116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
A day of ‘LoKey’ running
The Woodpecker 6 is a challenging 6-hour run through Pinicon Ridge Park
At the two hours mark, the course direction reversed. As the athletes came to the start-finish line they did a one-eighty and then back they went. A new direction for the 1.2 mile loop in the woods made the view mostly new.
It was almost a lark. Meghan pointed out a six hour trail run to the boy, now that cross country season was over, he could try something different. She said he could just run for as long as he wanted — just for a challenge. Maybe it would be fun?
“OK.” Maybe he agreed because he was wait-listed, or perhaps he really didn’t know what he was getting himself into. But on Tuesday he got accepted, and ready or not Saturday was looming.
The weather was perfect on Veterans Day as almost 125 athletes of all shapes and sizes toed the line in Pinicon Ridge Park for the “Woodpecker 6.” Yes, that many people volunteered to test their mettle.
The cleverly named LoKeyz Running Club conceived of the run as a serious but non-competitive event. A come-as-you-are and do-what-you-can affair. The emphasis was fun, if not, to enjoy a little silliness in the woods.
When two hours elapsed, Meghan and I had to reposition our chairs. As support crew-spectators we needed a new angle to see the boy approach. He said he was feeling good and wanted to keep going. Great! Meghan plied him with water and easy to eat snacks and then he was off again. The volunteers keep hot Tater Tots, and PB&J sandwiches among the many offerings flowing all day.
By hour four, some runners had retired to the hospitality area for suds and soft food. The survivors continued their efforts. The top runners were easy to spot as they continued to run up the hills. For the rest of the mere mortals, walking up hills was mandatory and for some of the downhills necessary to be safe.
The story of the Woodpecker 6 started with a group of hard-core runners from Johnson County called the Thorsdag Running Club. Some of their ilk were enjoying a post race bonfire when the idea for a less intense group bubbled up. One of those present was Steve Hagarty, now co-race director. He suggested a low-key club and soon the name LoKeyz Running Club was born; they played off the name of the Norse god “Loki” — a contemporary of Thor.
This race marked its third running, the club donates proceeds to the park in appreciation. In 2022 that was $1,200. Co-director Danielle Wangsness donned a shimmering and sequenced outfit, she spent the day dancing with the sound track as athletes ascended the sledding hill, passed out snacks to those who wouldn’t take pit stops, and in general was the encourager-in-chief. Wangsness said the positive community vibe was central to the event. Despite the strain of the day, it was about fun.
Meghan and I were doing math. The boy was very likely to make his spontaneous goal of 22 laps, a marathon. But if he made 24 laps, then he earned a coveted Woodpecker trophy. I figured he could break 24 but no more extended pit stops and just a little bit extra on the pace.
With about 30 minutes left, he stopped at our vigil for another drink. We told him he could get 24 but he would have to MOVE, and he did.
In the interim, runners crossed the line and retired. Few saw any point for trying another lap that wouldn’t count. I reposted to the boat ramp area to cheer on as well as call out the violence of the time elapsed to the remaining runners.
The boy was nowhere to be seen. I was stressed that he’d be short. And then a green vest appeared in the distance. I screamed. I yelled. I jumped up and down and waved my hat like I was trying to start a stampede
His stride lengthened and my voice went up an octave. I started to run with him near the bottom of the sledding hill, the final obstacle. I kept pace with him in my winter boots and insulated overalls. We turned up the hill, I stayed with him for about three strides. I was gassed, he pressed on.
The boy disappeared over the top of the hill and I was laboring to breathe as I scurried to the finish line. The assembled were counting down the final seconds. He was already basking in the shock of what he just did.
Brent Blanchard of Charlotte logged the most laps with 30 (36 miles). Morgan Meseke of Bettendorf, representing the Corn Belt Running Club, tallied the most laps for the women. She competed in the Ironman Championship in Kona just weeks before and wasn’t sure how ready she was to do another endurance event.
When the time was called after six hours, the runners logged 2,125 laps, that was 2,550 miles. 25 athletes earned a Woodpecker trophy. But from my vantage as a spectator, they were all winners.
Looking up, looking ahead, and keeping my pencil sharp.
John Lawrence Hanson, Ed.D., of Marion, teaches Social Studies with an emphasis on environmental issues at Linn-Mar High School. He sits on the Marion Tree Board.
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