Stunning development . . .

Angry and defiant because he felt snubbed last year, the "Voice of the Borgess Run," Chris Crowell, has refused to sing the National Anthem at this year's event. Negotiations broke down last week between Crowell and Borgess, which had taken advantage of a one-time opportunity to have Faith Hill sing at last year's race.

"Chris won't budge," said Race Director Janeen Docsa when she announced that the Paw Paw Chihuahuas would do the honors the morning of April 26.

Desertion: Run Camp's Hidden Shame

Disillusioned Campers Make for the Exits


Run Camp organizers deny it, but their dirty little secret is the mass desertion that hits every year on the first day of camp. This year's desertion was said to be especially bad after campers learned they were being forced to wear booties and listen to long-winded speeches. "I wear booties all week long," said orthopedic surgeon Terry Nelson. "No way I'm getting up Saturday morning and putting those things on."

As of Sunday night, at least two campers were still in the care of the nearby Sisters of St. Joseph, recovering from Chris Crowell's strident demands that "you can do it!"

Run Camp's Spin Doctor, Blaine Lam, attributed the "noticeable" exiting of campers to "an unusually harsh flu season." He said a lot of campers left because they didn't want to contaminate their colleagues. He refused to say how many disgruntled, disappointed and disillusioned campers deserted.