5th Annual Sycamore 8
& the
Work Systems Rehab
Maffitt 4
Trail Runs!

Saturday, December 8, 2007
9:00am

Maffitt Lake Park
Just SW of West Des Moines

RECAP & RESULTS:
"Oh, The weather outside is frightful, 
But the trail is so delightful.
And since we've go someplace to run,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

Brrr - 60 brave souls - and a dozen hearty volunteers - braved the 13 degrees, ice and snow to present the 5th running of the Sycamore 8 and 2nd Maffit 4!

The bundled runners huddled at the starting line and were sent off to negotiate the slippery trail, which was mostly snow covered ice, at 9:00am. Only a couple of falls in the first 1/4 mile (one by yours truly!), and both of those were on the roadway leading to the trail. Once runners entered the trail, we were treated to the thing that makes Iowa such a great place to live- a quiet, snowy rollic in the woods. Emmerson said it best "In the woods, one returns to reason and faith" I think he was talking about this run, yesterday. I, for one, encounted a large deer, not 30 feet away, a bald eagle soaring overhead and countless geese enjoying the beauty of Maffit Lake.

Oh, the race - Yes, Mike Mullen ran away from us all - I have watched Mike steadily improve over the years - he has been a top ten finisher at Sycamore for every year, but this year, he just took off and put 3 minutes on his nearest contender by the finish! Christine Price - a strong and hearty runner who enjoys a good challenge - captured her 5th straight, yep, that's 5 out of 5 folks - Sycamore 8 Title! She has created quite a collection of Betsy Petersons work! (the trophy artist).

Thank you one and all for helping make this such a great event - runners, volunteers, donors and supporters! Peace - Dave

SYCAMORE 8 RESULTS


MAFFIT 4 RESULTS

COURSE:

The 8 and 4 mile races follow the grassy trail around the south end of Maffitt Lake and afford beautiful views of the lake and woods the entire length! Both races start concurrently - you may decide that day which one to race - as you simply turn around at the 2 mile mark for the 4 mile race. The 8 mile race follows the trail to the western trail-head, then turns around and follows the same trail to the finish.

AWARDS:
Handmade trophies by Perry artist, Betsy Peterson and John Kite of The Village Blacksmith in Valley Junction, to 1st place overall mens and womens champions and masters champions (40 and over) in the 8 Miler. Top three in each age group recieve awards.  Top 3 finishers male and female will recieve awards in the 4 miler.

REGISTRATION:
Printable Sycamore 8 Entry
Or register online at Active.com

You can even register at Packet Pick-up:
Friday, December 7th 5:00-7:00pm
@ All9Yards Realty 3031 86th St. Urbandale Iowa
Watch for the green signs on 86th Street. We are on the east side of the road, across the street from Iowa Outdoor Products. Turn east at the Koality Care sign, then a left into our parking lot. We share a building with Mercy Family Physicians and Mercy Physical Therapy.

Saturday, December 8th 7:30-8:30am
Maffit Lake Start/Finish Line Area
Parking in the picnic area - follow the signs through the park on the east side of the lake. Road-side parking through-out the picnic area - you'll see what I'm talking about when you get there!

LOCATION:
For a map of the course and Maffit Lake, as well as the location click here. The course is marked on this map, but distances are approximate as the starting line and finish line have yet to be finalized. This map is google based and can be zoomed in and out for everything from driving directions to trail location. You will need to zoom out after clicking on the link for a full view of the lake. Start and finish are in the picnic area on the east side of the lake. 

To get to Maffit Lake head east on Highway 5 from Interstate 35 and take the first exit, SW 35th St.(exit 102), south to SW72nd street. Follow signs to Maffit Lake. Turn west on SW72nd, which will cross I-35 and become Maffit Lake Dr. Watch for park signs on left. Drive back to picnic area on east side of lake for parking. Follow All9Yards Directional signs.

Printed maps will be available at packet pickup on Friday night.

 If you have any ideas or would like to help, contact me directly at dave@all9yards.com.  Please stay tuned here for updates.
Thank you - Dave Mable, Race Director