Riddle Run Results for 2016

The five RR17 finishers.

This past weekend was the 17th Riddle Run trail event. A 28-mile trail run with lots of starters and only a few finishers. Many people come out for just a few miles, then hang out to socialize and cheer on the eventual finishers. It fits with the spirit of the original fat ass runs. This year I only managed 12 miles in just over 2 hours. Fortunately, that was my plan. I'm coming off a 4 week cold, plus I'm training for a half-marathon, not an ultra. Those 12 miles were perfect. And it brings my total Riddle Run miles to an amazing (and current record) of 415. Sweet.

Steve, the overall winner, with RD.

This year, we had perfect weather with a low of 33 and a high of 55, partly sunny with a slight breeze. The forest preserve trails were in reasonable shape. A little snow and ice in spots, the rest pretty good until the warmth created lots of sloppy mud. I was done by that time, but the five 28-mile finishers had to deal with slippery trails. Oh well. Trails can't be perfect--that's what makes them fun. At the end of the day, we had a great circle of fire and friends. Eating, drinking, and chatting. This event is an annual reunion of local trail and ultra runners. I only see some of them once a year. That makes Riddle Run special.

Here are the final results for the event (still in draft form as results continue to come in and get "verified"). Steve Butler repeated as champion by successfully defending his title and cutting a few minutes off last year's winning time. Jen Burton was first female and second overall. Five total finishers and a lot of DNFs. I plan on being a finisher next year. Maybe even a champion! Can we have a new category of "past/current race director" so I can easily win?

Jen, female champion, with RD.

Hope to see everyone back on the last Saturday in January 2017 for Riddle Run 18. Special thanks to Jeff for starting this whole thing and lending his name to the event. Like it or not, it's simply the "Riddle Run." We wouldn't have it any other way. I appreciate all of the runners that brought extra food and drink to share. And, of course, kudos to Tom the "creator and manager of fire."  Tom and I are the only 17-time participants of the Riddle event. I know we'll both be back in 2017. I imagine one day, way in the future, it'll simply be me and Tom crawling around this course. And I'll win.

For a historical perspective, here are all of the Riddle Run winners from 2000-2016. Based on feedback from faraway buffalo runners, there is a need for satellite versions of the Riddle Run. Race management is considering this option for 2017.