Courtesy: event press release

The 15th annual Sunmart Texas Trail Endurance Runs - the largest ultra marathon event in the United States - will be held Saturday, Dec. 11 in Huntsville State Park, which is located 60 miles north of Houston on IH-45. A 50 mile race and 50 kilometer event are expected to attract over 1,000 ultra-marathoners from more than 40 states and 10 countries.

The 50 mile route is comprised of four 12.5 mile loops through the park's extensive trail network. The 50K route covers a two loop course. The 50 mile event begins at 7am, with the 50K race set to start at 7:30am.

Many of the top runners from last year's race are expected to compete in the popular event, which is sponsored by Petroleum Wholesale, Inc. of Houston. Race director Roger Soler of San Antonio reports that a record turnout of athletes is again expected to register for this year's event. And a novel twist is expected to be added to the pre-race aspect of this year's event.

"We're working on having the elite runners available the day before the race to interact with the other runners," said Soler, who was a Peruvian Olympian at 5000 meters for the 1984 Los Angeles Games. "So instead of just seeing these top runners when they go by on the trail, they'll have a chance to talk to them one-on-one and ask them questions about training and other issues. All the top runners that we've had in the past are being invited again, but it's too early to know who will run."

Among the top runners in the field will be last year's 50K winner, San Antonian Dave Terris. Liza Hunter-Galvan, who was last year's Sunmart 50K winner in addition to competing for her native New Zealand at the marathon in the Athens Olympics, will not defend her Sunmart title.

Another noted figure from New Zealand will add to the festivities of the event by being the keynote speaker at the pre- race banquet on Friday night. Arthur Lydiard, who is famous throughout the running community worldwide, will talk about training through his successful multi-stage approach to distance running. Lydiard is very recognizable as a coach in running circles around the world, and officials at Sunmart feel his presence will be a boon to ultrarunning in general.

For more information, visit the race website at www.sunmart.net or call Roger Soler at (210) 366-3701.