Strolling Jim runners return to Wartrace

It just doesn't seem like spring is officially here until the ultramarathoners arrive in Wartrace.

As they have for the past 31 years, Ultradistance runners from across the U.S. and Canada will convene in Wartrace this weekend for the annual running of the Strolling Jim 40. This year's field of 100 runners includes no fewer than six former winners of the race, along with some of the hottest young talents in the sport.

The race promises to be a barn-burner, as these top athletes contend for the prestigious title of "Iron Horse".

The course is actually 41.2 miles in length, a full 15 miles longer than a standard 26.2-mile marathon, and as the runners wind their way from Wartrace to Normandy to Flat Creek, over Hilltop Hill, and down thru Raus, before returning to Wartrace, they will cover an endless succession of hills that would make the typical marathoner blanch.

The "Jim", as it is referred to in the ultrarunning community, stands now as the second oldest continuously held ultramarathon in the US, and is among the oldest in the world. Its longstanding success is attributed to the scenic beauty of the course, and the uniquely friendly reception runners receive in Bedford County.

Main contenders in this year's race include: defending Iron Horse Kevin Dorsey of Memphis; Mark Lundblad of Swannanoa, N.C., winner of the JFK 50 mile (the oldest continuously held ultra in the US); Dink Taylor of Huntsville, a 2-time Iron Horse; Brian Kistner of Florence, S.C.; Tom Possert of Brownsville, Ala., a 2-time Iron Horse; and DeWayne Satterfield, another 2-time winner.

Richard Westbrook 62, of Jonesboro, Ga., and David Jones, 57, of Eagleville, as former winners of the "Jim" cannot be counted out in spite of their ages, as ultramarathoning is a sport in which older runners frequently compete on an even level with the youngsters. As always, there will be some "unknowns" among the field who are planning to make a name for themselves Saturday, as Dorsey did with his big win here last year.

Also of note this year, Jim Emig, of Roswell, Ga., will be attempting to complete his 25th Strolling Jim. When he passes thru Rowesville, on Normandy Road, he will reach his 1,000th mile of racing in the Strolling Jim. Emig first ran the race in 1983 and has completed the race in every year since then, except for 1986 and 1991.

HOW TO HELP

Volunteers are still needed for the aid stations. Anyone wishing to volunteer can show up in Wartrace at 7 a.m. Saturday for the start. All volunteers will receive T-shirts.