Paul Reese Memorial Clarksburg Country Run - 2009 review and photos

Paul Reese Memorial Clarksburg County Run 20 mile race start

The Paul Reese Memorial Clarksburg Country Run races were held on Sunday, November 8, 2009 at Delta High School in Clarksburg, CA.

•   Additional Sacramento area running news
• Paul Reese Memorial Country Run Photo Slideshow

This was the 44th running of the race series which included 5k, half marathon, 30k, and 20 mile races. The splendid running weather, historic course layout, fun and committed group of runners, and professional race management made this one of the best races yet. 

This year the event was dedicated to Doug Braasch, a well known local runner, and member of the Buffalo Chips running club, who passed away on November 2, 2009.  Doug, who had a passion for racing, along with his wife Barbara Miller, traveled the country competing in racing events.

Read what other runners, organizers, and spectators had to say about this year's event:

Rich Hanna, Capital Road Race Management. "Capital Road Race Management is honored to provide race and timing services for the Clarksburg Country Run.  This historic run is a Northern California running mainstay. This year, the race is a day to remember Doug Braasch, a local highly regarded runner who passed away on November 2, 2009. It is also to remember and send our best wishes to Doug's wife, Barbara Miller. She is a nationally acclaimed runner from Sacramento who will participate today in memory for her late husband.  Moments of silence will precede the long race, in Doug's and Barbara's honor."

Kurt Mellick, Elk Grove, 30k, Before the race, Kurt commented that "this is a wonderful course, in a neat area. I plan on running a nice steady pace, with the last few miles at goal pace for the California International Marathon." After the race, Kurt commented  on how well the race was organized.  He said that there was a little head wind coming back which slowed him a bit.  Kurt was very positive about the run and event. "Mission accomplished", he stated.

Ian Mickle, Sacramento, 30k,  Before the race, Ian noted  "I always enjoy this wonderful run. This year I am hoping to run in a pack until the last few miles. At that time I will pick up my speed. I am coming back from a running injury. I will test myself with a faster pace at the end to gage my recovery." After the race, Ian commented that he felt fine running. Although, he lost the pack as he slowed to retrieve and consume fluids at an aid station. He said that he "felt fine" and was going to decide in the next few days "whether or not to run CIM."

Charles DesJardins and George Paddeck are race officials that oversee the race events that are part of the Pacific Association (PA). The PA is a sponsor of a race series in which the Clarksburg 30k is a race series event.  Charles monitors the course and George covers the finish line. on race day George was assisted by Sabrina DesJardins, Charles's daughter.

On the course, Charles looks to determine if there is any prohibited pacing of one runner by another runner. Specific pacing is not permitted. Running in a group or pack is permitted. But runner specific pacing is not. Also, Charles also monitored runner safety.  This year, the CHP again provided traffic and road control, much to the relief of Charles. Before the race, Charles noted that "runner safety is a high priority at Clarksburg and all other PA racing events. The assistance of the CHP adds much and directly benefits the runners." After the race, Charles added, "There were no problems this year. We wish all PA races could be this professionally run."

Dwight Miller, 20 mile, . Dwight won the 20 mile event. He has run Clarksburg events over the last "30 years" and "loves the races."   This year, Dwight noted that in the 20 mile race he "ran a steady pace throughout the event. Toward the end, the lead runner slowed a bit towards the end and I was fortunate to catch him and win."

Jen Dellucchi, Elk Grove, 20 mile. Jen is training for her first California International Marathon. This run at Clarksburg was a training run to follow her 22.5 mile long run last weekend. Before the race, she noted that "this is my first Clarksburg race. It is a beautiful day for a run." After the race, she indicated that "the roads were a bit uneven, but it was a great way to get in a 20 mile run. The aid stations were numerous which I found very helpful. Also the volunteers on the course were cheerful which was appreciated."

Mackenzie Wilson, Elk Grove, 20 miles. Mackenzie is also training for the California International Marathon. For her, the race went "as planned." Race organization was "awesome" and volunteers were "very helpful."

David Maigaard, Camino, Half marathon. David is also training for the California International Marathon. But he especially likes to run in Clarksburg. He thinks Clarksburg is a "great race" which is why he has run the event "the last few years." The course is "a flat runners course that always has great event support. I look forward to next year's Clarksburg races. I like the city, the area, and a fun day. After the race, I am going to the Old Sugar Mill Winery for an afternoon of fun with other runners and the Rat Pack Runners."

•  Additional Sacramento area running news
• Paul Reese Memorial Country Run Photo Slideshow

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 Nancy Lancaster is a Sacramento run-walker and organizer of the Running Adventures Travel Club and Five Tool Fitness Running Club. She is also a Realtor for Lyon Real Estate in Sacramento, CA.  You can email Nancy at nancy@nancylancaster.com.