Hey All,

Forgive me, this is going to be far less poetic than normal.

Holy shit you guys… four days. We just did a four day event, I think that was a first for all of us. I knew I had missed you, but until we were back together, I did not realize how much. Lets face it, putting on events, it takes pain, it’s hard work… but doing it with you, it is one of my favorite things to do, it’s a paradox like that. It pained me to turn volunteers away this year, but I knew we needed to keep the group as small as possible in order to make it as safe as possible. We ended up with an entire crew of MVP’s – everyone stepping up in such huge ways, many of you putting in tons of work not just during, but before the event as well. Your collective skill, resources and tenacity is what made it possible. I am proud to be a part of such an amazing crew.

You have all done so much for Minnesota trail and ultra running over the years. Going forward this year, there are some of you I am going to specifically call on again – we are all close enough that I know you are comfortable to say no when you need to. I will know more in the coming days, and will be making a public announcement, but I think we will be having the Superior Spring Race over four days, May 20, 21, 22 and 23 – an almost identical format to Zumbro. Hopefully by the time we announce Afton, more people will be vaccinated and the allowable daily attendance numbers will be higher and thus maybe a two day event instead of four, the race would normally be taking place on Saturday July 3 this year. For the Fall Race (Sept 10 & 11) I am hoping we can do the race more or less, as normal (sans communal Vaniply and M&Ms).

Keep your eyes out, about a week and a half and your Z-shirts should be arriving in your mailbox. My 2021 Recap / email to runners went out today as well, if you are interested in reading it, it can be found HERE https://www.zumbroendurancerun.com/2021-zumbro-recap/

My abs / stomach hurt from laughing so much over the weekend, it’s been a long time since I laughed that much, that hard… also being challenged by Christine to do a five minute plank may have contributed as well – what can I say, there was money on the line. Again, I missed the hell out of you guys, it was great to be back. I look forward to seeing you all more in 2021. As always, reach out if you need anything. I am grateful for you.

Thank You,

John Storkamp
Race Director
Zumbro Endurance Run
[email protected]