Mother Cheryl Goes Swiftly at Skedaddle

Cheryl moves quickly in this 2012 photo at the Swift Skedaddle.

One of the most popular of women USSSA National Team members, Cheryl Paulson, reminded snowshoers of her mountain power as she led the class to a victory in 1:12:04 at the 2013 Swift Skedaddle. In the 2012 version, Paulson won the 5k class. Devoting time to family, she has not sought the national team slots for the last several seasons; when she returns to competition one recalls her racing prowess.

Chasing her came Durango’s Cassie Scallon, midwest girl who grows up and decides to go climb mountains as in winning the USATF 100k National Trail Championship. The 10k is below her favorite race distance—Ultra and higher—yet she turned on the afterburners and kept Paulson in sight, but couldn’t get past her though they finished 8-9 overall in this tough field. A possible secret to her success? Scallon is an expert in wild mushrooms….

Overall winner with a commanding 1:04:46, Michael Chavez proved he is one of the fastest runners, and now snowshoers, in Colorado. At the 2011 Half Marathon Championships, Houston, the ex-Californian finished 12th overall in that impressive field; he also qualified for the Olympic Marathon Trials.

Kevin Minard followed about a minute later, a 40-something chasing a 20-something, with David Leonard third overall.

Other notables include Atlas snowshoer, Adam Chase, USSSA BORAD member, finishing with a fourth in class, 15th overall.

Better have them latched tightly for this course.

Rebecca Kane won the 50-59 class, 16th overall, while Bob Cooper took 13th as the 60+ class winner.

The companion 5k race is every bit the adventure of its longer sibling, just shorter, a key for those looking for a 3.1 mile test. Johnathon Fenske broke 40 minutes with his 39:34 finish as Colin Szuch and Dave Osadnick chased him to the line.

Mariah Henderson edged Leslie Ramsay by 29 seconds for a 49:29 win; seconds back snowshoed Leslie Ramsay.

Collectible awards presented with hot soup / warm drinks ceremony.

The race continues, as it has since 1998, one of the most recognizable and interesting courses in the USSSA Dion National Championship Qualifiers. Its insistence on ungroomed lanes, an adventure spirit, and, well, who else has the Mayor starting the charge?

Long scenic trails and the infamous culvert crossing mark this annual event; and remember, don’t race a moose….

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