Having run many marathons across the country, and being relatively new to the ultra-running scene, I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank David Horton for what was one of the best run races that I have run, and one of the most fun courses that I have run on.  The Holliday (or is it Holiday) Lake 50k++ was fabulous.  The participants of the race were some of the most friendly I have ever experienced, and the support/encouragement I received from the other runners and the volunteers of the race blew me away. I will truly cherish this race, and remember it as one of my favorites.

Having about a half-dozen ultras under my belt, I arrived Friday night at the lodge nervous, but filled with anticipation.  I arrived with 3 other friends, and was greeted with warmth and friendship - right then and there, we new we were in for a great race.  The folks staffing the registration desk made us feel welcome and at ease through their humor and good spirited attitudes. 

After registration, we sat down for a great meal of various pastas, garlic bread, and salad.  We have been to so many pre-race dinners which typically are a big rip-off, and are typically non-friendly.  That was not the case this night, we ate our fill, and met several new friends at dinner.  To our surprise, we were joined by David Horton himself who took the time to meet, greet, and get to know EVERY participant of the race.  I am still blown
away at the time and care that David takes to make sure he greets each runner personally, and makes each runner feel as though the race were there just for them - this race was no different.

After dinner, we were treated to what seemingly is a typical presentation from David that is mixed with some good old fashioned ribbing to his favorites, that has a way of taking  the edge off of the pre-race jitters. Unlike the MMTR last year, David was kind enough to keep his presentation short, which allowed us to retire early.

Early Saturday morning when we arrived at the race, we were again personally greeted by David who remembered our names, and where we were from - again, I am amazed at the care and attention David takes with his races.  Having rained for most of the night, we all knew we were in for a fairly muddy course - little did we realize just how muddy the course was going to be.

The course was very challenging, and filled with many obstacles including several streams - one of which was about knee deep.  Running around the lake at dawn, I found the scenery to be breath taking.  Looking at the lake with some of my new found friends who had run the race before, and agreed to take me under their wing, they too were lost in the beauty of the surroundings. Each aid station that I passed was staffed with very helpful and friendly people that were truly concerned with my needs.  They all asked if I needed anything, and told me I looked good (I appreciated their bending the truth). I couldn't believe that these people were giving up a beautiful Saturday for me and the other runners.

One part of the course that I found to be really fun was the last leg before the turn around - you know, the leg that is marked as 3 miles when we all know it's more like 5 miles.  On this leg of the course, David Horton was driving back-and-forth in his truck on the parallel road yelling encouragments to all of the runners.  He yelled to me "you look great Harrold with two R's - again signifying the care and love for the sport that only David himself can show.  As I neared the turnaround, I was greeted by the lead runners, and to my surprise, as they passed me, they made comments like "looking good", or "great job".  That really blew me away that these elite runners took the time to genuinely acknowledge my presence, and to give me words of encouragement.  Again, only in a Horton race would you find this kind of bond between the runners.

As I neared the finish line after an exhausting morning, I was greeted by David Horton yelling from the bottom of the hill, "come on Harrold with two R's, you're looking good".  David met me at the finish, and shook my hand. As I waited for my other friends come in, I noticed that David gave each runner the same encouragement as they finished that he gave to me.

In closing, I want to say that the Holliday Lake 50++ race is a race that I will remember for quite some time.  If you are reading this letter, and have not run a race directed by David Horton, you don't know what you are missing.  If you love running, and are into ultras, there is nothing better than spending a weekend at one of David's races.  Thanks again to David and all of his staff and volunteers.

Respectfully,

William E. Harrold

bill.harrold@capitalone.com