If you're not ready to run the 19th running of the Mountain Valley Spring Water Spa 10K, then you'd better just come out and watch what promises to be a great race. The race begins at 8:30am, Saturday November 11th and will benefit Teen Challenge of Arkansas. This is the last race of the 2000 Arkansas Grand Prix running series and once again serves as the State Champhionship at the 6.2 mile distance.

Sean Kaley, 2000 Olympian from Canada and former Arkansas Razorback is returning to defend his course record from 1999. Runners from the University of Arkansas are once again expected to compete for the top spots, but won't be eligible for the prize money due to NCAA regulations. Other known runners in contention include former University of Tennessee Volunteer Bob Dickie, Steve Oury, Neal Andrews, and Clint Daniels. Dark horses include Spa Pacer runners John Gardner and John Pankey.

On the women’s side expected contenders include returning champion Sherrie Keim, Jennie Fields, and Mary Ellen Kelly. Arkansas Razorback and current NCAA 5000 meter champion Amy Yoder-Begley is rumored to be coming in for the race. If so, the real race on the women’s side will be for 2^nd place.

The race course starts on Convention Blvd next to the Convention and Civic Center; runs up Central Ave and through the park on Whittington Ave; turns up Court St and then on Exchange St to Prospect Ave; turns on Pecan St and then for one block on West Grand Ave; loops back on Quapaw Ave; turns down Market St; travels one block on Ouachita Ave before finishing on Central Ave in front of the Arlington Hotel. (See attached map). Central Avenue will be closed to traffic Saturday morning between 8:15am and 9:45am. To get through town, please use Park Ave and Gulpha Gorge. One lane will be opened through Whittington Ave as well.

Several state champions will be "crowned" on Saturday. The winner of the Overall Male race is pretty close (through the Arkansas 20K), with Steve Oury 18 points ahead of Neal Andrews. Neal is only leading Clint Daniels by 8 points. Tom Aspel is within striking distance and can't ever be counted out in a race this close.

The Overall Female winner will be Terri Johnson. She leads her closest rival by over 80 points. Amy Dailey of Hot Springs is in contention for 2nd or 3rd place.

The Male Masters (age 40-49) race is the closest it's been in years, with only 15 points separating the top 4 runners. Angie Ransom once again is atop the Female Masters and Grand Masters podium, needing only to finish Saturday's race to win both titles. The Male Grand Masters (age 50-59) is a two man race, with SportsFest event coordinator Jerry Rephan in jeopardy of being knocked out of 3rd place because of race weekend duties. The Male Seniors (age 60+) race is going to be won by perenniel Senior winner Tom Mayfield. Henry Hawk will easily come in 2nd in this state race. The Female Seniors is a two-woman race, with Betty Ray and Hot Springs Village runner Jean Schooler going down to the wire for the victory.

The Team title for both men and women will go to the Little Rock Roadrunners for 2000. Hot Springs Spa Pacers men's team should finish in 4th place with the women's team finishing 5th.

Late registration will be Friday, November 10th from 3:00pm - 8:00pm on the Mezzanine Level of the Arlington Hotel and Saturday morning from 7:00am - 8:00am. The Spa Pacers will hold a reception at the same location on Friday night from 6:00pm - 7:00pm. The Arkansas State RRCA Banquet will be in the Arlington Hotel. Featured speaker will be former Razorback running star Reuben Reina. (Reuben has competed in the Olympics and in several Olympic Trials. He also held a previous course record for the Spa 10K.) The 10K and 5K races begin at 8:30am and the Spa Squirt 1K race starts at 10:00am on Saturday. The awards ceremony begins promptly at 11:00am in the Arlington Hotel.

The Road Runner's Club of America (RRCA) Arkansas State Meeting will begin at 2:00pm. The Southern Region is due to host the National Convention for 2003, with Hot Springs in the "running" for this event. A big turn out on Saturday will go a long way towards sealing this event for Hot Springs.

You're sure to enjoy your race, whether it's the 10K, 5K or Spa Squirt. And stick around afterwards. Besides the awards ceremony, on Saturday night a dance and party, the Spa Splash Bash, starts at 8:00pm at the Park Hotel on Fountain St. DJ Scotty Mack will host this party and a nominal fee ($2 per person) will be charged. All are welcome.

On Sunday morning you can get your marathon training in during the 20-mile Depletion Run. It starts at 7:00am on the Arlington steps. Water and refreshment stations are provided along the course, and it's FREE! Some may prefer to hit the trails of the National Park for a tough hill work out and some of the prettiest nature scenes ever. These trails are literally the best maintained in the country. Leaders will be available to run with and provide trail information. The Trail Run also begins at 7:00am. Or join Tim Culbreth of Teen Challenge at 7:30am for the Inspiration Walk up Hot Springs Mountain to the tower.

Thanks, and hope to see you at the starting line!

" So where does the power come from to see the race to its end? From within!! "

- Eric Liddell 1924 Olympic Champion

Tim Poole

Race Director,

2000 Mtn. Valley Spa 10K