drop bag back. Some were back at the lodge when I was done with my race, but most weren't. I hung around for quite a while waiting for them to show up. Finally, after talking to you, I picked mine up at Crossroads. I had no problem with having to go pick it up; however, I think that some sort of posted information in the bag area of the tent would have alleviated my confusion a lot.
2) It would be helpful if the volunteers at the main tent had some sort of identifying labels or clothing. When I was trying to find things out, I had trouble telling who was a volunteer (who might therefore have the information that I was looking for), and who wasn't.
3) Toughness of the course: The course was quite tough, but I felt that the degree of difficulty was exaggerated in both the written material and the speeches. I realize that you have to prepare people for the trail, and some people feel that anything with any sort of hill is tough, but I think that over-emphasizing the degree of difficulty could frighten off some potential runners who would otherwise enjoy the race.
4) Trail marking: I had two minor points of confusion with the trail marking. The first was at Crossroads, where I had to ask how to leave the aid station for the small loop and again once the small loop was done. There were plenty of volunteers to ask, so this was a minor inconvenience, but better signage could be helpful here. The second was right near the finish, where you come down off the hill, and there is two-way traffic. I turned to the left, which was the correct way to go, but I was temporarily confused, and double-checked my direction with the first person I saw (a 100K runner heading out on her second loop). She confirmed that I was headed in the correct direction, but she admitted that she herself had originally turned the wrong way at that spot, and had run an extra mile before realizing her mistake. Clearly, there is a slight potential for confusion at this point. Other than these two spots, I have nothing but praise for the way that the trail was marked.
5) Since the race is growing in popularity, it might be be worthwhile giving the 25K people a separate, earlier start. Since they were going a shorter distance, a lot of them started out quite agressively. Letting them start earlier would alleviate some of the blockages in the initial hilly section of the course, and would let the 25K people run as hard as they want.
6) Lodging: This is nothing to do with the race organization, but I thought I'd share my lodging issues with you. I stayed at the Bandera Lodge Motel. Several people had problems at this place. Reservations were lost, and rates, discounts, and room selections which had been promised at time of reservation were not honored. I managed to get the type of room and the discount that had been originally promised to me, but the people I dealt with were very resentful at having to give me that rate. The Heynens also stayed at this place. They had reserved a non-smoking room at a very good rate. They were stuck with a smoking room at a much higher rate. I will never stay at this place again, as I found the personnel that I dealt with to be extremely unprofessional. You might want to consider placing some sort of comment in the info packet for next year, indicating that complaints against this motel have been registered. That's it for my (hopefully helpful) comments. I'd like to reiterate that this was a great race. Thanks very much for putting it on. I will most definitely be back next year.
Ed Gomolka

Another great run, huge thanks should go to RD Joe Prusatis, wife Joyce and all of fantastic staff and volunteers.
Sarah Brown

Thanks for a great race! All the things I was so worried about, my back problems, my knees, none of that was an issue and I was able to just poke along to the finish. And that's all I really shoot for, just to finish. I said going into this that I would probably never do it again, but now I'm thinking, if I don't fall totally apart between now and next January, I probably will. Say, you should give out DFL awards -- Jeff and I could have added to ours! :-)
Lee Talbert (Trail Rat)

Bandera was so awesome. Everyone had such a great time and it was so well run. You always do such a great job. NTTR had its quarterly meeting last night and we all were just raving about how wonderful it was. Thanks so much for all the sacrifices you and Joyce make to be race directors. It is so much appreciated. And I'll see you at Rocky!
Deborah Sexton

Well today (Thursday) is the first day of smooth motion walking, and stairs for me. Thank goodness! You delivered what you promised, I gave it my best, didn't fall down and really enjoyed your Bandera Trail run last weekend. Weather was good for me (don't like heat), aid was more than plentiful, meals were enjoyable in the big tent and the trails were in excellent (tough) condition. Thank goodness Rocky Raccoon is much smoother so now let's just pray for good weather (40's to 60's, day and night). See you there! Small suggestions:
1) Longer straight away at beginning to separate the runners and we don't get so clogged up going uphill.....or instruct the runners to always keep to the right if they know someone is behind (although you'd think they'd know this already).
2) Food warmers under the containers in the serving line
3) Water jugs available Friday afternoon... I had emptied my own water bottle on the drive there. As soon as they were put out Friday for dinner they were plentiful the rest of the weekend- thank you! Take care, rest up! Again, T*H*A*N*K*S to all your helpers!
Paula Billman

It was a super a race as I had been built up to believe it would be. I plan to do the 50k next year although coming back to do the 25k without the ankle injury to start with is really tempting as I still was in the top 10 for age group. Although I am on crutches I think it is absolutely worth it and I gained so much confidence and learnt so much and enjoyed such a wonderful place and group of people. It was a such a privilege to have had my first race at Bandera – I am so very proud of what gifts you have given me in your race Joe and am still so very taken by it all! The good omen of a ladybug on the lamp that morning and with such lovely weather meant that despite any effort and difficulties from the race the reward was more than finishing and will feed us all until next year!
Josephie Dean

Hey Joe, thanks again for taking the time and energy to put on a run like Bandera. And for ordering up such a lovely day for us! (today in Northern Wisconsin is -8 with wind chill -30, so running outside is clearly not much of an option - ha) I also heard rumors you are thinking of adding the 100mile distance to your Bandera mix (groan and wow).
Lisa Conover

Just wanted to thank you both and all of your wonderful volunteers for putting on another great event. I was able to finish the 100k, (plus a couple of bonus miles) this year because of the great support system that you have in place. Good food, very supportive aid station people and well marked trails. You even arranged good weather again:) Also thanks for being so nice to my daughter and grandson while they waited for me to finish. Someone even supplied a tarp so my grandson could go to sleep in the warm tent. You guys make everyone feel important and it is very much appreciated. Bandera has become my favorite race. Tough damn course, but a definite 1st class event. Thanks again.
Mary Vish

What a blast you and your crew gave us runners last weekend! As I rounded your Bandera trails I was often reminded of the challenges of the Pikes Peak Marathon, only I enjoyed The Bandera the whole way round and didn't get "bushwhacked" by downhill runners! I can think of at least eight reasons to come back for your 2006 version of The Bandera:
1) all the ups and downs are nicely spread around, instead of being almost all up ("out") and then almost all down ("back")--too monotonous;
2) no two-way traffic on barely single track trails (I sprained the same ankle twice avoiding collisions above the timberline at Pikes Peak);
3) no switch-backs to delay me from getting where I myself can see I need to go;
4) much more forgiving rocks at The Bandera (instead of stubbing my toe or tripping, the limestone rocks either broke off or at the very least moved a little out of the way for me!);
5) no five-digit altitudes (I got as sick as a dog on Pikes Peak);
6) so-o much better and substantial food and encouragement at the aid stations at The Bandera (the two highest aid stations at Pikes Peak were rationing food when I got to them, but at Bandera I even got to enjoy my first ever hamburger deluxe on a trail run!);
7) there is precious little opportunity to run through mud on Pikes Peak; and
8) there is absolutely no opportunity to run through streams at Pikes Peak. So, thanks for giving me the best experience an old man could have doing his first 100K, and thanks especially for being able to hang out with your crew on Thursday and Friday. Where did you ever find guys like Chris, Henry, Robert, Mark, Mike, Ryan, your "little" Sam, that Silent Slamming Sammy and gals like Diana?! Looking forward to much more mud next year and a go at improving my time with the increased momentum the mud should give my shoes,
"Gampa 'erb" (Herb Jarrell)

I had a blast in Texas, you guy and your volunteers did a great job, I hope to return next year and hopefully can actually get in the kind of condition to finish the 100k. Next year I will have a beer at the "Last Chance" .It was sure great being out of the cold and see green growing things. I am going to tell everyone up here in the refrigerator that Texas is a good place to visit in January.
Phil Sheridan

Bandera was, again, exceptional. How are you getting the weather to cooperate so nicely?
Todd Roper

2004

You gave the runners a tough, wellmarked course, plenty of good aid, you were well organized, you fed everyone before and after, and you took great care of us (the volunteers). You covered everything as far as im concerned. im happy to be on your team.
Bill Gardner

Bandera was purt' near perfect- best food at a race ever- folks at the aid stations were just great, trails were marked flawlessly - and the course was, as Scott Gordon said as he finished, "satisfying". We still have little tiny cactus scars. We had such a great time, and want to talk some of the VHTRC folks into an "East vs. West "compeition for next year!
Deb Pero

