Hensleys' joy leads to 25 years of Hell
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Runners have hundreds of T-shirts, but a prized possession is the one proclaiming, "I Ran Thru Hell." This Saturday morning, runners will make the trek out to the Hell Creek Ranch to race 10 miles through the roads of Hell, Mich., for the 25th time.

Organizers Dolores and Harrison Hensley claim they chose the Run Thru Hell because it was available and they happen to live just down the road from the start and finish of the race.

The Hensleys have directed the race every year except for a few in the late '80s. They also designed the original T-shirt with a devil on it, changing it after several people complained.

It's tough to decide which has more character: the Hensleys or the Run Thru Hell itself.

The Hell Creek Ranch is the starting gate for the race, with runners rushing for their bib number and T-shirts before preparing to head down long stretches of dirt roads dotted by orange pylons that serve as the mile markers. Horseflies, dust and a few long stretches of hills help make the race name appropriate.

In addition to the 10-miler, there is "the 4.8-miler for weenies," as Harrison puts it, which brings in a few more runners. And Dolores is another reason so many runners come to Hell, since almost every weekend she can be seen volunteering somewhere in Michigan at race registrations or finish lines.   Many friends welcome her affectionate hugs as they pass through the finish chute.

The Hensleys have been honored as Michigan Runner contributors of the year, Road Runners Club of America volunteers of the year and with numerous running club awards in Michigan and Ohio.

Their race flyer depicts the course traversing through the Pinckney State Recreation Area, running along tree-lined dirt roads in the middle of August's heat. Awards go six deep in the age categories, including the horse's patutee, a special award that goes to the last winner in each age group.

Rumor has it that Harrison is celebrating his 72nd birthday this week. He has completed 1,538 footraces and competed in more than 40 states. He prefers the social aspect of racing to the time alone training, but keeps working out so that Dolores will still put up with him. The Hensleys plan to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary early next year.

With all of their experience from races they have a few suggestions, chief among them that injured runners use their downtime to help races that have supported them. They feel volunteering helps runners mentally and provides an enlightening and rewarding opportunity -- just ask all their great supporters at the Run Thru Hell.

Saturday's events start at 8 a.m. from race headquarters, at the Hell Creek Ranch on Cedar Lake Road at Patterson Lake Road in Hell. Camping is available, call 734-878-3632. For information about the race call 734-878-6640 or go to www.gaultracemanagement.com.