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Run on the Sly 2003 - Summary Report on 2003 Postcard responses

In the spirit of the Season upon us, Thank You to all of you who returned our cards! Over 1/3 of all participants did so (fairly even # from each event: 50-milers led the pack). RE: any individual requests – if you gave us a name, we responded. If there are any outstanding concerns please leave a message at 916-535-9793 with your name and phone #. Thanks for all the e-mails and that hand written letter because you can’t “fit enough on a postcard”.

What a 10th Anniversary! *all the excitement and adjustments of new courses for runners and volunteers alike * a common report that they were more scenic, but more difficult – great new views, more lake, single-track and shade while there were more parts for “trekking” than running. * for some a nice cooler day while for others that plus rain and hail! *celebrating those with a 10 year streak at Sly. * more than $4,000 raised for El Dorado Search and Rescue plus a big bonus gift presented at the post race gathering by Jim and Angelina Rademaker in tune with a special need. The following quotes are representative of your overall responses. We thank you for all your feedback and we look forward to you joining us for the 11th year. Christine and Glenn 11/14/03

QUOTES: “We had a lot of fun and will be back next year. Thank you for a great race! (8-miler). “Thanks for having the shorter runs – great for those starting ultras, those slowing down and those in rehab from injuries, surgeries.’ (20-miler). “Great race! I recruited several friends to run it this year and they all loved it. Thank  you!” (50K). “Thanks for treating back of the packers like winners too!” (50K) “An excellent event in every way!” (50M) “This was my 1st 50-mile race and it was a great experience in spite of the hail. I thought it was tough but don’t have a comparison. Thank you for all your efforts. See you next year!”. “Cool 50K was my favorite until now. New course was the ticket. Now you’re #1 for sure! Thank you.” (50K) “You put on a great race from beginning to end. Even more Tamalpans are coming next year!” (50K)

PRE-RACE INFO: Rated by all: this question was taken two ways: first in terms of the mailed, e-mailed and website info: the bulk of ratings landed in great/very good with a # in excellent and good. The key request was for topo map, elevation changes; these will be available in the future (we needed to see how the new courses would do). There were some suggestions for improving a much appreciated website. The second way was focused on Race Director Barry’s pre-race speaking: this was rated great, excellent, complete, quick, to the point, informing everyone, on time.

START AREA/RACE A.M., Rated by all: overall ratings from good to excellent with many “well-organized”, “smooth, efficient”, well staffed – quick, relaxed, friendly. There was a high # of positive comments on the parking: “best ever”, “great help, very easy”, “very well-organized” along with “easy to find” and “great access”. You liked the start times and the “on time”. You “loved” the lights in the porta-potties, the “festive icicle lights” and suggested a bit more general lighting for the early hours and each event group wants more porta potties.

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FEEDBACK TO OTHER CARD QUESTIONS will be reported by EVENT GROUPS: Starting with

the 50-MILERS: in the combo ratings on

THE COURSE the most repeated were 8-6, 9-7 and 10-8 (scenic/fun to difficulty). Except for one 5, all the scenics were 7-10 with a lot of 9s and 10s. Except for one 3 and two 5s, all the difficults were 6 to 10 with a lot of 7s and 8s. Our “letter writer” was at 7/8 for scenic and progressive in difficulty: 10-9-8-7 = tough and getting better. Some comments: “way more scenic/more difficult” (than prev course). “Thanks for getting us off the dusty trails”; “this course is true 13-hour – move cutoff times back”; “keep it simple – I felt like I was in the land of Oz with all the ring arounds”.

TRAIL MARKINGS: Many of you found your way very well. Many said “well marked and easy to follow”. One says “I can get lost on any ultra and I didn’t get lost here, so great job”. Another “very good chalk, sticks across side trails, lots of ribbons”. Some of you did get lost in “tricky “ parts at spots not sure – special concerns because of going two directions on some trail sections: markings could be “beaten up” by later passage and/or convergences were ok but not as clear down “destination trails”. Appreciation great for “humorous” and “encouraging” signs and some “helping with directions”. Many in each event made good use of the last 3-2-1 mile signs for finish pacing! (1st time mentioned on being helpful & motivating. All the volunteers were great; the stuff (food, drinks, ice, supplies) was mostly great (ideas other than Gatorade & Cytomax)

FINISH: Many votes for going w/o thunderstorms, hail! Yet thankful that mostly there was food (including cooked) and support even in bad conditions. Various suggestions we pay attention to. “Great veggie burgers”, “great showers”, “great music & massage”. Understandably the weather affected this group the most.