Awesome race, dude. People places and things: all good. And like a true dumbass I managed to misplace my 50k finisher's medal. I love my race shirt and would really like to have a medal. I am really sorry to be a bother, after all everyone did to make the race terrific. I was the guy who asked about getting some artsy photos of the cairns. No kidding, you should do a Bandera calendar. Thanks again for producing such a wonderful event. i loved it.
John Fry

Just wanted to thank you for another thoroughly enjoyable run.The volunteers were exceptional as always and the new section {cairn climb} is great.Now if I can just psych my self into navigating that course in the dark, I 'd like to have a go at the 100.
Bill Burton

For me, personally this year's Bandera weekend was a huge success. I was able to spend as much time at Bandera as I humanly could. I got to mark the course and help with course set up so that I could learn more about the whole process. I had the privilege of hanging out with friends, new and old. I had a chance to run with or see almost all of the people I trained with in 2003, like Shan, the Marks brothers (Raymond and Lindsey), Tom Watson, Rebecca, Jim B., Doug G., Robert H. and M., Diana, Duane, Liam, Marie, Janice et al. I got to finish the 100K with my friend, Gabe as he completed his first one.....and I knocked 2 ½ hours off my previous year's time! I take pride in being a "double buckler". But more than that, I am amazed at how Joe and Joyce are able to pull this off and make it better each year. Joe is right that it does take ALL of the volunteers to make this the event that it has become. He is also correct in that it will only be as good each year as long as there are good volunteers each year. Weldon and Ann showed up before Joe and I even arrived on Thursday and worked tirelessly the entire weekend. Sammy V. was indispensable as the Master of the Kitchen Domain. But even Sammy couldn't do it all without Mark Lindsey and Kelly Galloway tending to the fires on the patio or Phyl slicing and dicing in the kitchen. Janice K. was everywhere helping with everything from the kitchen to shirt distribution to aid station volunteer to massage therapist. And the Prusaitis clan of Ryan, Sam, Erica et al pitched in to do whatever Mom/Joyce or Dad/Joe asked. Kyle and Terry Sheldon doing the timing until the wee hours of the morning were likewise critical to the success of the race. Mark Raymond, Dave Berdis and Linda Hurd showed up on Thursday; marked the course and proceeded to help out wherever or whenever it was needed. Heck Celeste Walz showed up from Dallas on Thursday evening just to meet some of the NTTR folks and she ended up helping all weekend! All of the Aid Station Captains from Dinty Moore to Bill Gardner to Paul Stone to Robert Heynen AND their volunteers from the Tornados from Houston to the S.A. RR Club to Max Roycroft to Joyce's angels at the start/finish were vital to the success of the event. There is no way to name all the crucial volunteers without leaving someone out. It was quite a rare treat to be behind-the-scenes for so much of this phenomenon, to see how it all worked and at the same time, to be a participant in the event as well. While it was a true "ultra" event weekend for me, I enjoyed every second of it. This is not an event that seems like "work". There is an undeniable magic about the annual Bandera Trail Runs. The joy, dedication, energy and passion that is infused in it by Joyce and Joe make it truly a pleasure for me to be a small part of each year. It is unquestionably the kind of event that makes you WANT to be involved with even more. But I can't stand not to run it, too, so I'll see you all on the trail again in 2005.
Henry Hobbs

We had much better weather and trail conditions this year, than we had last year (the inaugural year). But good weather or bad weather, this event is well-organized and lots of fun. Bandera is my favorite ultra in Texas. Thanks to RD Joe Prusaitis and his wife Joyce , my favorite ultrarunning chef Sammy Voltaggio (who will also be preparing the food at next month's RR100/50), all of the volunteers at aidstations and on horseback, the person who handcrafted the interesting awards, and all of the runners who ran the trails this past weekend. It was nice to see old friends again and make new ones. I think my favorite part of this year's race was the new section of trail, which added some extra fun to the course. It was enjoyable to track the progressive development of this new section: Watching the new section of trail go from idea/concept stage earlier in 2003 , to scoping out that back area of park with GPS's in Aug-Sept 2003. The new trail section was built in Oct/Nov 2003. Many rocks were moved, but many remained. Bandera would not be Bandera without all of the limestone rock!
Linda Hurd

"I have no suggestions for Joe. It was perfect. That was the smoothest run I've been to."
Paul Stone quoting his wife Abby

I had such a great time at the Bandera 50k... and of course even more fun once I knew I was done running! It was my first ultra and my first trail race - challenging, but great people, beautiful scenery and overall a terrific event! I'm hoping to do it again next year and trying to talk some crazy running buddies into joining me!
Stephanie Terrell

Hope you all recovered from putting on such a great race @ Bandera. Peter and I had a great time out there despite of our stomach problems on that day. Even our new "recruiter friend" and first-timer ultra, Chris Meyer, really enjoyed the event and swore that he will not run another marathon anyday soon.
Yen Nguyen

Thank you for putting on such a challenging race. The pictures I took while running will never do justice to the great views from the hills nor the difficult climbs and descents.
Maria Abad

You are such a stud... that was by far the most fun I've had doing a race in a long time. You and Joyce and everyone who was helping you did a fantastic job. I couldn't believe how well the course was marked... and I thought the aid stations and the food were wonderful. I loved the course - too.... And the weather... how did you arrange Seriously, I appreciate all that you do and am glad that I was allowed to participate.
Antje Spethmann

Congrats on putting on a great race. You have truly accomplished your goals of putting on a first class event with significant challenge!!!!!! I am as sore today as I ever was after Leadville. Your volunteers are awesome (the best I've seen). Keep Sammy happy!!!!!! All I can say is that I had a great time running this year and helping out last year. Thanks Again to you and all your volunteers!!!!!!!!!
Amanda McIntosh

This was my first trail race and it was a fantastic experience. It was extremely well organized and everyone was very friendly and helpful. I was a little unsure about what to expect but I felt right at home. The people at the aid stations were phenomenal and they were also a great help. I am now officially addicted and have many more races to come.
Andres Howard

It was great meeting you Saturday and being part of your race! It was by far THE BEST Trail Run I've ever done. The course, the support, and the awesome pre and post race meals were without compare. After finishing the 25K my first thought was, "I have to do the 50K next year!" My only suggestion would be to perhaps have a Master's Category for the awards. We old gals have a hard time keeping up with some of those youngsters! Thank you for everything!!!!
Annie Reese

I really like Palo Duro, but Bandera is my new favorite race.
Antje Spethmann

Thank you Joe and Joyce for all of your countless hours you put into making the Bandera Run go so smoothly. I really enjoyed the entire weekend.
Marie Asbell

Thank You Joe and Joyce for putting on the perfect event!...again as always:) The pre-race pasta from that most excellent chef Sammy. All the amazing aid stations and volunteers that got you in and out...fast!...talk about an Indy style pit stop! I just wished they could have put a fresh pair of legs on me:) Janice you totally saved my a** with that Advil...great timing! Denny and all you guys at last chance, thanks for lining up the shots of Coke for me before heading into Cougar Country on that last lap...I almost took up your offer on the Tequila;). ...I almost forgot that brisket, beer and warm tent at the finish was simply awesome!!!! Thanks again to all the Clubs and volunteers that make this wonderful event possible.
Bill Patience

Great race. I had a blast volunteering and plan on being back next yr. everyone at the aidstation had fun and so did the runners.
Bill Gardner

I am not really sure what to say. It is Monday morning and the race has been over for almost two days but it is still the only thing I can think about. What a great race. I enjoyed everything – if I would’ve only known, I would’ve shown up earlier on Friday. I’m sure I would have enjoyed things a little more on Sunday had I been able to walk around better. It was great seeing everyone from the club and Sammy’s cooking was terrific. I can not say enough good things about the race – both the layout of and support through the race were awesome. It is always good to see guys like Paul Stone and Bill Gardner at the aid stations. I spent some time hanging out with the guys up at Last Chance, Larkin and Dinty, who were also kick-ass. I just wanted to say thanks for a great weekend.
Brice Remaley

I had such a great time down in Bandera – thanks for letting me a part of it all. I’ve posted some pictures on my website if you want to see what I was up to. I’m actually hoping to go down again and take pictures of the cairns – when I ran that loop Friday morning I didn’t bring my camera. You put on a great race. The organization and support was tremendous – all the runners I’ve talked to were truly appreciative. One day I’ll have to run that bad boy instead of just shoot it.
Celeste Walz

