143 starters, 104 finishers

My short report:

This was the third year in a row that I have run this race. Luckily, I've finished it all three years. This year, I started with fairly even splits, and a conservative pace to 50 miles, with a time of 10:40. It was all going along ok, then I had a little bit of trouble the last 30 miles of the race. I suddenly couldn't put (running) weight on my right ankle and heel, due to severe pain. I ended up only being able to run uphill for the last 30 miles, because of it. I finished in 24:56, almost 2 hours slower than last year...but I finished!

I had an interesting conversation with a guy named Allen on the third 20-mile loop (of the 5-loop course). He asked if I'd ever hallucinated on a Hundred, before. I replied, "yes, when I was really dehydrated from throwing-up for 20 miles." We started swapping hallucination stories, of course. Just then, a guy running behind us said, "who are you talking to?" A moment of self-doubt crossed both of our minds, and we hesitated before busting-up with laughter.

I only developed one blister from the sandy mud that found its way into my shoes. It was about the size of a silver dollar on the bottom of my left heel. I let it develop, then popped it by stamping my foot hard on a rock. The pain was nothing compared to my right ankle and foot. I seem to be OK, (just 2-days after the race), but have a lot of swelling in my feet and ankles.

At this year's race, I met a lot of great folks, and got to know east-Missouri runners Jan and Tom. Rocky Raccoon is definitely a fun 100, with great folks organizing it and aiding it. It's also easy logistically, with the 5-loop course. The course has rooty single-track, sandy jeep road, and beautiful pine and deciduous woods to run through, with occasional muddy areas. Lake Raven is a pretty lake to run around as well, and the frog and coyote chorus at night can't be beat.

The knowledgeable and helpful aid station folks are definitely tops at this race. This year, the post-race breakfast had better food than I've had at some expensive hotel brunches before. Kudos to race director Joe Prusaitis and crew! This race is a must-do for any aspiring or fun-loving ultrarunner.

Ben Holmes
Kansas City