Running with history

URBANDALE - The biggest cross country race in North America took place on Nov. 22 at Living History Farms.

The number of runners was limited to 7,500 participants, coming from all over the country. The event was divided into two different races - a seven-miler that started at 9 a.m. and a youth race that started 10:45 a.m.

Many runners used the annual Living History Off-Road Races to end season and exchange running stories. Besides the fun factor, the race has given $550,000 to Living History Farms.

'Most people are running this race to have a fun time with friends,” said Nathaniel Marti, a college student who ran the race. 'I personally ran the race with two friends of mine and we started at the end of the whole group of runners to see all the different costumes.”

The race also was competitive for many trying to run the best time they could. Mason Frank from Bloomington, Minn., won the seven-mile race in 39 minutes, 27 seconds.

Participants were challenged by the course they ran, passing through fields, rivers and climbing hills. They climbed up the hills with the help of ropes.

'I think this year the race was easier compared with two years ago,” Monte Marti said. 'The weather was better and some parts of the river were frozen, which made it easier to cross it. But it was still challenging and mud was all over you. I'm glad I registered my son and I again.”

Living History Farms tells the story of how Iowans transformed the fertile prairies of the Midwest into the most productive farmland in the world. While at the 500-acre outdoor museum, visitors travel at their own pace through historical time periods spanning 300 years. On-site guides provide a unique learning environment of seasonal activities.