Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for your leadership and OMR's commitment to the trail community! This goes so far beyond running. There's something special you've created and empowered all of the runners to experience out there in the pines and wild flowers of Kettle Moraine.
I was here in 2022, admittedly a newbie to the trail community and running in general. It was only the second race of my life, having avoided running until age 38. I stumbled my way through the 100k, navigating every rock, root, and stone that seemed to chase me through the forest. This year in 2024, I returned as a trail runner, ready for the pace and challenge of racing 64 miles. The experience is different. It's louder but with a swirling connection, like the effect of a sustaining pedal on a piano. The cadence of footfalls echoes off the trees in rhythm with my own increased breathing and arm swings. The faster pace of movement smooths out the otherwise choppy and individual rocks and limbs that litter the trail. Sure, I fell in the mud and rain. I threw up, cried, and suffered. But I mostly danced. And the forest danced with me.
It was such an honor to race, run, and dance with the OMR community for a weekend. Thank you to all of the incredible volunteers, the other runners, and especially to you for your kind, fun, and thoughtful leadership.
Best wishes,
Scott Wopata