THE 50K’ERS: in the combo ratings on

THE COURSE the most repeated were 7/7 & 10-7 (scenic/fun to difficulty). Except for one 5 and one 6 the scenics were 7 to 10 with a lot of 9s & 10’s. With a handful of 5s & 6s and 1-100! The difficults were mainly 7’s. Comparing to old course: “new one terrific!”, “keep new one”, “tougher than old, more scenic”; “20 minutes longer”.

TRAIL MARKINGS: Many of you found your way fine: “just think blue – excellent markings”, “perfect”, “excellent”, ‘ribbons everywhere”. Loop 8 presented the most challenge/back to Aid Station sign was helpful to some. There was some confusion at road crossing and one spot some folks ended up in a parking lot area and missed ribbons because that was not where they were supposed to be (happily they found the next connection). Two more feedbacks: “totally easy – keep you head up and go” and “remember for back of the packers chalk markings may be gone” – more ribbons to help out with this. Many said “really enjoy the signs”.

AID STATIONS: rated 7-10 with mostly 9s, 10s. Tank Stop got highest ratings from taking initiative re: what needed? (“We’re brain dead”). There were many “wonderful volunteers and lots of great stuff”. “Nothing” was mostly missing for many.

FINISH: Those affected by the storms do not want them ordered for next year. You loved the shirts, sweatshirts, beautiful belt buckles, turkey burgers, tofu, excellent music; can’t have too much ice or beverages; & ideas we will look at: cold bottled water at Finish, beer, results, tracking process.

The 20-MILERS: most repeated combo ratings (scenic/fun: difficult) on

THE COURSE were 8-8 and 10-10. Except for one 7, the scenics were 8s, 9s, 10s. On difficulty there were some 6s, 7s, some 9s, 10s, mainly 8s. About the new vs. old: many said “big improvement” because of: around the lake, single track, less sun. Some preferred old 30K course because of fire roads, less steep, narrow, and less trekking.

TRAIL MARKINGS: Found way – “yes, no problem”, “excellent”, “easy to follow”, but a few “lost once”, “my mistake”, “one spot gappy”, “one veer needed more ribbons”. Many “loved the signs as always”.

AID STATIONS: rated 9s and 10s. Volunteers – super, friendly, focused, funny, terrific; great stock of stuff, great fresh fruit; nothing missing.

FINISH: good, great, excellent BBQ, great music, announcements, flow thru finish, meal, all the hoorays; compliments to cooks for all; both “quick results” & “long wait for awards”; “love showers”, “couldn’t ask more” (but beer?).

The 8-MILERS: most repeated combo ratings (scenic/difficult) on

THE COURSE were 8-8 & 10-10. Except for one 7, the scenics were 8s, 9s, 10s. On difficulty there were one 5, two 6s, lots of 8s, 9s 10s. You were walkers, runners, racers & recoverers. The distance went from 7.6 to 8-miles without any real changes noted. The

TRAIL MARKINGS were: “excellent, perfect, wonderful, very clear” and you had the most signs – “great mile-markers”, “great saying NO where not to go”.

AID STATION: just one, the Overlook all 9s & 10s: “great, supportive, very friendly, and helpful.

FINISH: Very well done, great people, a really fun time. Loved being able to buy additional shirts (how about caps?). Great organization overall and at end. 1st timers to many-timers to at least 1-10 timer: “happy with this distance”, “this trail intro”, “keep it up, please.

IN CONCLUSION: From the bottom of the card, you responded to the

“See you next year” – 50-Milers: 20 yeah’s; 50K’ers: 25 you bets!; 20-Milers: 22 certainly; 8-Milers: 12 for sure!

There were so many Thanks in different sections – and some of them were applauding particular people – we pass those along to them. We do value your suggestions and ideas and will apply realistic ones (and enjoy the humor of some outlandish ones). You can still send in your card if you have not. Until next Labor Day weekend!

Happy Trails!

 Christine and Glenn.

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