Thanks so much for a great race. I wish I could have finished, but I just like being out there at Bandera, and I love running on the rough terrain. I even took pictures during the run.
Chris Chandler

First, a deep word of appreciation for Bandera. Everybody was great, this may be the best event yet. Super job! Please pass this word on to everybody else, I want folks to know how much it means to us to get such great treatment at the aid stations, finish, etc. By the way, "Bandera Baby Boy" Noah (my son) is 2 now, and has been at Bandera 100k evey single year of his life! A new mascot?
Matt Crownover

Had a great time and the aid was terrific.
Cynthia Leon

Great race this weekend and it was good to get together with all the folks from Texas that we have run with over the years.
David Berdis

We had such a great time, and want to talk some of the VHTRC folks into an "East vs. West "compeition for next year!
Deb & Steve Pero

Would not have missed it for the world - I'm still dreaming about Bandara! And you're right, you don't know what you can do 'till you try. I learned a lot, including what I still need to know. One MAJOR thing I need to figure out is what I can eat to get enough calories yet not upset my stomach. I know I didn't take in enough food the 2nd loop because of my queezy stomach. Also, a pacer for at least the last 15 miles is a must for me. I think if Chris and I had had a fresh pacer join us at Crossroads we could have gone on, but we freaked at the thought of those last grueling 15 miles in the exhausted, dizzy, stumbling state we were in. Anyway, I'm now hooked on longer distances. In the future, 50K's will just be training runs. Next year, I WILL finish Bandara. And after I get a few 50 milers under my belt, who knows? The race was great, the support was fabulous, you and Joyce are great AND fabulous, and I can't wait to get out there again. Thanks for everything!
Donna Sqyures

Before the race fades too far into its well-deserved place in history, please accept my heartfelt thanks for putting on such a first class event. Last year's event was fine, but this year was practically perfect from my viewpoint. I have only a couple other major events to compare to but this was clearly a class event. The great food, the ample and timely-placed course markings, the well-stocked aid stations with volunteers that knew my name, the fine jackets and awards, and last but not least the extremely well-designed and consistent course, these all deserve mention. I would not change a single thing. The coyote pack that howled at the moon was a nice touch on the last 9 miles. It was a pleasant experience for my crew as well - they said so several times: how they felt welcome at Crossroads and the fun times with SARR - and they are planning on training for the 25K next year. This is from two people who had given up long distance running! Hope to see you sooner next year...
Drew Meyer

Unlike most other people, I am not sure I really want to thank Joe. Certain I'd like to thank Sammy for the great food, Joyce for the good cheer and encouragement, all the aid station gang for keeping me going and being there till the wee hours in the morning, my fellow runners who whined enough to distract me from some of my misery that second loop, Ann and Terry our pacers that kept me going when I wanted to quit, the horse guys for being out there "just in case", it was definitely a top notch event. But THANK JOE???? You gotta be kidding! Are you people forgetting that HE layed out that hellish course??? Went out of his way to find the roughest terrain, steepest hills, biggest rocks, densest thickets of cactus. Crap! The existing trails out there weren't bad enough so he even made up a new section to work in some more hills! Did you not see the devlish delight he took in describing the course at the pre race meal? I swear he looked like a proud father talking about the first hill which he named "the big nasty". And the new ones toward the end that were WORSE? And you want me to thank this guy?? THANK THIS GUY?? OK - I do. Thanks Joe for a truly ultra event. I don't think it could have been better. You da man!
Duane (OK - maybe I should have done some hill training) Lewis

Once again you put on a great show.
Duane Lewis

As I jump (errr...more like gingerly slide) into my bath of Ben Gay, I would also like to extend a HUGE thank-you to Joe and Joyce for putting on an AMAZING event. From the tiniest trail marker to the welcome faces and warm blanket at the finish line, we all could not have done it without you. To all the helping hands and friendly smiles and words at the aid stations. THANK-YOU. Especially to the Chapas crew who helped me get through a very painful bout of cramps which allowed me to finish my first 100k. The pre-race food was great, as was the Sunday breakfast!! Thanx Sam and your helpers! Big hugs to everyone...)
Erik Moortgat

Want to tell you again how much us swamp rats from La. enjoyed frolicking in your beautiful hill country. It was AWESOME, BABY!! Kudos to you and your fantastic volunteers. See you next year!
Fred & Char Thompson

I too want to say thanks to Joe and Joyce for organizing a first class run and to all the volunteers for their unselfish time and effort in making Bandera a memorable experience. It's great to be a part of the HCTR family and the madness that surrounds this sport. It's a blast!!
Gabe Ayson

First of all, great race! As crazy as this sounds I truly enjoyed myself even though I could not move a muscle the very next day. This was my first 100k and man was that a tough course. I was cussing you with about 9 miles to go when my quads ran out of juice, but when I finally finished I looked back and thought that wasn't so bad. Yeah right!!! All your aid stations preformed flawlessly. Outstanding job everyone!!!
Michael Hayes

When I arrived at the first aid station on the second loop the guy there kept on calling me Mark but I thought he meant to call me Mike. Then when I arrived at the very last aid station they called me Mark also, that is when it dawned on me that the name was wrong.
Mike Hayes

What a fantastic time I had at Bandera. Hope to get out there and run it next year. Great job Joe.. I know that was a truckload of work getting it organized. I was totally impressed.
Steve

I couldn't agree more with all the other notes. This was my first 25K trail run, and you made it a blast, and left me eager for more, thanks so much !!
Jeff

Thank you for pulling together the best and most memorable race event I've ever been a part of. It was wonderful ! And thank you to the incredible aid station volunteers. Pros one and all. Thank you Tornados. Thank you Paul Stone and his crew (that spaghetti saved me). Thank you Bill and SARR crew (four times!). Thank you Dinty and the boys (sorry I didn't linger there much) and thank you to Joyce and her lady crew for a hospitable transition and comfortable finish. And thank you HCTRs for your support, camaraderie, friendship and advice. Ya'll made this a truly fun and rewarding run for me. I was looking for a great adventure run and I got the best ever! See you all again soon,
Jim Balthazar

Thanks and good job with the race...
John Welch

That was a great event! I really enjoyed that it was small and low key. I look forward in competing in it next year.
Karen Olsen

Good race, Good support, and good company.
Ken Luikart and Marla DFL

Thanks for putting on a GREAT race! My first trail run and I had such a good time. You asked for input: I can't think of anything I would really class as a "complaint" except maybe the need for more heat in the tent at pre-race dinner and the next morning. It was COLD standing/sitting around! On the compliment side: food was very good, especially Sammy's spaghetti, aid stations were absolutely awesome, and it was great seeing the cowboys out there on the trail. That was a real emotional boost when pattering along by myself. Thanks again.
Lee (Trail Rat)

Spending the weekend with lots of buddies, both old & new, running Joe's tough course and eating Sam's fabulous food was a blast! It is an experience more NTTR members should participate in. You leave with great shirts & finishers awards, sore muscles and fond memories of a race full of incredible highs & lows! Thanks, Joe, for a great time.
Letha Cruthirds

Thanks for a great race. I just love it down there. You put on one heck of a show. The course, the aid stations and volunteers, the riders, Sam's food, everything is top notch! I also want to thank you for you help when the wheels came off. You, Joyce, the nurse and everyone there at the lodge were fantastic. Anyway, thanks again for everything. It's a pleasure to run at one of your races.
Liam Douglass

First off, I big hardy thank you to Joe and Joyce for putting on what has become my favorite event. Thanks to all the volunteers. I'd try to mention you all by name but there's so many I no I'd leave someone out. Sam, the food was great and so appreciated!. The aid stations are always the highlight for me. Their like an oasis when your out on the trail. Thanks to Lewis and the riders. It was nice knowing you were out there. Plus, it always gives me a nice little boost when I come across one of those magnificent animals on the trail. And last but not least, thanks to all the runners. The best thing about trail running for me is the camaraderie, and Bandera has the best!
Liam Douglass

My hamburger feet and I thought of a few words to describe Joe and his hellish race course like #*x/&#@ and #*&^&X* during the race. After the introspective thought created by four beers with advil chasers and a few hours my descriptions of Joe changed to creative, committed leader. The course descriptions more appropriately became scenic, challenging and fun. I sincerely appreciate all of you that provided the leadership and sweat equity to make this possible. You really make a difference.
Bill Sleep

