John Holmes, died June 2006, of Mesothelioma.  

He was one of the original founders of the Croom Trail Runners.

He was the race director of this race until 2003 (give or take a year).

He was a ultra runner.

He was a great person, friend, and inspiration.

He made us laugh.

Since his death, most of us who knew him know that he is watching over our should as we run his course. He is encouraging us, he is laughing at us, and he desperately want to tell us a joke to make us laugh.

When John Holmes started to have health problems and could no longer serve as RD (as I remember, this was the spring of 2001), he was putting on 3 races: the fall 50K & spring 50 mile trail runs at Croom, and a 100k/50k on the paved Withlacoochee trail. I was the RD for the 100k race for one year and then took over the fall 50k.

When John passed away, I changed the name of the race to honor him.

It always seemed to me that it would make more sense to have the 50 mi run in the fall as it would be a great opportunity for people wanting to qualify for Western States, but for historical purposes we've left it the way it is.

Jim Bodoh

Previous Race Director