There are two words to describe this year's SunRun "The Race of Bast", "Brutally Hot". This just happened to be the July weekend when the Sun was determined to show off her radiance to the very best of her ability. By the time our participants left our very decorated starting line, the heat index was already into the triple digits.

Our host landowners were very kind to us this year. They provided us with numerous new trails to choose from. While new trails may provide new scenery and extend the length of the run ( without having to reuse already traveled portions of the course ), the disadvantage of so many new options is the increased probability for runners to take the wrong turn and get lost. Despite our staff's best efforts to mark the course and provide directions, I am sorry to say this did happen to a few of our runners. For those runners who made the trek to our far backfield, the many different trails did allow them to pass George and Heather’s water stand more than one time. This year, keeping constantly hydrated was a necessity.

Most of our contestants knew exactly how to handle one hundred-degree temperature and a confusing course. They simply skipped out on doing a full 5K run/walk. Naturists have a good sixth sense about how to relax and not worry about such things. Given this very wise attitude, SunRun 2006 "The Race of Bast" was a success!!!

We all had a good time once we got under the shade of our rented pavilion. What a blessing that structure has turned out to be for us!!! "I remember the days when we huddled under whatever tree shade we could find after a race." The lack of clothing, a soft breeze, and the shade of our pavilion lowered our body temperatures somewhat. This provided us with some good fellowship and conversation during our post race festivities.

SunRun medals were awarded to three men and two women Spartans this year. Unfortunately, no one's time was very official this year. One of our race winners, Marita, was also this year's raffle winner of a pop-up beach cabana/tent. Everyone received a nice take-home gift courtesy of The Naturist Society. Although it was kind of a quiet weekend at our host’s facility, a few of the Heartland Naturists decided to camp out Saturday. We watched the stars, swam down at the lake, and had some very diverse conversation until 2:00am in the morning. My deepest thanks to Dick, Julie, Morris, Paul, George, and Heather who helped staff this July event. SunRun is definitely a great way, in the Mid-West, to celebrate Naturism and the end of Nude Recreation Week.

Sun Run Main
Heartland Message Board 
August 27, 2006