I realize this was a difficult event to organize, so I'm pleased to express my thanks for the first class job your group did. I know the greenbelt trails well, but I was surprised at how difficult the course was. The course was very well-marked and the volunteers did an excellent job. I'd urge your sadistic race organizers to plan another event for the greenbelt. For some reason, SI runners don't use the trails that often; perhaps, your event will serve as an introduction to the pleasure and benefits of trail running.

Edward Manganel, 10K solo

Once again, an exceptional event with outstanding organization and camaraderie.

A bit tougher than last year -- especially the #!@#$%^&* sandbag carry -- but lots of fun. I agree the low crawl could have been lower and mudider. But the swaying bridge was great, even for those of us who were, ahem, "challenged."

Back to the sandbags. I guess the sandbags have become a signature by now. So next year you'll have to come up with somehing even sicker.

Thanks again.

Daniel Freedman, Team Freedman/Origilia

HighRock was more than I expected. The rain only made it better. Love the pond crossing but next year how'bout 10 feet higher? also it would be nice to see photos of a more diverse group of participants. There have got to be more photos of those of us that did not place. Overall great job, great time.

Congrats to the winners.

thanks,

Mike, Team Freedman and Origlia

Did you think the level of organization was adequate?

no

If no, why not?

Starting order was not regulated to assigned numbers or assigned start times. I,showing good sportsmanship, listened as another racer explained to me the time chip was the determining factor. I didn't care for his explanation. (besides this one incident, the organization was excellent) Course layout, directions on the course, and challenges were staffed with excellent volenteers. (challenges were great!)

General Feedback:

It was a blast, you attract an excellent group of people. The challenges, weather, volenteers combined for a fantastic memorable day. Thanks for putting it together.

Michael Connor, Team Two Fat Guys

I loved the challenge and it was great, even though we had bad weather , it was the best 10k I ever ran in my life. I hope they have more races like this in the future its fun.

Thank you

Maritza Gonzalez from Brooklyn NY, Team Speedy-Gonzalez

The Greenbelt staff is very pleased to have had the 3rd annual NYARA High Rock Challenge take place along its trail system. The event attracts so many environmentally-conscious individuals to our trails and parks. We hope that they will all utilize the Greenbelt on a regular basis throughout the year.

The High Rock Challenge is very well run, and we appreciate the organizers' attention to the environmental integrity of the Greenbelt. We look forward to next year's race.

Dorothy Reilly

For the second year in a row, I am very impressed by the High Rock. This year's course, events, and planning were excellent.

The bridge at the start really ramped up the adrenaline. The mental challenge at the end of the sandbag was a stroke of genius. (I knew it paid to be a librarian!)

Despite--or maybe because--of the torrential rain, the mud, and the fog it may be NY's Toughest 10k, but it felt like NY's most enjoyable.

Chris, Glen, and everyone else: THANKS FOR A GREAT EVENT!

Your Friends,

HEAT: Higher Education Assualt Team
"Rescue" Rob Nelson
"WarMachine" Bill Kriegsman

I have done the HR Challenge the previous 2 years and this was the best yet. Fun events and very well marked course.

Anon

It was our first adventure race, and I found it to be a great introduction to a new chapter in my life, and from what I can tell my teamates life.

We will definitely see you again.

Thanks

Richard Worthington, Team Hudson Bros.

Did you enjoy the event?

mostly

If no, why not?

The race itself was fine, the way the winners were determined stunk.

Did you find the course as challenging as you expected?

as challenging

Did you think the level of organization was adequate?

no

If no, why not?

How do you have two person teams, and one trophy for the winning team?

General feedback:

Our team is two cops from Jersey. In 2002 we won the John Kelly trophy for 1 st male police team. This year we came in first again, however, the award went to the 1st NYC Team. When we asked at 11:30 a.m. if we had won, we were told yes. We stayed around a total of 4 extra hrs, to get a silver for a combined police fire category that wasn't even mentioned in the application. When we asked again after the award was given, one girl told us we should get it we won, only to be told by a guy, that the rules were changed. This was very disheartening due to the fact I started doing this race three years ago because it was for a fellow cop. Cops and fireman from NYC that we were talking to at the race, even felt we were hosed. It would be one thing if the application said on it 1st NYC team, but it didn't. And in 2002 we were good enough to get the award. Here's a question, what would happen if there were no NYC teams entered. And also, it's not like there!

were 100 NYC teams entered, and it was an interdepartemental rivarly going on. It makes for a long ride home to North Jersey after that type of result. If we enter next year, maybe we'll go for best team name, "we got hosed last year"

Lenny Cottrell, Team Energizer185

Just wanted to say the race was great. The Water Bridge was a lot of fun. But the best part of the race was all the volunteers. They were all so nice and great sports to stay out in the element.

Thanks for all the support.

Kathleen Mooney, Team A Double on the Rocks

a great time..the mud and rain only added to the fun

Anon

First of all, GREAT event! My teammate and I both had a lot of fun. I did the race last year, which is what brought me back this year.

The trail was well marked this year. Last year it wasn't as well marked and there were a few problems. I was glad that was resolved this year. Event was well organized with plenty of volunteers to tell the racers where to go. Good job!

The events didn't seem as team oriented this year, though. The only event this year that really required a "team" concept was carrying the sandbag and the terrain was easier for that challenge. The other events were easily done as an individual. We both really liked the pond transverse at the beginning! A lot of fun and it got everyone in line nervous since people were watching!

Overall, awesome time and I (we) will be back next year. Keep up the good work.

Anon

The most fun I've had at an event. Everybody was very relaxed. The volunteers were the best I've ever come across. You could tell the volunteers are very commited to the sport.

The mud just topped it all off. It was so muddy I kept thinking I was going to loose a shoe in the muck.

It was a blast!!!

The belly crawl would have been more fun in a less grassy area. (i.e.- muddier)

I'd love to get involved with this organization.

I plan on signing up as a member this week based solely on the level of enjoyment I had at this event.

Rui Soares, Team Hudson Bros.

You guys did a great job, this is by far the best event on S.I.

James Murphy, Team White Trash