The following review is written by Michelle Hollingsworth a Club Kokomo RR member.  She raced this October event. This review was originally published in The Roadrunner (pdf). This review is about the Monster Mash Dash hosted October 6th by Tuxbro.  

I can always be persuaded to do a run in the fall. Fall is my favorite
time of year and a run through Eagle Creek Park sounded delightful. I
might mention I also love Halloween, candy, trick or treating and all
those fun doings associated with Halloween. Darin and I decided to
drive down to Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis to run the Monster Mash Dash on Saturday afternoon at Eagle Creek Park for the 4:30 5 mile run. I found the run on the internet and because it said “haunted” and long sleeved shirts awarded. I was in the car before Darin had his shoes tied. Saturday afternoon set record high temperatures for this time of the year. I believe it was 87 degrees when the race began. I thought I read on the internet that this course was flat. I was starting to question if this was a good idea when I saw the start line was straight up hill.

Basically, this race was a series of consistent rolling hills.The race sure made you appreciate the down hills because you know about 10 seconds after you get down you are going straight back up and so it was the whole 5 miles. I generally don’t think much about hills because around here it’s not much of an issue but after about the 10th hill I was beginning to notice. Around the three mile mark I was starting to dream about those wet cloths they handed out at the
BeeBumble race. That was a great idea and I was sure hoping they had some to hand out soon.

I almost forgot the internet said “haunted” run so where were the “haunters?” I was hopeful, that someone might jump out and try to scare me or something, but realized I was being “haunted” by this extreme heat and these never ending hills. I never saw any “haunters” so that was kind of disappointing.

The park is nice for running paved winding roads with bits of shade here and there. The leaders quickly surfaced and paved the way for the rest of us. I was sure glad when this one was over. At the end of the race there were bananas, cookies and of course water. There were no wet cloths. There was a costume contest for the kids and adults.

This race was chip timed, but after waiting around afterward for what seemed like an hour, we were told by the race director that something had malfunctioned and he wasn’t able to get a print out of the race results. He said the results would be accurate online tomorrow, but for now he didn’t have any information to give awards.

He announced that if you thought you won an award to come up and get it. I thought No way people are going to be scrambling all over
each other to get these awards. I have been to a few Indianapolis races and they usually give away nice prizes. Gift Certificates to
running stores, restaurants, etc. So, of course I made my way (okay, I ran) to the table fully expecting 20 other females to claim they also won. The nice race director handed me a flashlight and said congratulations!” I know my mouth fell wide open. Not that a flashlight is bad, but is that a TOOL? Basically, if I can’t eat it, spend it, drink it, or wear it I don’t want it. I of course didn’t say that, I was very gracious and said “Thank you.” Believe it or not no other females even claimed that they won prizes. I believe they might still be sitting around laughing at me and my flashlight.

Darin just sat back and laughed. He now owns my flashlight. I always find a way to make a fool of myself, but at least I can laugh and
learn from my mistakes. Later, as I was looking through my packet, I saw the t-shirts were short-sleeved not long-sleeved like advertised. Also, it might be worth mentioning that the bathrooms were a step above an out-house so if you are planning on doing this race in the future and eating dinner in Indy like we were you will have to leave the park to change clothes and clean up because there are no luxuries here. It did cost $4 to enter the park by the way. In general, after the 3rd, 4th or 5th strike I think this race might be off my calendar for next year. I am glad we did it for the experience, but just had too many issues!

Comments from the Race Director

This was the same weekend as the Chicago Marathon, nothing could be done for the heat. I don’t know where she heard the course was flat – I have conducted events at Eagle Creek Park for 20 years and always advertise the course is rolling. As for flashlight award – we did those 2 years ago and a lot of people liked them – so we decided to do them again.

We did have a cable connection break for the computer – the only time this has ever happened – we had to run to Best Buys that night so we could run full results and  have them posted by 9pm that night.

All in all we had a good event despite the very high temperatures and
computer problem – no medical issues, lots of water, food. Lots of awards for costume contest. Good money raised for a good cause (Child Care Referral Services).

Thanks Michelle for allowing me to publish your thoughts on the race and congratulations on winning your age group.  She ran a 38:05 (7:37) placing 23rd overall.

It is always good to hear about concerns with local events. I know as a race director I appreciate hearing from the participants about what could have been done differently so that next year’s event can be even better.

Yesterday’s Workout

I went to the gym again on Friday and did a little pool workout.  I’m not really much of a swimmer, I have trouble breathing while doing laps! So I swam a few laps, treaded water and did some other aerobic stuff!