Possum Trot IX Meet Report By Dick Neuburger

As predicted by Mikell Platt, there was a "return to classic Possum Trot weather" for the running of Possum Trot IX on December 4, 2005 in Bluffwoods Conservation Area near St. Joseph, Missouri. Race time temperature was 13 degrees under clear skies. By noon it had warmed to 24 degrees, but the bonfire built by meet director Dick Neuburger was still the focal point of after-race activities.

There were 32 starters at this year's race, but only 20 finished the difficult course that Mike Shifman set in the steep hills overlooking the Missouri River bottom. The course was 15-km long with 27 controls and orienteers were allowed to drop one control. You can read Eric Buckley's race report at http://carolsteam.org/racing/default.aspx/reports/2005/1204 in which he describes "the most physically challenging of the Possum Trots to date". Unfortunately, there was a misplaced control near the end for which the organizers sincerely apologize. The control was re-located to the correct position before the third runner came through so most of the field was unaffected.

Mark "Mook" Everett won the coveted dead possum in a time of 2:20:22 and Mikell "Swampfox" Platt was second to win the can of creamed possum. Cristina Luis won the lady's dead possum with a time of 3:58:45 and Sharon Crawford came in as second female a few minutes later.

Thank you to the hearty volunteers that made this meet a success: Mike Shifman, course setter; Steve and Mary Brown, registration and results; Reta Roe, registration; Nick Hockman, refreshments; Mary Jones and Mark Roodhouse, aid station and splits; Dick Luckerman, Tom Hanley, Nancy Neuburger, Steve Brown, Sharon Crawford, control pickup; Nancy Neuburger, Bob Malkames, vetting.

Plan now to attend the 10th Anniversary of The Possum Trot the first weekend in December 2006. There will be some special prizes.

For more reports and comments about Possum Trot IX, see Attack Point: 

Post-race reports: http://www.attackpoint.org/discussionthread.jsp/message_15969

Pre-race comments: http://www.attackpoint.org/discussionthread.jsp/message_15840