Guess I'll be a broken record and say thank you to everyone for all they did to make Bandera such a memorable experience. Joe and Joyce, I can't even fathom how much work you put into this event, ya'll are just incredible. Joe, after that first lap I was thinking I would hit you if I saw you, but after finishing, I thought you were wonderful again. Joyce, thanks for your hugs...you are so great. Diana and Robert, thank you for cheering on runners into wee in the night...your support was heartwarming. Thank you to all those that worked on the trail weeks ago and to all those that marked it last weekend...what a feat! I can't tell you how comforting those glowsticks were when at times I wasn't quite sure if I was on the trail. Sammy, thank you so much for all that delicious food. You could teach classes at Le Cordon Bleu. How do you get your spaghetti not to stick? Hats off to Lewis and all the cowboys...they were always so nice to ask if I was OK. Finally, thank you to all theaid station volunteers. They were so wonderful, it was like I had my own crew at each station. I doubt you could get more pampered at a spa. I never looked more forward to see a group of people in my life. I would have never dreamed you could use the word "fun" and 100K in the same sentence. THANK YOU!!!! OK, now for the weird part. I'm beginning to think that my parents are right...that maybe something IS wrong with me because now I am actually thinking of the doing the 100-miler at Rocky Raccoon. This is AFTER I told Mark Raymond at breakfast at the Bandera race that I was absolutely positive I would not want to do that and that he was crazy for signing up for it...obviously, I'm very sorry I said that, Mark. I'm not sure what happened between Bandera and now...strange. Anyway, I wanted to ask those of you who have done this before...do I need a crew or pacers? If the aid stations are anything like Bandera, I can't imagine what I would need a crew for. Do most people use pacers for the last lap or two or do most do it on their own? Is the extra distance that much harder than the Bandera 100K or does the flatter terrain make it not seem that bad. Thanks for any input you give! What a great group this is...bless all of you.
Linda Rust

There was on mishap that required a runner be brought out on horse back, the runners name was John and had taken a hard fall up in the 5a Saddle. Liz and Derrell brought him down to an acceptable vehicle road. John was then brought in to the Lodge nurses station and examined. His injuries justified transport to the hospital, as of Saturday night the word was that he was stable. Great job Liz and Derrell. The runners were very appreciative of our being on the trails looking out for them, as it was a great relief to them to know someone was on trail and available in case there was a problem. Joe and Joyce Prusaitis extends their Thanks to all of our group that volunteered and assisted with this event. Our efforts in supporting this major event netted HC-SNAP a $300.00 donation from the Hill Country Runners. I am going to rub it in for those that couldn't make it, the weather was fantastic and with a full moon, the night riding was great. Some of our greatest responses were from the runners still on course late evening that would come around and see us mounted and on trail in the dark. Although it was a little chilly, the Thanks from those folks left us a warm feeling. Great Job Crew, we are on for next year and really looking forward to it.
Louis Upton

Thank You for having Hill Country State Natural Area Partners to support you event this year. Our riders all reported good responses from your runners and staff. The weather this year was fantastic, compared to last year, which made it that much better. It amazes me how these athletes can cover ground so quick in the rugged Texas Hill Country. Our hats off to all your competitors this year. We have already marked the calendar for next year and looking forward to it. Kudos' to Sam and his crew for the great food and to your entire run staff and volunteers for a well run show. We road some of the 100k route on Sunday, and the course had already been cleared of any evidence that there had even been a event of the magnitude on the park. Our purpose is to support the visitors to Hill Country State Natural Area, and supporting events like yours is what we are about. Also, Thank You for you generous donation to HC-SNAP, it will be put to good use in maintaining the Park. We notice many trails needing some serious trimming, so some new nippers and saws may be in order. Good Luck with you events the rest of the year and see you soon.
Louis Upton: President, Hill Country State Natural Area Partners

I had a really great time and experience in Bandera
Marie Asbell

Just wanted to let you know how much fun I had helping out at the NACHO aid station and then pacing Shan for the last 50K. I found the course challenging and fun and now I'm looking forward to trying it out again during daylight hours.
Mariela Botella

Id like to thank JoePrusaitis for putting on another great race. This is a very well run race on a really tuff trail. Lots and lots of rocks and great aid stations. But I still think we had the best one there last year. and plan on going back to volunteer next year. I dont want to run the last 9 miles again .Joe you are one sick @$%^&* :-) . but most of us ultra peeps are too. Letha, Julie, Steve, and I stoped at Enchanted Rock on the way home and hiked to the top just cause are legs did not hurt anuff.
Mark Dick

I agree with Liam. It's the people who keep me coming back for more. A thousand thanks to Joe, Joyce, Slammin' Sammy, Henry, Jon, Nancy, Jack, Stacey, and everyone else who helped put on last weekend's events. One of the highlights for me was seeing all the people who did their first 100K at breakfast. They all looked so happy. I wish I could have listened to each of their tales, but being crazy like i am, I couldn't be content just to watch the duathlon.
Mark Lindsey

Thanks for another awesome race at Bandera! A lot of people contribute to making it happen and I fully appreciate that, but you're the driver behind the race. Your twisted concept of what makes a course great is just to my liking. Thanks again!
Mark Raymond

I would like to say "Thank you" for putting on such a challenging race! This was my second Ultra and I plan on coming back next year. I ran in the 62 mile race this past weekend. I had a "Great" time and plan on writing you a letter with my account of the race.
Gary Moroney

During the 1st loop, I was running very comfortably, knowing that Bandera is a tough course and I wanted to have plenty get up and go for the 2nd loop. I swear the the last 6 miles were the fastest for me. Low points? None at all - I was totally focused and ready to run.
Matt Harrington

I would like to thank Joe Prusaitis and the Hill County Trail Runners for putting on a fine race in Bandera Texas. The aid stations were great, manned by volunteers having as much fun if not more than the runners. Aide stations had everything from hamburgers to breakfast tacos. Going hungry was not a danger. If you like being stabbed by Texas sotol and rocks, rocks and more rocks you can't go wrong with this race.
Matt & Anne Watts (Broomfield Co)

I know I am being redundant, but THANX to Joe and everyone else who made it one terrific weekend.
Matt Harrington

My daughter and I want to thank you again for a great trail running experience at the Bandera 25K/50K.. We both thoroughly enjoyed the day. The warm sun and snowless trails were a welcome break from the Minnesota winter. The trails were the best marked of any ultra I have run. Ditto for the food. And the volunteers and organization were great! We’re already talking about going back next year, but moving up to the next distances (100K for me, 50K for my daughter). It is just the kind of trail we love to run. Thanks again, Joe. And tell all the volunteers thanks, too. Hope to see you next year.
Michael Scandrett (Minneapolis, MN)

Thanks for putting on another great race. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever figure running a 100k in 15:55!!! Great course - tons of fun - fabulous aid stations and outstanding hospitality. Already looking forward to running it again next year. . . . . . . honest! Hats off to you and your wonderful team.
Moe White (Canada)

Joe and Joyce, Thank you again for a fabulous race. Scott and I came home not only with clear heads from running so long, but warm hearts from being a part of your very special event. We weren't even a mile down the road towards the airport, when ALL of the New Mexico contingent started making plans for next year.
Nancy Halpin

GREAT RACE. A tough course, but pretty and fun. Great markings, great food, and great volunteers.
Bill Nictakis

Thanks, Joe. Had a great time.
Patti

Bandera ranks up there with some of the best that I have run. Deb and I will be back next year for sure....
Steve Pero

Below is the "race report" I wrote. I wrote it mainly for myself, so that I would be able to go back and read it and remember what a wonderful time I had. I want to say again how much I appreciate you, Joyce and everyone else who worked so hard to put this on. I do meeting planning for the company I work for so I know a little bit about the work and attention to detail involved in a big event.
Lee

Thanks for a great event. It beat me this year, but I'll get it next year. I made it through 53.2 miles and I was trashed. I fell like 10 times in the 6 miles from Crossroads back to Crossroads. I literally would just fall over (side to side) and without a pacer I was a bit nervous. I suppose I need to find some hills to train on. That's a bit hard here in Houston, but I'll manage and I'll be ready for next year. I took a blow to my pride, but I'm not injured and I'll be back!! Overall, I had a great time, enjoyed the course and the volunteers rocked!! There is one volunteer in particular that really stood out... There was a gal named Ruth that was helping in the finish area when I got there (by shuttle from Crossroads by dear Bart). I don't know her last name, but she was giving everyone the royal treatment and was definitely an angel to all. I really appreciated her being there when I got there. All of the volunteers were amazing. Thanks again Joe! Bandera Rocks!!
Rebecca Watkins

Congratulations to all the runners! And congratulations to Joe for putting on such a wonderful event!!!!! (And he wasn't joking when he said at the pre-run dinner that he made the course as tough as he could). Special Congratulations and Special Thanks to all of the volunteers! Without their help, this race could not be done. Joyce and Janice, you guys were great and helped me so much at the start of the second loop. And Terry, when you ran up and gave me the hamburger, that was soooo nice. Doug, Dinty and all the others, you guys saved my race for me. Especially Doug for all his useful advice. AND THEN AFTER THE RACE---THE TENT, THE HEATER, THE WOOL BLANKET AND THE HOT BEEF STEW!!! What an event and a huge success!
Robert Melendez

JOE. Thanks for putting on a great race at Bandera again. All the volunteers were outstanding and helpfull. Thank Sam once again the food was superb. Enjoyed the course the trail was marked exceedingly well. Once again thanks for everything
BOB BECK.

