Three Records Fall at Third Annual Illinois Valley Relay St. Louis Area Teams Take Two Division Crowns
The Illinois Valley Relay (IVR) is the premier Fall running relay race in the Midwest. On October 5, 2002, the weather was perfect for fast times and the runners, indeed, took advantage of the conditions as three new IVR records were set. Sunny skies and colorful fall scenery added to the sheer excitement as many teams raced across the hills and river bluffs of west central Illinois. Midwestern teams from Illinois, Missouri, Indiana and Minnesota raced around the hilly 62.2-mile course in Scott and Greene counties in what proved to be the fastest IVR field to date.
The winning team was the 1980 Effingham Hearts. The IVR course record was crushed by 30 minutes by this team from Effingham, IL. Jeff Bockhorn, team captain, stated, “You couldn’t ask for a better race. The organization by race directors, the scenic roads and positive energy from the volunteers and locals was second to none.” After the first leg, the 1980 Effingham Hearts were all alone. John Cash, the Heart’s fifth runner, stated, “After the first leg, we had our sights on the record. From that point on, we were a determined team.” At the finish, the closest team was over a mile away. The Hearts blistered the course in 6:15:26 (5:59 per mile pace!) to win the Open Men’s Division and beat the old course record of 6:44:51 set in 2000 by The Prayer Warriors from Granite City. Baton Death March of Springfield, IL and the Narrow Road Racers from Effingham, IL took second and third.
The Bud Runners, from Anheuser-Busch – St. Louis, were the only repeat winners. Their time of 7:19:29 broke their own Corporate Division course record, set last year, of 7:20:32. Their team captain, Nathan Rain, states, “I've participated in the IVR since it's existence. The camaraderie relays build, among team members, is amazing. The IVR has definite advantages. … the crisp cool weather, the fall colors, the registration process is noncompetitive, and (you finish earlier).” Air Mobility Flying Feet, from nearby O’Fallon, IL took second in the Corporate Division in 7:30:16 while last year’s second place team, the Busch Mountaineers, took third in 7:50:36.
The final course record was set in the Mixed Division. Friends in Motion, a team from Newburgh, IN, finished in 6:26:12 to shatter the record of 7:29:04 set last year by Team Joe’s Pizza of Effingham, IL. Abe Lincoln’s Pants, from Urbana/Champaign, IL took second and Guards and Tackles from Chicago, IL took third.
Reno Failures from Indianapolis, IN were the winners of the Handicap Division with an adjusted time of 7:03:18. Six Sick Synergists from Knoxville, IL took second place. The battle for third place in the Handicap Division was the closest race of the day. A last minute roster change by the Beauties and the Beasts from Savoy, IL added 9 minutes to their handicap which was just enough to beat the Reid Brothers from Carlinville, IL by 30 seconds.
The Illinois Valley Relay starts in Winchester, IL and winds its way through four other towns before returning to finish at the fairgrounds in Winchester. The fourth annual Illinois Valley Relay is scheduled for Oct. 25, 2003. The IVR is more than just competition; it is teamwork. Most teams enter for the relay experience to trek across the hilly western Illinoisans countryside. It takes courage, coordination and creativity to merely finish this challenging 62.2 event. For further information consult their website at: www.illinoisvalleyrelay.com or write to the Illinois Valley Relay, PO Box 971, Springfield, IL 62705-0971.
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