A small but ambitious group accepted the Double Dog Dare challenge last night at the Little Falls Watershed. It was the 23rd running of the event during Little Falls Canal Days Celebrations. There were no bikers, but 5 runners hit the 1.1 mile trail through the woods above the Little Falls City Watershed.
After the traditional race “warnings” about the course hazards: uphills, downhills, rocks, roots, downed trees, scratchy brush, thorns, mud, bugs, and 1 creek crossing, the 5 disappeared into the woods. Fortunately, other than leaving footprints and carrying a few scratches, they all emerged, smiling, from the woods and continued down the path to the finish.
The event was recorded in photos by Bethany Gonzalez, of Little Falls.
The five starters (and it is not always the case) were also all finishers, each upright and smiling: Juan Gonzalez, Colden Carrig, Benicio Gonzalez, Lukas Gonzalez, and Bart Carrig. Each runner set personal records for the course. (Though Carrig noted the race was not timed.)
Carrig presented a Haiku in honor of the event, to the Watershed:
You “Dared” us to
cross your grassy field,
to climb your hills,
to weave your paths,
of roots,
and thorns,
and trees.
and to jump your obstacles and stones.
You took our breath,
challenged our muscles,
soaked our feet,
and made us humble in your beauty.
And you brought us new friends,
to share our “OUCH !”
Photos by Cathy Gonzalez