Joe, congratulations once again for a wonderful race experience at Bandera. I must say that I prefer this year's course layout just a bit over last year's, and not simply because it didn't have a grueling climb at the very end. The inner loop (roughly miles 7-13 for the 25K) covered some gorgeous terrain, and the top of the hill on trail 5c was simply awe-inspiring. Of course, my race had the potential for disaster. With my freewheeling (some would say "reckless") flights downhill, you would think I'd find trouble eventually, but my undoing actually came along the low, flat area along trail 7, at about the 6.5-mile mark. I made a move to pass on the right (uphill) side of the trail, stepped on a loose rock, and went flying. Sensing its opportunity, an evil rock jumped up and poked me in the forehead. I bounced up, initially more concerned about lacerations on my hand, until I touched my forehead and immediately had blood running down my arm. But trail runners are the best, without question. The gentleman I was passing at the time stopped and assisted me to the creekbed, where we could step off the trail a bit. Neither of us had bandages large enough to cover the wound, but very shortly several runners stopped by to check on me. One was a medic (I want to say his name was Chris, but I'm not certain), who assessed the wound, obtained a large gauze or medical pad and duct tape from other runners, and in about 5 minutes I had a temporary patch on me and the bleeding appeared to have stopped. I felt neither weak nor dizzy, and knew where I was (well, within a half mile, anyway), so I opted to continue at least to the turnaround aid station, where I could decide whether to go on or take the road back to the finish. When I arrived at the turnaround station, I was still in one piece (and Robert Heynen has the picture to prove it). I figured if worse came to worst, and I found myself unable to go on, I could at least count on another runner reporting the situation back at civilization. So I turned onto the inner loop and kept going, and without a significant slowing of my pace. I'm very glad I did, as the countryside here was very rewarding, both visually and as a running challenge (though I wonder whose idea it was to place the photographer at the top of that steep climb on trail 6...hmm?). I got a little more bleeding when I reached the Crossroads aid station, but with only 2.3 miles to go, I wasn't about to cash it in at that point. I managed to finish not only without further incident, but in relatively strong fashion. In fact, I bested last year's time by several minutes, even accounting for the medical delay. After I finished, Joyce took me in to see the nurse (again I struggle with her name...Terri?), who cleaned me up, told me I would definitely need stitches, and gave us directions to the Hondo medical center. Fortunately I had come to the race with my adventure-racing teammate, Sheila Torres-Blank (who had a nifty run herself, if I may say so), and she drove me to the hospital. Now I'm sporting 3 stitches and a Y-shaped scar just over my right eye, and a thankfulness that the rock didn't happen to aim a couple inches this way or that, where it could have struck my eye, nose, or mouth and created a much more serious injury. I come away from this experience the better for it and with more confidence in myself when the chips are down. I wish I had gotten (or remembered) the names of all the folks who helped me through this, though hopefully I will be excused for being a little distracted. But I will give a huge round of thanks and appreciation to Chris (I hope!), Joyce, Terri, Sheila (of course!) and all the runners who sacrificed seconds or even minutes of their own race to assist me and get me back on track. You guys are the best, and I hope to see you all at next year's race (where I strike back at the rocks).
Scott Appleton

You two have done it again - exhausted yourselves from such hard work to put on a fabulous event. I'm so grateful to you both for making Bandera 100k happen. Everything was so organized and the course was so well marked. The volunteers were amazing and very attentive to the needs of the runners. The food was incredible - specifically the spaghetti at Chapas. I dove in for 2 servings while Doug and Mariela were taping my feet. I felt as though you both were pulling for me - even without a single word being said about it. Seeing you both at the finish line made my accomplishment so sweet. The hugs you both gave me were felt very deeply. Finally - I finished this thing! It hurt so much...every part of my body was crying, but there was never a question as to whether or not I was going to finish. Thank you again so much!
Shan Rooney

Joe: I really appreciated the thorough organization and support. The aid stations were the best I have encountered, staffed by fellow ultra runners and even RD's. Those guys really understand running and fatigue ect. Also it was the best food I have ever eaten at an Ultra. It was all homemade and really professionally prepared evidently by someone who is a chef named Sammy. I also wanted to mention that you yourself really bring out the best in the runner. People know the races you have run and they don't want to let you down by not finishing. I came by myself from Salina, Ks, but I knew I would be all right after reading all the letters from last years runners. Hope to come back and enter the 100k -it's a very tough course but with support like that where better to take the challenge? See you Joe-God bless you and yours
Bill Shirk

Just wanted to congratulate Joe and all the runners and volunteers for such a successful, fun weekend at the Bandera 100K/50K/25K. Beautiful weather, a great venue and everybody "enjoying" themselves on at a fantastically put on trail race. In just two years, Joe Prusaitis has established Bandera as one of the "must do" trail "weekends" in all the Southwest. We at the Chapas aid station had a grand time, rubbing sore muscles; dishing out burgers, electrolytes and other replenishment; and just giving good old-fashioned encouragement. I'm sure the other aid stations had just as good of a time. I wanted to properly recognize those who worked at our aid station. First of all, my wife, Abby, and daughter, Erin, once again selflessly volunteered their efforts to the ultra running community. Abby is a great organizer and does an especially good job at keeping the kitchen well-stocked (with Sam's help, of course). She knows her business and keeps the t's crossed and i's dotted. At 13, Erin has been a fixture at ultras for several years now and does a lot of work with relatively few complaints. Now an eighth grader, she's a pretty good miler in her own right. Then there's ultra running legend Max Roycroft, a good friend from Dallas who has been known to run back-to-back 100-milers on successive weekends. This past weekend, however, Max, who is never short on energy, was busily taking care of the needs of others, just doing it all. Whatever runners asked for, Max enthusiastically provided. There were others — Tom, who was doing the duathlon the following day; Rick, a ham radio operator who was assigned to our aid station; and Scott Gordon's family members — who made great contributions to our aid station. Just wanted to make sure these folks got a little plug. They worked very hard to help play a small part in the success of an outstanding event.
Paul Stone (Tyler, TX)

This was my very first race of any kind, have been a recreational runner my whole life, but never went over 7-8 miles in a single run. Wow, this race was awesome! I have never experienced something like this before ever, and vowed never to do it again, because of all the pain I was in, but now that I am a couple of days out, I have to say that I loved it! Thanks for a great/back breaking/gut wrenching/well organized event! A new fan!
Sylvia A. Mitchell

First, thank you for an incredible experience last weekend. The 50K was my first ultra. What a feeling! Tough, tired, humbled ... can't wait to do it next year!
Todd Roper

Hi Joe. I spoke with you last Wednesday I think before you left for the race in Bandera. I am the first-time-trail-walker-stay-at-home-mom-with-no-experience-with-this-kind-of-thing woman. I am writing you now to tell you how much I appreciate all the effort you put into planning this weekend. I had the time of my life and am now motivated to go on and do more! I finished the 25K not too far from the bottom of the pack (although I did go about a mile off course at one point). I’m so proud of myself for this accomplishment. Thank you for making the trail tough. Thank you for telling me that I could do it. Thank you for all your hard work. In a small but measurable way, this weekend helped to make me a better person.Any recommendations for other races close to the Dallas area? I’m trying to recruit my husband now…
Helen Todora

Thanks for a great race. I still think you are a sick man, but it was a great race. Somewhere between the first and second aid station I hit this flat, smooth section of trail. I went into a bit of a panic looking for a marker since I was sure I must have taken a wrong turn and was off course. I repeated this panic several times when the trail seemed a little too smooth. Sorry I had to bail out early Saturday. I had intended to stick around for Sam's cooking, awards, and watching some of our friends finish the 100. I didn't want to talk about it at the race, but my 5-year-old Boston Terrier died the night before. I didn't feel very social and knew the wife needed me to get back home. Again, thanks! I'm already looking forward to doing the 100 next year.
Tom Watson

