Surf the Murph aid station report

I had a blast at the horse aid station despite not running Surf the Murph due to the excellent weather course. Twelve hours flew by as I watched many friends complete their goals.

The day started off rough when Les had issues with the trailer, delaying the arrival of supplies until after 7 a.m. Duke had reached the station before we even started unloading equipment, but luckily, the support crews were there. This proved that even the best planning can be disrupted.

Subsequently, another unexpected occurrence arose. As the influenza pandemic spread, my two aid station volunteers were unable to attend. Initially, there were three of us assigned to this location, which comprises two stops for the runners. Several participants were at the second (50K) or third loop (50 miles) at the first aid station when I informed them that I would see them again, which caused them to become alarmed. They were unaware that the other side of the tree was the station they had previously visited. The expression on their faces was priceless, but I was unable to capture it with a photograph. The two volunteers who were unable to make it later that day (husband and wife) appeared visibly exhausted. I commended her unwavering dedication, but the station was experiencing a slowdown, and I advised them to take a rest. I sincerely hope that she recovers swiftly.

Kurt Neuburger and Caitlin were a gift from God. Kurt, a veteran aid station expert, couldn’t run due to surgery, but Caitlin did the last four miles with Carrie. It was rewarding for both. 

Kurt started a fire that we kept going all day. It was welcome early in the cool hours and later as the sun set. I’m not a Boy Scout, but he used Vaseline to start it.

Mary Knutson, the workhorse, helped me at the aid station. She had stomach pain and was paralyzed for over an hour, but she worked through it. I appreciated her company.

Cindy delivered a large pizza mid-day. Some runners loved the idea of pizza at the aid station. I may not have survived it, but they finished strong.

The costumes were fantastic. I missed the outhouse, but I included a few below.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

 

Mike W.

I enjoyed the pictures. Thanks for the support and for volunteering. It was a fun day (don't worry, my post will be up soon :-).  

Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 7:00:53 PM CST

wildknits

Londell, it's good to finally meet! Thanks for being out there - aid station volunteers (all race volunteers) are the best!!  Has been a hectic day (drive back to Duluth, another race, and two potlucks), so I will get to the race report soon!  Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 10:34:09 PM CST

Wayne

Thanks for all you did, Londell! It was great to see you each time through. The pictures are great to see (especially since we didn't get to see many of the runners from the other races), and you went the extra mile helping me multiple times with my gel. You and all the other volunteers were great! (And I have no idea when I'll get to my race report.) :). Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 11:13:07 PM CST

Kel

Thanks for being out there for us ALL DAY LONG! It was great to see a friendly face at every aid station and to have someone cheering us on.  Race report coming soon!  Monday, November 2, 2009 at 8:03:49 AM CST

Beth

I enjoyed all of the pictures and reading about your day. Having never done an ultra or a trail race, it's fun to read about running but have it be new and different. I'm sure you were very much appreciated out there!  Monday, November 2, 2009 at 6:07:50 PM CST

Anonymous

Hi Londell- I am the sick wife, and I feel much better- thank you! I'm sorry I missed out- I would have loved to have seen all these runners do what they do best.  Michelle.  Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 1:19:22 PM CST

Anonymous

Great pics! Thanks for the support and grub out there! We couldn't do it without the help.   The "Port-a-Potty on the run" appreciates you being out there freezing when you could have been inside and warm! ;-). Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 7:52:04 PM CST

Karen G

Thanks so much for all you did. It was so good to see you out there. If you see Mary thank her for me again for giving me the sweatshirt off her back!! It would have been a miserable cold loop for me without that.  Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 9:08:40 AM CST