HILLS R US - The Oracle Run Race Report by Darrell Klesch

On a clear Halloween Morning, close to 250 runners set out to conquer the hills of the 27th Annual Oracle Run, a SAR Grand Prix event.  Defending champion and course record holder Craig Curley set the breeze as he led from start to finish, blazing in a second over the 34 minute mark.  Craig said he really loves this run as it reminds him of running in his home town on the Navaho Nation.  He also said he let up, saving himself for an upcoming important Pima College run.

On the ladies side, Paula Morrison completed a “six-pack”, defending her 6th straight Oracle Run Championship.  Paula averaged a cool 6:32 pace to finish at 40:32. Paula also claims Oracle as one of her special races and is totally supportive of the event remaining a premier “not for sissies” 10K.

The Women’s Master Championship went to Barbara Leinweber, 26th overall, who had a remarkable finish at 46:43.  Barbara edged out Merry Dearmon and Tejal Parikh, who crossed the finish line at 47:14 and 47:37respectively.

A Britt from “across the pond”, Paul Faulkner, claimed the male Masters’ title.  Faulkner, who was in Tucson for the weekend, saw the race on the SAR website and decided “to give it a go” (as they say over there).  The 40 year old “bloke” did just fine and came in third overall, setting a 38:15 winning time.  Defending champ, Shaun Haley, was less than a minute behind at 39:01.

Other notable times were established by Oracle Run regulars:  Melody Mustafa in 51:55, Dave Mellady in 52:35 and Don Branaman in 59:32, who continues his assault on a world record of “placing” in the most number of foot racing events.  Matthew Zhine brought the pack home; Matthew is 86 and strong.

This years Grand Prix event generated nearly $3000 and was TOTALLY APPRECIATED by the board of the Oracle Historical Society.  The historical society uses these funds for the Acadia Ranch Museum restoration and for preserving the significant history of the Oracle region.  The Board extends a big “Gracias” to all who participated in our biggest run to date.

A successful fun race like this clearly illustrates that our “running community” not only supports healthy life-styles, but also community awareness and consideration.

In conclusion, enjoy Race Director Darrell Klesch’s 2009 rap (HILLS R US), which is always presented to the runners before the race (to soften the blow):

HILLS R US

On behalf of the Oracle Historical Society, I want to welcome you all to the 27th Oracle Run Anniversary, a SAR Grand Prix event.

A little about Oracle since you’ll be running in our “suburbs”, on the northern foothills of the Catalinas…Oracle has 2 dollar stores, 2 Circle Ks, and a bunch of javelinas.  We are the “highest” town in “Pinal County”...

But I’m talkin’ ALTITUDE and ATTITUDE, Dudes…Yah.  Today there will be no slope jokes folks ‘cause today I’m featuring our Boulders and Oaks….yes, the scenery—-the greenery!!!!  So, when you’re out there on ole Buffalo Bill’s trail and you view some unusual rock formations, those we fondly call Oracle Granite formations, and the oaks, I’ve found are the only trees around that stay green and provide shade year round.

So get out there and run and enjoy the environment.  Have a great time, and when you get back here to the finish line….

You will know those hills are “doable”; those hills are rewarding;

THOSE HILLS R US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace on
Darrell Klesch