Hey Joe, you and Joyce, and Sammy are absolutely awesome. Glad I could help, but mostly just felt in the way. I hope to be in shape for the 100K next year as the volunteers running THIS show make it a must see,(do).
Wes Monteith

I have to agree on the miracle grow! Joe I have my red badge of (Bandera) courage now even if it was a wimpy 25K, but a great training run for a recovering ham string rupture. Have read some great reports and totally concur. 5 stars on the course and 6 on the volunteers. Praise to the weather gods for cooperating.
Wes Monteith

I have a couple of thoughts on Bandera: Perhaps we should all chip in and buy Matt a flashlight so he doesn't have to finish before dark. And I think Joe did put Miracle Gro on the sotol!!
Diana Heynen

2003

You put on a great race. I am looking forward to this race again.
Stephen Hampton

Joe, I wish I could say that these course changes are going to cause me no end of confusion. However, since I never really had a firm idea or picture in my mind of that course, it won't make the slightest difference. I am easily confused. That is a rather back-handed compliment to whoever marked the course last year. At no time did I know where the hell I was, but never doubted that I was on course. It all sounds good.
Steve Pattillo

I hurt so bad after last year that I vowed never to do the race again. But, I am training for it already this year, and have made a few trips to the park to start preparing earlier. It was one of the most awesome races I have ever run/walked/limped (luckily I didn't have to say crawl) before.
Renee Stanley

Based on how it went last year, it seems to me all you gotta do is rub a porcupine on your shins for a while, make a couple gravel angels (face down of course), then put on a wet t-shirt and go stand inside a walk-in freezer for about 3 hours. If you could just figure out how to do hill repeats in the freezer you'd have it all. Did I miss anything?
Duane Lewis

I would like to thank Joe, Joyce, for all the hard work that they did in putting this race together. Unbelievable! the organization was superb. Sam, your spaghetti the night before and the barbeque afterward were great! and yeh I managed to round up a couple of cans of Tecate to wash it all down afterward. Thanks to all of you that were at the aid stations all day and well into the night. It was nice to stop, have people offer to fill up your waterbottle and have soo much food to choose from. I think that it was encouragement, the PB and J, coke and hot soup at #3 that got me through. By the way my legs are toast...maybe more like burnt toast at best. Thanks to *all* that helped make this such a great event.
Bill Patience

I wanted to tell you what a great experience this was. It was by far the best race I've entered (okay, that's an N of 2 -- a 5K last April was my first and only before this). The aid stations were extremely well stocked and manned, and all of the volunteers were very helpful. And the course -- what can I say? Fantastic. I'm weak on flats or easy runs, but I'm a good scrambler, and I found these trails much to my liking. I walked all but the easiest uphills, but I still passed a few people because I'm a pretty fast climber. A lot of people picked their way carefully down those steep rocky descents; I just flew down them with reckless abandon, a tactic which will some day ruin me but served me well on Saturday. That last climb on trail 3 was a test of grit, well placed in the course to make you question your resolve. I feel very happy with my performance, especially considering I was dead last after the first half mile. I didn't count how many people I passed, but I think I managed to finish in the middle third of the 60 or so runners in the 25K. My 3:15 time puts me at a sub 13-minute mile, which I'm extremely happy with considering the roughness of the course and the fact that I've never run more than 5 or 6 miles before (and it also allowed me to just beat the rain). Tam was also impressed, which (trust me) is not an easy thing to do :-)
As you've probably guessed, I've never been a competitive runner. I've been doing some short adventure races over the past year, as well as some orienteering (which I love), but that's about it as far as my racing resume goes. But a race like this has me considering getting into this a little more, assuming my poor knees can take it [which is one reason you'll never catch me doing a road race]. Again, thanks to everyone for a fantastic race and a well-planned course. I might have to hit the trails a little more often.
Scott Appleton.

Over the last five years or so, I have worked behind the scenes at many races, either through ARC, Austin Tri's, or Motorola Marathon. From what I have experienced, very few races can approach the quality and attention to details that Joe and Joyce provided at Bandera. The event was a class act that raised the bar. I would like to personally thank both Joe and Joyce for all their efforts, and especially for being there when I sprinted across the finish line around 4 a.m
Robert Heynen

just wanted to drop a note and say THANKS for putting on a GREAT race! It was terrific. A tough and scenic course, well marked, great aid stations. I really enjoyed it! I am sure glad I listened to you and work pants...it would have been rough running through the cactus with just shorts. The rain and cold just made it more challenging....that mud was incredible. Joe, I really enjoyed this challenging race. I sure hope i am still in Texas so i can make the trip next year. See you at Rocky in a couple of weeks??
Bill Niktakis

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. But most of all it was a GREAT TIME! Holy cow, what a race! Heartfelt thanks to Joe, Joyce, Jon, the amazing volunteers, Sam and everyone involved in this memorable event. The hot chicken and blazing fires really pirked me up when I was cold and down. And those tortilla wraps with PB&J. Man, those were good. I had hopes of going for the 100K but decided to stop after 50. I learned some valuable lessons though. Most of all I need better cold/wet weather running gear and better planning and organization in regards to my drop bag. This course was truly amazing and I can't wait to get back down there real soon. I can just imagine what a task it was for Joe to map this course out on his mtn. bike. Thanks buddy!
Liam Douglass

That sure was an epic weekend as far as difficulty on All fronts... athletes, organizers, and the photographers. Nobody had it easy! My feet were SO COLD! even in the car When I was shooting from there. Those older ultra guy's are so impressive.
Rick Kent

You guys that did this race are awesome... no matter what the distance! This also had to be one of the best organized races that I've been to. Hat's off to Joe, Joyce, Jon, and all of the others that were involved in putting this thing on. Dealing with the course would have been challenging enough, but then throw in the weather..... Doug, I think I saw the guy you are talking about. I was at aid station 2 when one guy came in and asked what mile he was at. Chuck and Chris told him mile 5. His response was something like, "You gotta' being kidding!" "I've only gone 5 miles in two hours!" "This is the hardest #$*% course I've ever been on... and I've done a lot of these!" That's when Chuck told him, "That was the easy part!" Can't quite repeat here what the guy then said. And thank you Sammy for the great food! I would also like to thank the folks at Hill Country State Natural Area for allowing us to use this wonderful place! I look forward to next year... this time as a participant. Congrats to all that finished and attempted this course!
Chris Matus

I'm happy to be sitting at my desk today, warm & dry. I thought I might come down with a cold but I seem to be okay today; a good night of sleep can work wonders. Running in that mud was like trying to run in a pair of high-heeled disco platform shoes from the 1970's ! ... Being reduced to a slow stagger of a walk, I found a new definition for "pity steps". My big "lesson learned" is that I need better clothing for those types of conditions. There were two sections in the last 10 miles that I could not stay warm, and I was beginning to get a little worried. The finish line was a very welcomed sight. Did anyone else see what looked like snow flurries during 2nd loop? The course was very well marked... had it not been as well-marked, the night section would have been even longer. After sunset, there was only one place where I had to reference the map to verify my location/direction. I saw a few critters dash across the trail in front of me at night : a couple of bunnies and something white that I might have been a possum...I heard occasional rustling in the brush alongside the trail. The volunteers that manned the aidstations throughout the night were great. Thanks to Joe and Joyce for a well-organized and directed event, and to Sam for his good cooking
Linda Hurd

Bandera was a great race! It was my first trail run (25K).
Stephen Hampton

Quick one to thank you for the great job in your first Bandera Race. It's hard to say what I liked best: trails were marked excellently, and never had a moment of hesitation or fear of being lost cuz your signs and ribbons were always in the right place at the right time. Being a guy who appreciates options, especially enjoyed your "Choice" moments to decide which path to negotiate circumventing obsticals. The glow sticks were PM Guardian Angels, and don't think I could have sloshed through the evening without the security of having the constant reminders that I wasn't off trail. Knew most of your aid station volunteers, and you recruiting some great people who made it fun to be out there as long as I was. Being a trained "Food Displayer", your volunteers did a great job of keeping the aid stations a 5 star buffet! Finally figured out what your program was: you had the rain to get rid of the dust on the road stretches we ran on, and the trail rocks to help get the mud off our shoes!? Great job on bringing us a premire race, and looking forward to seeing what I can do about improving my effort. Congrats to you and Joyce.
Dave Ferry

