MadMayo at the Massacre: (from left) Jack, Lori, Tamara, Barefoot Josh (as Usain Bolt), Blair, and Royce.

Six members of the MadMayo Running Club had the idea that running the Valentine’s Day Massacre Marathon Relay at Country Park was a great way to express their love for running in 20-something-degree weather. MMRC was represented by Barefoot Josh, Blair, Tamara, and Lori, who made up Team MadMayo Misfits, while Jack and Royce paired up with a couple of dedicated marathoners to take on the Clydesdale division.

Although no designated meeting place was specified, the MadMayo Misfits met up just in time to strategically pick the running order. Deciding that running shortest to tallest would give them the best advantage over the field, Barefoot Josh had the honor of going first. Although he thought this showed that being of short stature had its advantages, he soon realized that he would be running the first and only lap that consisted of 2.2 miles. All the rest were a mere 1.6 miles. Serves him right for not organizing a meeting time.

Blair channeled his inner Martha Stewart/Ty Pennington with his magical MadMayo Misfits Massacre baton.

Wanting to show his crafty talent side, Blair decided to make the team a baton to proudly show the MadMayo spirit. To his surprise, Barefoot Josh quickly adorned the handcrafted art piece with the team’s timing chip, and the baton was proudly carried for every lap of the relay.

After three successful baton handoffs, it was Blair’s turn to proudly carry his masterpiece for the first time. To his fellow MadMayo Misfits’ eyes, everything went smoothly and he was on his way. However, it was only upon his return that they found out that the Big Blue Carpet Monster caused him to trip and receive his first racing injury while crossing the starting line. With blood gushing down his leg and other racers fearing for his life, Blair made it to his chair to assess his injury. A little bit of water and a few Kleenex later, his injury was clean and he was ready to continue.

MMRCers Jack and Tamara show off the latest in Massacre headgear.

Given the 20-something-degree weather and the deadly ice patch on the course, Barefoot Josh had decided to keep his aqua shoes and fleece socks on for the race. However, after spotting fellow barefooter Allan, Josh decided he had to attempt at least one lap barefoot. While getting course conditions from his fellow barefooter, he didn’t realize that Blair was approaching the handoff line. A few minutes later, and after a few convulsions from trying to remove his fleece pullover, Josh was on his way for what he said was a very cold lap around Country Park.

The remainder of the relay race was incident free. Josh decided that one barefoot lap was enough for the day and Blair had no more incidents with the Carpet Monster.

3 hours and 56 minutes later (two minutes after Jack and Royce’s team finished), the MadMayo Misfits completed the Valentine’s Day Massacre Marathon Relay wondering if they would ever have so much joy standing in the cold weather that long again.

We’re working on posting all the Massacre photos on the event photo page. In the meantime, here’s a taste of the action:

Lori waits for not-Barefoot Josh to pass the baton.

They don't call it the Massacre for nothin'. Blair shows off the ravages of the relay.

Tamara makes it look so easy.

Blair's magical baton is working! He's way farther ahead of those other slowpokes!