http://articles.petoskeynews.com/2011-10-18/mike-hempstead_30294255

100 kilometer ultramarathon runners brave weekend weather

Harbor Springs native finishes takes first

October 18, 2011|Brandon Hubbard (231) 439-9374 - bhubbard@petoskeynews.com

MACKINAW CITY -- Despite 40-degree Saturday morning temperatures and gusts more than 30 miles per hour, the first 100 kilometer Top of Michigan Trails Ultramarathon and Team Relay was a resounding success, organizers say.

Twenty-two runners completed the entire 62-mile North Central State Trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City.

Harbor Springs native Peter Ford, who resides in Lansing, finished first overall with a time of 9 hours, 11 minutes and 28 seconds. Ford averaged 8 minutes, 52 seconds per mile for the 62.2 mile race.

Ludington resident Laura Waldo, running in the Women's 45-plus category, led the women and finished second overall at 9:49:20. Winning the 45-plus Men's category was Mark Jacobs, of Alpena, with a time of 11:12:57. Stephanie Kern, of New Baltimore, took home the top position in the Women's Open category, for women younger than 45 years old at 10:53:46.

Runners were aided by more than 50 volunteers who handed out water, food and extra clothing to runners on the trail, as well as shielded traffic at intersections -- braving the cold and wet for hours to aid racers.

"It's amazing to see what an event like this can do for our small communities," said organizer Jeff Winegard, the Top of Michigan Trails Council executive director. "For the area to get known for having a big ultramarathon is just going to bring people and publicity to the area -- definitely."

The event picked up national, corporate sponsors New Balance and Gu Energy in its first year. Winegard said New Balance has already voiced its support for 2012 and anticipates a larger event in the future.

Four relay teams of two runners and 14 teams of six runners competed and finished Saturday. Winegard said he hopes to draw at least 50 teams next year.

Winegard thanked all the volunteers who made the event possible for helping the runners finish. Local runners agreed.

"The conditions were challenging. You knew it was going to be a long day no matter what," said runner Mike Hempstead, of Petoskey. "In a way it sort of added to the satisfaction of getting through it, because there was that added element of the northwest wind and the cold rain."

"Jeff (Winegard) and all the volunteers did a phenomenal job helping us get through the run," Hempstead said.

Hempstead said most people don't realize that while a runner has to do the running, it helps immensely to have to support and encouragement of people on race day and during the training leading up to ultramarathon.

"I just can't state enough -- one person runs the race, but there are many people that make it possible. As big as an achievement as it may be, you're also humbled by it," Hempstead said. "I think every runner recognizes that."

For more results and photos visit www.indianriverstriders.com