Wayne, you missed a good one down at Bandera yesterday. I was going to write a short report to the List on the race but having seen your note will just reply to the list. First of all, I'd like to thank Joe Prusaitis and all his crew and volunteers for the great support, aid stations and trail marking. I've never run a trail run so well marked. Awesome job Joe! Well Joe certainly lived up to his billing this race as being the most difficult 50K around. I traveled to Bandera on Thurs. and met Bill Pustow on Friday at the airport in San Antonio, then drove to Bandera. Bandera is this neat little town right out in the Hill Country of Texas. Initially, Bill and I had visions earlier when we first signed up for this race of giving the 100K a go but after talking about it and learning about all the critters Joe said may visit us at night, like the scorpions, rattlers and mountain lions and anything else, we decided we would run the 50K as it would leave us more time to drink beer after the finish. And were we ever glad after we finished that 50K that we didn't have to go back out to do another loop! It was overcast at the start and forecast for showers which didn't arrive until around noon. The trail was bone dry although it never did rain hard, just a light refreshing rain, the trail where you could actually run, produced this dry mud that just stuck to the bottom of your shoes, and continued to build up. Couldn't kick the damn stuff off and even if you cleaned it off, 5 min. later it was there again. It would build up to the extent that you would become off balance (with 2 lbs. extra on each foot) and pitch forward. Then you'd stop, clean it and resume running and repeat this over and over. But what a course Joe and his group put together. Numerous steep climbs with no switchbacks, just straight up and straight down. Lots of rock and cactii. And beautiful scenery for free. The runners were wanting for nothing at the aid stations (Joe, those tortillas with peanut butter and jelly were great!). There was a great pre-race dinner for all runners on Friday night before the run and post race feed afterward. Everyone had a great time but I sure was glad I wasn't one of those heading back out for another loop in that cold rain! Thanks for everything Joe! I'll be back next year!
Len DeMoss

Well, it's over. And what a race it was. Bandera. Joe said he wanted to make it one of the most challenging trail races in Texas and I think few would argue it was anything other than that. One of the out-of-stater 100K runners was heard to boast upon arrival, "you call these hills?" I was told that, at the end of the 50K loop, he was using the foulest of terms describing what he had encountered. Something around 50 people started the 100K - around 30 finished it. Some achieved their original goal - some achieved an alternate goal. Regardless of the final mileage, anyone who took on that course - the hills, the rocks, the rain, the mud, the cold, the wind, the night - was a true ultrarunner. Joe and Joyce put their hearts into taking care of the runners (although some may say Joe "took care" of them a little too well with that course, especially the vertical ascent he so kindly put in the final couple of miles before the finish). Sammie V. kept us incredibly well nourished with gourmet meals. The aid station folks waited on us hand and foot as we stopped to rest and reenergize before taking on the elements again. Joe - thanks for all you did in putting this race together and encouraging us to accept the challenge. Thanks for your time, your encouragement, your guidance, your motivation, your concern. We draw strength from you. We had a fine representation of Hill Country Trail Runners at this race. It was great to see so many of my fellow club members at the pre-race dinner, then out on the trail hammering those Bandera hills, then shaking hands and hugging one another at the finish line, sharing in one another's exhilaration in the feat accomplished. Those who took on Bandera know the substance of what we each faced out there. For our friends who weren't able to join us, understand our attempt to convey to you what the race was like will be in vain. It was one of those things that has to be experienced to fully understand. For me, it was the 100K - a buckle and a PR for distance. It was also my first DFL. I never thought it would feel so good.
Doug Gimenez

Thanks for a great event. I can't say enough about how impressed I am with what you pulled together. I haven't done a lot of trail runs but by far this one was the best. The tent, the food, the aid stations, the HEATER AT THE END. Wow! Also, the course was incredibly well marked. Best I have ever seen. By the way, I suspect you took some perverse pleasure in marking the last little up and down with up and down arrows - kind of like saying "Yeah I am serious. You really do have to go down there and then back up this way" Those were killer on my dead legs. Anyhoo - thanks again. I'll have to give it a whirl again next year. Who knows. If I lose a few more brain cells along the way, I may even try the 100. Man - I can't believe I just said that...........
Duane Lewis

I had a great time. Joe and Joyce and the rest of the support group were outstanding. What a great job to all-- runners and participants. Great job you two,
Richard McCormick

Just wanted to send a quick thank you email. The race was fantastic! The course was incredible (grueling at times for me), the volunteers you had were wonderful-everything was perfect. It was a great experience for my first trail run! I look forward to many more races! Thank you to you and your team!!! Thanks!
Jessica Woodings

You guys put on a good race. I almost sent an entry in on the 100k. It would have been Tuesday before I would have finished.(ha!)
Lee Topham

Thanks for the 100/50/25k race last Saturday. I enjoyed the 25k race. Overall, I thought it was a quality and well run event. There is not one thing about the day that I could offer some sort of improvement on, excepting the weather and you all were not driving that. Some of the 100k guys were testy by the time I get to them I guess because some of the 25k folks smoked past them. I don't have a clue how to fix that one and am sure something will come to your mind(s). The older 100k guy with the headphones on yelling at me for being too close to him did not seem to correct it so I would not recommend that as a fix :-) Whatever you do, get ready for more people next year. You all did a great job and THANKS for all the hard work and the quality event! Thanks,
Bryan Trammell

Great race! Excellant aid, well marked, a fun time. Felt good to be in an ultra again.
Greg Loomis

I really enjoyed that run. It was well organized, great porta-johns, plenty of good food when needed, and you guys encouraged runners and made them feel welcome. The 3AM shower was a real life saver. I had a long night out there. The course got so wet after dark that the flat runnable trails were sticking to shoes, and when a foot hit the ground it slid. So, I walked. Feet got sore, but I am able to walk down stairs so I am in relatively good shape. Saw lots of rabbits. Some deer. Met lots of good folks. Some were hurting and cold. Especially the aid station ones. You may never have weather as bad again. Still, maybe communication between aid stations after the 50K crowd dies down would be prudent. Tracking runners who were expected at the next station could provide a safety net for people in marginal condition. Thank you all for an unexpectedly great walk in the dark.
Leo Lavender

I just wanted to let you know that I had great fun both running as well as working with Sammy after my short run. I'm sorry now that I decided to leave that evening before the bulk of the 100k'ers finished... I figured the work itself would slow down, but that probably wasn't true. And besides, it would have been fun to see all those folks come in. Still, I'm glad I stayed as long as I did, and that I got to see you guys. The event was, indeed, awesome, and I can't imagine how much work you guys had to put into pulling it off successfully. I'm sure we'll see you guys again on the trails (or roads).
Sid Subramanian

Great show you and your friends put on last weekend! I really enjoyed myself. Your's is indeed a challenging course, a worthy endeavour in my humble opinion. I just may have to return next year.
John Prohira

Your race was superbly put together as usual. I just wish I had gotten some hill training to make it more enjoyable. The early fall didn't help anything either. I've had very few falls over the years, so it was quite a shock. In truth, I wasn't looking forward to running in the cold rain in the dark. I have nothing but bad experiences in those conditions, so it wasn't too hard a decision to quit.
Scott Demaree

Congratulations on a very well organized event. I will definitely plan on returning in the future. The course marking was very well done. The use of the ribbons and arrows made it so easy to follow the course that I essentially went into mental float very early and never thought much about navigating since every marked turn and crossing corresponded exactly with the maps and descriptions you had previously sent. If the park administration had insisted on using only chalk, as you were talking about earlier, following the course could have been much more difficult in the rain. I found everything I needed at the aid stations along with very friendly and helpful personnel. I was also impressed with the traffic control for cars that you had set up including a person at the turnoff near the park registration station. The other suggestion I have is you start the 25K an hour after the long runs. The first 25K people started catching me just before the turn off to Ice Cream saddle and it made for some congestion from there and along the 7 trails. I am sure it frustrated the fast 25K people to have to pass the slower 50/100K folk and it made the slower folk have to step to the side of the trail to let the 25K people pass. Your little bayonets hanging across the trail left me some marks on my legs as reminders of the run. My vertech recorded vertical gain for the run was 3225 feet. I estimate that there is probably another 300-400 feet of climb that did not get recorded simply because the watch only records climbs of 30 feet or greater. See you in July if not before.
John Cappis

Thanks for the great race.
Paul Frost

Thanks a lot and you put on a great run from top to bottom. It couldn't have been run any better. Thanks
Bill Gardner

