The 11th Possum Trot was held in Shawnee Mission Park on Sunday, December 2, 2008. 41 runners started the race, a slightly smaller number than last year. The weather could have been really good, but by start time at 9:00 a.m., it became "normal" Possum Trot weather: 37 degrees dropping to 34 during the race with a strong north wind. (It had been 61 degrees at 3:00 a.m.)
A strong contingent from Manitoba took 2 of the top three places in the men's race. Patrick Goeres (Manitoba) beat Mikell Platt (LROC) by 3 minutes. They were followed 4 minutes later by Steven Graupner (Manitoba). Only 2 minutes separated the first two women: Sharon Crawford (RMOC) edged Julia Bohnen (MNOC) and Molly Moilanen (MNOC) was 17 minutes behind to take 3rd place.
A highlight of the event was the after-race snack consisting of hot chili and bread, prepared by Paul Clatterbuck. We took home only 1 quart.
Thank you very much to the following volunteers: Mike Shifman - course setter, results; Reta Roe - registrar, results; Paul Clatterbuck - refreshments, setup, results, vetting; Mary Jones - splits, vetting; Dick Luckerman - registrar, control pickup; Bob Suddath - results.