Photo Credit Mike Wheeler

 

Conversation and connection. Friday at Zumbro is by far and away the slowest, most mellow day we have between the handful of races we produce. Having just 40 runners spread out over a 17 mile race course creates a lot of ‘down time’ between each runner. What stood out to me during that time this year were the conversations I had, and the conversations I overheard. Like many of you I am sure, I find myself in plenty of social situations where the conversation does not come easy, or is just not that interesting to me. What never ceases to amaze me is the commonality, humor, and depth I quickly find with those that attend these races. These conversations are sometimes about running, but often about much more. Zumbro 2023 was another great reminder of how much I love and appreciate the people in this community, and how much I see you loving and appreciating one another.

Another thing I chewed on during the race this year is our ‘volunteer system’. I Sometimes have a little doubt creep in when we are all sleep-deprived in those wee hours or are bone tired in the final hours of an event. I volunteer for a couple of organizations, so instead of being the volunteer coordinator as I am for our events, I also have the opportunity to be among the ‘coordinated’. Each organization does it differently, some admittedly with more structure and specificity than I do. What I have learned over the years about those that volunteer with us is that they are extremely intelligent, highly skilled individuals, and that 9 times out of 10 will come up with better and more efficient ways of doing things than I could have ever prescribed. I have simply learned that if we get enough people in the right positions and then get out of the way, they will not only do what needs to be done, but will create the magic that our events are known for… read; Cheri and I pull together the ingredients, but you are the ones that make the special sauce! I hope this system works / continues to work for you – that said, if you ever have any questions, concerns or feedback, I am all ears.

I feel extremely fortunate to get to do this with you. I am humbled that you continue to choose to do this with us. Our entire running community is grateful for your dedication and service.

Thank You,

John Storkamp
Race Director
Zumbro Endurance Run

 

 

 

 

Zumbro Endurance Run
100MI, 50MI, 17MI Trail Race(s)
Theilman, Minnesota
April 10 & 11, 2020
• 100MI Friday 8:00AM
• 50MI 12:01AM Saturday (Friday Midnight)
• 17MI 9:00AM Saturday

Registration:
Opens Fri Nov 1, 2019 – 12:01AM CST
Closes Fri April 3, 2020 – 11:59PM CST
*Or once the field limit has been met
Complete Registration Details HERE

Directions to Race Start:
Zumbro River Bottoms Management Unit
West Assembly Area
(Near Theilman, MN)
Google Maps Directions HERE
Written Directions HERE
(Approx 1:45 south of Minneapolis, MN)

Terrain:
The course consists of a mix of rugged single and double track trail with rubble, loose rock and sand along with minimum maintenance gravel roads.  The race is primarily concentrated in two large valleys within an expansive hardwood forest.  There are four significant, short, steep climbs (approx 300FT) per loop with small hills in-between along with some significant stretches of flat valley floor running.  Be sure to see maps, elevation charts and stats provided on this website HERE.

100 Mile:
6 x 17 mile loop = 102(ish) miles
Elevation Gain 13,500 FT
Elevation Loss 13,500 FT
NET Elevation Change 27,000 FT
17 Aid Stations
34 hour time limit
Complete 100MI Info HERE

50 Mile:
3 x 17 mile loop = 51(ish) miles
Elevation Gain 6,750 FT
Elevation Loss 6,750 FT
NET Elevation Change 13,500 FT
8 Aid Stations
18 hour time limit
Complete 50MI Info HERE

17 Mile:
17 Mile Loop
Elevation Gain 2,250 FT
Elevation Loss 2,250 FT
NET Elevation Change 4,500 FT
2 Aid Stations
9 hour cutoff
Complete 17MI Info HERE

More About the Area:
The Zumbro Endurance Run 100MI, 50MI and 17MI trail races take place within the Zumbro River Bottoms Management Unit in Southeastern Minnesota’s Bluff Country – just outside of the tiny village of Theilman, MN approximately 1:45 from Minneapolis – St.Paul, MN.  The races start and finish at the West Assembly / Horse Campground Area.  Generally speaking the Zumbro River Bottoms Management Unit lies within a portion of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest – an expansive 1.7 million acre tract of Minnesota hardwood forest on the Northern edge of the Driftless Region which is mainly characterized by its tall bluffs and deeply carved river valleys. This “bluff country” is rugged, hauntingly beautiful and provides the perfect venue for 100, 50 or 17 miles of trail running.