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by Brenton Peterson
In defense of the Hereford High School Course in Maryland:
The argument that a "dip" allows you to get momentum
going downhill before running uphill is generally a valid
one. However, in the case of Bull Run's "dip," it
does not apply. Certainly, some momentum is gained from running
down the steep hills. However, the hills are so steep that
runners often complain of their legs being sore, and hurting
while running downhill. It is easy to get very out of control
on these downhills--hence the reason the trees on the side
of the hill are padded. Also, one side of the dip is run on
a sidehill, as well--it has a slight slope that can irritate
the ankles and knees if you run on it.
Also, many other dyestat users have posted the times achieved
by some of their state's runners in recent years. I believe
that one said the best time this year was 15:38 on a 5K course.
That is hardly the toughest course. Moreover, it is important
to realize that the Maryland State Meet, as well as a large
invitational (which has featured Pennsylvania and New Jersey
runners as well) is held there annually--so the fastest runners
in Maryland history, as well as some of the best PA and NJ
runners have tried to tackle this course--and none have ever
broken 16:00. A good indicator would be the kind of track
times that the course record holders put up. What kind of
track times did Ian Burrell run? That would be a good indicator
of how his course record stacks up against those from Hereford
and others.
For the Hereford course, I believe the course record is held
by Dusty Lieb.. Shane Stroup ran 16:02 last year at states--that
is the fastest time I've ever witnessed on the course. For
reference, he ran a 4:07 mile in a completely solo (from 200m
on) effort to break the MD State record in the mile later
that spring. Lets put track times of the course record holders
down, in order to accurately rank the courses.
In conclusion, although I've run on the Hereford Course 4
times now, I can't say it is the toughest course in cross
country. Some courses (including one that Dyestat featured
earlier this season), have winners (boys that is) running
in the 18 minute range. I have no doubt that I could create
the most difficult course in cross country, if I set out to
do it. However, this would be foolish. I could just have people
run up the side of a mountain for three miles. I think Hereford's
course preserves difficulty of cross country in it's hills
and sharp turns, while still allowing it to feel like a race,
and not a survival contest. I think it is the best of both
worlds.
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