(Results @ SplitMaster Timing: (http://www.splitmastertiming.com/assets/Duece's%20Wild%202%20Mile%20Final%20Results%202.pdf )
The Deuces Wild Two-Mile is area runners second opportunity of the summer to add their names to the list of state record holders. The course is a flat and fast out-and-back on the Cape LaCroix Trail, and forty men and women are at the starting line on a warm and humid summer morning. The choice of certified two-mile courses in the state is limited, so many state records fall today. Too many to list individually, but, pending verification, they are listed at: (http://www.staterunningrecords.com/asp/records.asp?state=MO). Former collegiate runner T.J. Mathews finishes at the front of the pack, while recent Notre Dame graduate Ashley Schmittzehe puts another female overall win on her 2011 resume’. Top finishers were:
TOP FIVE MALES: | TOP FIVE FEMALES: |
| T.J. Matthews (10:40) Kevin Bramlett (11:20) Paul Schell (11:35) Lars Monia (11:42) Jeremy Smith (11:52) | Ashley Schmittzehe (12:50) Jenya Zoughaib (14:06) Kathryn Wayman (14:07) Sarah Eftink (14:12) Erika Huddleston (15:16) |
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| Deuces Wild Two-Mile Group Photo. |
It had been over two years since I had raced the two-mile distance. I was as clueless today as I was two years ago. State record for 49-year old male was 16:23. Felt pretty confident that would not be a problem. Decided to approach the race as a “race” and not worry so much about a specific time. Rather, would try to run smart and see where I could finish overall. Checking out the field at the starting line, I expected many to go out very fast. Not wanting to have to pass too many people on the narrow trail, I initially went out fast myself. Was running in third place when I relaxed to get under control. Fell back to fourth place briefly, but was back in third approaching the one-mile turnaround. My Garmin was set to record 800 splits and first mile’s were 2:45 and 2:57 (5:42). Was able to go by and pull away from Lars Monia at the turnaround only because he slipped down twice in the wet grass. Coming back in second place, plan now was to run last mile as fast as I could while keeping my stride under control. Locked in hard and finish with a 2:49 and 2:49 (5:38). Better than expected and not only 49-year old record, but fastest masters time to date. Great course set-up, race well-organized, cool dry-fit, and best awards of the year.
-K.Bramlett
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| Overall Winners: Kevin Bramlett (Male Masters), T.J. Matthews (Male Overall), Ashley Schmittzehe (Female Overall), and Christy Johnson (Female Masters). |
