Photo by Gary Fandel courtesy of the Des Moines Register Brian Palmer of Des Moines searched for his running shoe after losing it in the mud. Palmer finished the race with just one shoe. Other blog sites with comments about this years race: here, here, Thank you. I have wanted to run this race for several years. My daughter and I ran it together this year, being a first for both of us. Actually, we didn't run it together, she beat me by four minutes. Things were well prepared. One suggestion is to promote the food drive more. For the last two weeks, I couldn't help but smile and laugh when I talked to anyone about the race. My daughter was talking to my twin brother before the race and told him that she didn't want to place second because she didn't want a duck. Guess what place she got. That's right second. There goes karma biting you in the butt. I had a great time and am already planning for next year. (Maybe having my brother and I run as siamese twins) DM I just wanted to thank you for putting on such a great race. This was my fourth straight year running in it, and it never ceases to amaze me how much fun this race is. My teammates and I were even able to talk three football players from our school into running it with us. They were amazed at how much fun running could be. Wherever I go off to college, I plan on making it back for this race. Thanks again for putting together this great race. SV It was a perfect day at Living History Farms! The water was cold. The mud was slimy. Food and drink were abundant and awesome. The propane heaters were warm. The singer was great. The prizes were great. Parking was organized and quick. The parking lot attendant danced well. Check in was super fast. T-Shirts looked fantastic. Thanks to the volunteers, sponsors, organizers and participants who make this the biggest and best off-road cross country event in the universe. TI - Centerville, IA Hi there. First of all, I wanted to thank you for another fun event. This is my second time participating in your race, and I had a great time. There is a concern that I have that I would like to share with you at this time. I noticed several people urinating during the race in plain site very close to the course. There were also individuals urinating in easy eye-shot prior to the race. I don't know if more bathroom facilities would be helpful?? Secondly, I would like to share with you that I had my family with me today. While waiting in our car, my mother observed a middle aged individual strip to completely nude from the waist down in the parking lot right in front of her. I, as a participant, appreciate another runner's desire to shed the wet clothing, but PLEASE... I think a little modesty would be appropriate. Perhaps there are some guidelines that could be shared in the race registration next year regarding appropriate places to change clothes?? Thanks for your consideration, and I'm looking forward to next year's event already. Sincerely, ???? Hopefully the troops will read this. If we catch the guy in the parking lot, he won't ever be allowed to enter again. Another finer job! We had a spectacular time and nobody got hurt from our crew... The work of you and everyone associated with the event has the admiration of so many, and I thank you for providing the best racing morning of any race in the state! Hope you enjoyed it, as well. DL Thanks for a great race. It was the first farm race for both my daughter and myself. My daughter's XC coach also came and ran his first farm race. I was amazed at the coordination you had for 5500 (+) entrants. Great job!! My whole family came and we made it a mini vacation. Thanks for all the hard work. Hopefully you will recognize me .. the Indian guy who feels too cold and doesn't get used to Iowa winters! This was THE MOST FUN RACE ever!!! I was covered with mud, had to bid adieu to my asics and shivering cold as soon as I stopped running however it was soo much fun. Running indeed can make people crazy ;-) THANKS to you and your team for organizing this. Regards, Rajat We've already found the contact for space blankets for next year. Hi, Just emailing to let you know that our family had a GREAT time at the run on Saturday. Thanks for all the work that goes into planning it. When we opened our bag of shirts after the run, we discovered we were short one. A size small - would it be possible to have one sent to us. I'd be happy to pay the shipping cost. After running that race, it means a lot to wear the shirt!! Thank you,, MW We'll get that taken care of.