Your race was a huge success! I may even do more trail runs in the future. Thanks for all your hard work putting the race on!
Steve Sprinkle

Great race Saturday! Thanks,
John McCoul

I just wanted to thank you and everyone involved in the Bandera race this weekend. It was so well run and everyone just did such an outstanding job. I can tell you I was never so glad to see anyone in my life as when your wonderful wife came down to find us. We were so lost!
Deborah Sexton

Just a quick note to thank you for all your efforts in putting on a great run. That is a challenging,fun course. The aid stations were superb, please thank all the volunteers, a wonderful bunch of folks. Hope it becomes an annual event as next year I want to run the 50K. Thank You,
Bill Burton

I doubt you guys are even home yet, but I wanted to tell you again how much fun we had Saturday! That was a tough course and I can not really negotiate stairs well today, but it was tons of fun! You both did a great job and so did all of your volunteers. Having so many smiling faces sure made it lots easier to get going again.
Paige Fletcher

Thanks for putting on this excellent race! The trail markings were superb. Also, I really liked the course layout. It was neat never retracing or crossing. I had run Mickey's course, but I liked yours better. The volunteers were terrific. I will definitely do it again next year. Perhaps I'll even train.
Wayne Lauritzen

Bandera was awesome. This was my first 50K and had a great time. I met lots of nice people and I'm sure I will be doing more of these in the future. I finished in a bit over 7 hours, which was surprising to me on two levels. First, I never would have imagined needing 7 hours to do a run not much longer than a marathon. And secondly, I never would have imagine 7 hours flying by as fast as it did! My friend Troy Moon and I camped out, which just added to the fun. And after seeing him take over 4:40 to finish, my seven hours didn't seem so slow. He's a 2:30 marathon runner, I'm a 3:45 guy. The event was extremely well run and organized. The support was great. The food was great. Every single person at every single aid station was super nice and supportive. Thanks for all of your efforts putting this race on.
Mike Clark

Great race this weekend. It was my first trail race (did the 25K - plus a 3 mile get lost addition due to missing a turn). I think my running partner and I will do more. Thank you,
Jim Sink

Great race. Sorry I had to bail at 50. This one is certainly worth another try!! Next year hold the rain. Hills, footing and cactus we can live with!! Your team was great. . . . great support, GREAT food, great course, great people. Thanks loads from your Canadian friends.
Moe White

Thnx for arranging for snow next year. . . advantage Canada, we will be there for sure!!
Moe White

Thanks for putting on such a great race! It was my 2nd ultra(after Sunmart), but already my favorite. The aid was outstanding!!! Everyone at the event was super positive and helpful. The course...well, it was awesome! I know it took alot of work to connect a loop of 31 miles; it's all greatly appreciated. Sincerely,
Joe Sulak

Thank you for a great race. You did a great job at explaining the race beforehand (in the book you mailed us). You were right. It was a tough course...The toughest since AT100. However, your ultrarunning volunteers made me feel quite at home. It was nice to see Mickey, Paul & Abbey, Paul Schmidt, and all the other ultrarunners we read about. We were a stong family that weekend. I especially want to thank Bill Patience for helping me get through the 2nd loop on the 100K. He never left me even though I might have been slowing him down. He motivated me, demonstrated loyalty, and showed me just how tough of a runner he really is. Last but certainly not least, will you thank Letha for me. She was at the last aid station. She nursed me back to health when I felt liek s**t...and I mean s**t! Well, thats all for now. I'll see you at the next race. I'll be drinking it up and showing my coveted 1OOK buckle this next week. My body knows I've earned it!
Juan Galvan

I'll bring more people down next year, and maybe we'll even do the 100K. Thanks for a great race!
Kathy Duryea

I will forward this to the rest of the crew, we really enjoyed the weekend, most of us are use to ride in the type of weather we encountered this last weekend. I am sure your crew made everything back the way it was, they were very professional in handling the event. Tell the cook the food was great and really appreciated, it gave us an opportunity to spend more time on the trail. Teddi usually does all the cooking, and this gave her a break. Sincerely
Louis Upton (Hill Country SNA Partners)

I want to thank you very much for a great race! Even though being sick with food poisoning, I still had a great time and plan to be back next year to finish up business! The course was spectacular. You did a wonderful creating challenging, scenic, loops. You also did a great job of marking it. I am notorious for going off course and not once did I go off. That's saying a lot for this cowgirl! The aid stations and volunteers where were first rate. I cannot see how you could improve upon this race.
Valerie Khachadourian

Thanks for a great run (and keeping the rain away until after I finished--those rocks would have bit me). I love riding and racing my bike in the hill country, but had never done a trail run there (only in okla and east texas). after going off course and really enjoying the lack of rocks on most of the course, I did cross the finish line going in the right direction. The two guys I told about the run also enjoyed the heck out of it, and our female friend even had fun her last hour in the rain. I hope you never have to cap the entries, but this race will become very popular. Your support staff was top notch (please let them know this). We will all be back next year.
Chuck Hobbs

Great race!! You really don't need more aid stations. The distances were just right. Barring health or professional problems , I'll be back at three again next year.
Mickey Rollins

You guys did an awesome job. I have never seen anything out in the wilderness so organized. You guys made fewer trips back to the rear than most Army units.
Joni Moore

Would just like to write a quick note and let you know my wife and I had a great run this weekend. It was tough but enjoyable. Wanted you pass our thanks to evryone that helped you out. The aid was fantastic! Everything anyone could have wanted and the people were just great! Again, thanks for a great run.
Mike & Karen Rolirad

Thanks for putting on such a great race! I really enjoyed it. There were several of us that got a little lost by ice cream hill. we actually passed it. :) It wasn't until we came upon the "wrong way" sign that we discovered our error. My husband, joe, said earlier there was an arrow showing you to turn, but it must have been knocked over by the time the back-of-the-packers found it. Other than that, the markers were great! Thanks again for a great race!
Jill Sulak

Have enough good memories to last till next year's effort in Bandera. Getting lots of compliments on the sweatshirt. It's great. Thanks for the opportunity for seeing how far we could push ourselves. It was a great experience. Thanks again.
Dave Ferry

The race course was great ! Great aid station crews. I loved the climbing and descending but didn't care much for the clay-mud 2-3 inches thick on the bottom of my shoes. Next year I'll finish the 100k, at least i'll have an idea what to expect.
Bradley Youngblood

The race was GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had so much fun and wish I could have stayed longer. I have heard nothing but good comments from runners. You guys are definitely first rate and I love working with you! Amanda McIntosh

I just wanted to drop you a quick line thanking you for providing an incredible experience during the Bandera Trail Run. I am a returning runner after being out of the game for 7 years after a PF injury and am very, very impressed. Your course was brutal, beautiful and beyond my abilities....but I loved it! I can only imagine the time and effort that went into putting on such an event. Thanks for everything!
Michael Dotson

Thanks for all your efforts on the Bandera run. You better do it again next year...I have some serious demons to conquer on the last loop. Thanks again....we like your style and hope to see more of your races in the future.
Chris Wood

The cat is out of the bag regarding how much fun your race was. From the beautiful course, to the great food, to the organized RDs, and even including the weather, it was a delight for us to participate. Thank you for all your hard work. Beer this last weekend tasted just a little bit better from our pilsner trophy glasses. Best of luck in your races and thanks again for a fabulous race.
Nancy Halpin

The map was excellent as was the entire race, much more organized than many of the road races that I have been in. You guys truly worked magic on this event! Thanks again and you can bet that I'll either be back racing or volunteering for this one.
Bill Patience

I want to thank you for a great race. It was well-organized and support was incredible. The course was tough but your team made it possible. I look forward to your future races. Thanks,
Scott Wood

Thanks for a fun (but tough) race!
Kurt Stonecipher

Just wanted to comment on the awesome job you and your crew did at this race. I am the race director for a small 5K race in Georgetown each October, and I believe that I do a good job, but I only do a fraction of the work you folks do. I'm not an ultra runner, but I do love running on trails. If you did this race twice a year, I would come every time! See you next year. Regards,
Mike Frontz

Just wanted to say that the Bandera was a well organized event . . . right down to the weather. I've only done 8 ultras thus far but in my mind I've always felt that a 'true' ultra involves more than just covering distance. It involves all the things that came together in this event - - right down to the weather. The course was well marked, the aid stations were well supplied, the race director and volunteers were hospitable . . . what more could one want. Thanks - - good chance I'll be back again!
Keith Whited