Holiday Lake 50K++  February 16, 2002
Margie Hughes

I must have a guardian angel watching over me for my 1st ultra.   I couldn't have dreamed of a nicer place or people to share the experience.   As Carl and I drove up to the 4-H camp, David Horton was driving out and waved cheerfully at us. That set the tone of the whole event.   We arrived about 3:00pm Friday afternoon then changed into our running clothes to go exploring this beautiful facility.  We found Lakeside trail and followed it counterclockwise over the dam and around Holliday lake for about 5 miles.  This helped greatly with the next morning's  6:30am start. On to registration at the dining room.  Mike welcomed us to the 4-H campground with a big smile on his face and directed me to the ladies bunkhouse.  Then we took 2 steps to race packet pickup where Mrs. Horton had every last detail you could imagined ready for us.  At that moment I knew I was in safe hands and that the staff would do everything possible to make my stay as fun as could be!

And did I have fun.   I met some amazing people.  All are self-sufficient, freindly, knowledgeable and more than happy to answer my dumb questions.  I will remember the fellowship we shared long after I can remember what my time was in the race. Yes, the race....Horton miles...I remember...I have a lot to learn about being on trail for 6++ hours.  The course is counterclockwise to the 3.5-hour cut-off then clockwise to the 7.5-hour finish.   Beautiful trail with clear markings.  A little bit of everything  from single track, packed dirt fire roads, 4 creek crossings and thankfully no big hills.  Plus aid stations every couple of miles staffed with very friendly workers who walked with you and made sure you had everything you needed.  This is a 1st-timers dream and experienced ultra-runner's warm-up or speedwork.   I hope to reunite with Gardenia, Darryl, Bill, Sandy, Bob and countless others at the next ultra event.    Oh, if you didn't know and I didn't, 4-H stands for Head, Hands, Heart and Health.