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 itÕd 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 PatÕs 100K and was impressed at the radio folksÕ 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 Š pretty sure itÕs something I ateÉ. 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 100KÕers do the Big Nasty and then CairnÕs Climb! Periodically IÕd lift my head up and wonder where weÕd go next and all IÕd 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 ŅI thought Joe had cleared all the rocks from the trailÓ. Another runner said, ŅI heard Joe had cleared all the rocks from the trail this year, but found other rocks underneathÓ. Another runner said ŅIÕve heard Joe went along and pushed more rocks onto the trailÓ. 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 timeÉand I have already set a goal of sub 6 hours for next yearÕs 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 elseÕs 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. IÕll 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 youÕll 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 blistersÉWow! I feel like a ŅrealÓ 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!Ź 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 rockinÕ 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 Ņafter they knowÓ É according to the veteranÕs page. IÕm guessing itÕs like what my Mom and wife told me about childbirthÉ the joy that follows makes forgetting the pain easy. As far as the race itself, despite the mud, it couldnÕt 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 laughÉ I happen to have been listening to ŅDark Side of the MoonÓ 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