Winner Ryan Pletzker said the course was a challenge with lots of twists and turns.
NORTHVILLE (5/14/05) -- The second annual Johnson Creek 5K Trail Run challenged participants with muck as sticky as caramel, and mayhem too.

"It was messy and dirty, but really fun!" exclaimed Rachel Bowman, 25, of Farmington, women's winner in 25:04. She said the muddiest part of the race was the first half mile.

"Right at the start, you have thick mud that sticks to your shoes," said Bowman. "After that, you can't move very fast at all."

Emily Alder, 26, of Novi, was women's runnerup in 25:52. Next came Rita Myers, 41, of Novi (26:44) and Laura Breyman, 24, of Ann Arbor (27:23).

"A few guys in front of me fell down and got really muddy, but I stayed pretty clean for some reason," Alder said.

Ryan Pletzke, 22, of Northville, men's winner in 19:46, said even a dry course would be a challenge.

"It's up and down the whole way," said Pletzke. "It doesn't have any giant hills, but it has lots of twists and turns. I loved it. It's beautiful out there."

Chris Jones, 24, of Ann Arbor finished second in 20:07. Russell Rohale, 44, of Royal Oak, took third in 20:15.

The race, put on by the Johnson Creek Protection Group as part of Johnson Creek Day at Northville Community Park, showcased the beauty of the watershed. Storms drenched the woodlands and wetlands prior to the event.

"The trail is muddier than usual," said Anne Naszradi, one of the race coordinators. "Our original idea was to get runners and walkers, who might not otherwise know about the creek, to join us for Johnson Creek Day.

"We want to create awareness that Johnson Creek is the only coldwater stream that supports trout in southeast Michigan, and it needs to be protected," Naszradi said.

The JCPG held a post-race family celebration that included a children's fun run and more activities. Sponsors included Northville Township, the Wayne County Environment Department, Running Fit stores, REI, Pulte Homes and Grand Sakwa Properties LLC.

To learn more about the Johnson Creek Trail Run, visit www.jcpg.org. MR