Update: Plan Saves Popular Race
The Putnam Township Board has approved Harrison and Delores Hensley's Run Thru Hell. The meeting scheduled the evening of February 16, 2005, will plan how the County Sheriff's office works with the race to control traffic and eliminate parking on Patterson Lake Road. The Hensley's, Hell Creek Ranch and Gault Race Management have a plan to change the start location and improve the start line.

To all the runners who came forward with letters, emails and calls of support: Thank-you for supporting the Run Thru Hell. Further support is not needed now at tonight's township meeting.

(February 14, 2005) -- No two people contribute more to Michigan Running than Harrison and Dolores Hensley. They have volunteered at hundreds of races over many years. If you've run a race in Michigan, you've probably received a medal from Dolores. If you've picked up a flyer at a race, know that Harrison put it on the table.

Now, Run Thru Hell, the popular August race they've held for years at the Hell Creek Ranch, is in jeopardy. Last year, a motorist tried to drive through the crowd of runners at the start. A Livingston County Deputy Sheriff is now trying to get the race discontinued.

A meeting will be held of the Putnam Township Board on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 7:00 PM. Harrison Hensley will be speaking about why this race should continue. The running community needs as many runners as possible to attend this meeting to support Harrison and Dolores Hensley. The location is on Howell road, just south of M-36. (A Mobile Gas station is on the corner, and the Putnam Township Annex is just south on the right side). For more details, call Harrison at 734-878-6640 for more details.

Surely, a compromise can be reached to ensure that the race can accommodate traffic and that runners will be safe.