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Laura Murphy &
Mark Neal
Photo by John Brabbs
RunMichigan.com

February 7th, 2001

By Don Richmind

Shelby Twp (2/7) - Runners all over the state of Michigan and beyond are
forever looking for that magic "pill" that will slim them down, speed
them up, help them take home an age group award or two, or maybe, just
maybe, make them fast enough to win a race.  But the secret was exposed
at the 2001 Bumper Run at Stony Creek MetroPark, and it can be summed up
in one simple word:  twins.

Of course, though the concept and one word summation is simple, the
execution of it is another thing altogether.  Laura Murphy and Mark Neal
hadn't necessarily PLANNED it that way, and still weren't aware of what
was to come when they received the good news that they were expecting in
the Spring of 1997.  But they adjusted to the surprise that they were
getting two-for-one, dove into parenthood head first, and took it in
stride - literally at times - the best they could.

And it's hard to argue with the results.  Since that happy day in October
of 1997, Laura has been to the 2000 Women's Olympic Marathon Trials, and
between her and her husband Mark, they've won dozens of races in
eye-popping fashion,  all while juggling the responsibility and physical
and emotional demands that come with parenting two energetic children
simultaneously.  Of course, it may just be that which makes the running
so easy by comparison!

The Bumper Run was no exception.  Running on an almost picture perfect
Winter night in early February, Mark and Laura dominated the competition.
 Mark finished first overall in 35:47 on the approximately 6.4 mile
course around the lake on the paved asphalt bike path, defending his
title and improving his time over the previous year by 23 seconds.  The
battle for second was over 2 minutes back, and it was no surprise that
Laura was right in the mix, just getting nipped by first male master Ken
Price of Rochester Hills, 37:53 to 37:55, and just missing the 37:41
course record set by Megan Fitzgerald in 1999.  John Brabbs followed them
in for 3rd overall male in 38:16.

This race has a small but loyal following, and many of the runners
wouldn't think of missing it.  It usually takes just one time coming out
and running it, and they're hooked.  Thanks to the generous support of
the local community, a few dedicated volunteers who believe in the cause
of promoting running safety, and a generous supply of refreshments, there
is an intimacy about this event that keeps people coming back.  Not to
mention that every finisher took home a gift certificate, the only race
in Michigan that can claim that distinction.

Tom Wrobel of Lake Orion has run it every one of the seven years it has
been held, and has no plans to miss any in the near future.  "The full
moon, despite the clouds, illuminated the path.  I was able to read the
mile markers painted on the course.  Probably the best weather of any of
the Bumper Runs I've run.", Tom said.

On the other side of the coin was Rod Yeaker, who was competing in the
Bumper Run for the first time.  "It was a great run.  It was curiously
tranquil, anxiety provoking and confusing all at the same time.  It
doesn't get any better than that!  I can't wait for next year.".  Rod
finished 6th overall in 40:40.  Many runners remarked that it was strange
racing at night with the moon lighting up the park.  Tom Cameron, 3rd in
the 50-over, said "I enjoy the run because I seldom run at night so this
is different. The moon shone through the clouds making the sky
luminescent and easy to see.".  3rd overall female (by 2 seconds to 2nd
place female Sonja Shoudy), Ann Marie Swain of Royal Oak, said "I really
enjoyed this run.  It was quite exhilarating.  The bagels, fruit, and
drinks were very generous and a nice surprise...since it was my first
Bumper Run.  And the
awards...well I was just thrilled when I received the award.  I expected
just a fun run and I ended up being 3rd female overall!!!  It was well
organized and very intimate.".

So it may be too late or too unlikely to test the winning theory of
having twins and coming back to break the tape at the 2002 version of the
Bumper Run, but it sounds like it's a pretty good bet that you'll enjoy a
winning event.

PHOTOS - PAGE 1 | PAGE 2

Final Results:

Top 3 male finishers:                                  Top 3 female
finishers:
1. Mark Neal             35:47                     1. Laura Murphy   37:55
2. Ken Price              37:53                    2. Sonja Shoudy   50:21
3. John Brabbs        38:16                        3. Ann Swain      50:23

Top 3 sub-masters:
1. Steve Dean       40:00
2. Rod Yeacker     40:40
3. Bill Spurrier       41:06

Top 5 masters:
1. Michael Sobak     42:08
2. Jim Laurie            43:08
3. Mike Maska          47:40
4. Walt Storrs           50:22
5. Tom Wrobel         62:00

Top 3 50-over:
1. Darrel Lamar     47:46
2. Currell Pattie      48:06
3. Tom Cameron   59:59

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