The 2009 LOViT Marathon

    The 2009 LOViT Marathon ran as planned on December 5 under a clear and sunny sky.  Early December on the shores of Lake Ouachita can be a frigid experience but Saturday’s temperatkure was at least warmer than the 25 degrees of 2008.  By eight o’clock forty-nine participants in a wide range of age groups and skill levels had registered for the 28 mile run from Denby Bay to the top of Hickory Nut Mountain and back.

    The LOViT Trail rises 900 feet in elevation from Denby Bay to the summit of Hickory Nut Mountain with half of the elevation being in the last mile to the summit. When the runners reached the summit they were greeted by a blazing fire and volunteers passing out well received fluids and snacks. Almost everyone said talking/joking with volunteers at the top was one of their favorite parts of the event.

    Walking 28 miles at a moderate rate would take ten to twelve hours. The first male runner to complete the run was Scott Eason who finished in 3 hours and 37 minutes, 34 minutes faster than 2008's winning run.   The first female was Shirley Hyman at 5 hours and 21 minutes, besting the 2008 record by 31 minutes.   

    The participants gave rave reviews for the great organization of the event as well as the beauty of the trail, especially the sweeping views of the lake at the summit, and vowed to return next year.

The 2009 LOViT Marathon

Shirley Hyman, First Female Finisher