Prepping For the Old Mill XC Invitational

When locals gather, things get done. A group of about twenty volunteers got together yesterday to do some fine tuning on the newly mapped out cross country courses. It’s been happening in stages. Last month a group of us got together to figure out rough 3K and 5K courses. The cross country team showed up with their GPS watches and ran a variety of loops in order to determine an outline of what would work while the rest of us gave our two-cents without breaking a sweat.

Last week a smaller group of volunteers started the fine tuning. Kelly Sullivan, former head cross country coach for Auburn University, OSU and Seattle University has signed on to the track board and brought along his trusty measuring wheel. He was joined by Cliff Richardson, Brent Weiss, Laurel Meister and Sylvia Dion to establish what loops would be used for each race. After a few alterations and changes of direction we had a solid pair of race courses lined out. Cliff and Brent then took axes to the roots criss-crossing the path around the pond. No small task.

Later that day, Kelly met with Matt Barreau, another well known college coach from our state, to set mile markers and get some drone pictures for mapping. You’re both very appreciated.

Kelly came back upriver yesterday to do some final measurements and mapping. I think he’s measured each course at least six times. He was later joined by a chatty band of locals and a few non-locals brandishing a variety of rakes, hoes and lopers who proceeded to remove every tripping hazard, ankle roller and foot bruiser possible. Thank you to all the volunteers!

The familiar faces

1984 Olympian Joan Hansen drove up from Eugene

Dave Weiss also from Eugene

Preparations are ongoing with the deadline fast approaching.

Course map for the Old Mill Cross Country Invitational at McKenzie River Community, highlighting loops for 3k and 5k races with designated start, finish, and mile markers along Blue River Dr and the scenic McKenzie River.

Volunteers are needed for the actual race so it’s not too late to pitch in. Race day is October 11^th. The first starting gun goes off at 10a.m.