John Loucks competes in Texas ultramarathon

John Loucks, son of Chaffee Mayor Steve and Janet Loucks, traveled from Missouri down to Huntsville, Texas, to run in the Feb. 6 Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Ultramarathon. The ultimate goal is to finish under 24 hours, and John did so in 22 hours and 25 minutes. He finished 13th in his age group and 54th out of 241 participants. Check out his picture in this week’s Scrapbook or on the Southeast Missourian’s website. John’s brother in law Joe (Jillian) Carilli Jr. traveled all the way from Washington, D.C., to Sam Houston National Park to support him and pace John for a 20-mile interval. John and his wife Vicki live in St. Charles, Missouri, and John is store manager of the Fleet Feet in O’Fallon, Missouri. If you are up that way, drop by the store and check out the medal John received for finishing under 24 hours and get some expert advice on the best running shoes for you. Mayor Loucks said John has been a serious runner since college and on average runs about 60 miles a week. He is a member of the St. Louis Ultra Marathoners Group.