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Dan Little, owner of the Oteka D. Ranch, and emcee of the event, began the 2022 DanMan Challenge with a welcome speech. Summer Bryant • The Madill Record -
The DanMan Challege was held on April 2, 2022, and welcomed runners of all types, even the four-legged ones. Summer Bryant • The Madill Record
The DanMan Challenge took place Saturday April 2, 2022, on the Oteka D. Ranch near Madill, Okla. The challenge began in 2006 as a tribute to Dan Little by Scott Gallagher and Steve Oliver.
It originated as a 50-mile challenge and was set up as a five-mile loop around the ranch. Participants were challenged to make 10 loops to achieve the 50-mile quota, or as close to that as possible. Participants who opted to give up had to ring a bell to signify they were quitting.
This year’s event kicked off around 8 am, where runners of all ages, and even a few four-legged entries, participated in the 10K, halfmarathon, and 50-mile races.
As per ever annual race, it started off with a quick speech by Little, owner of the ranch. The races are untimed and have no cutoff, so participants can run or walk as much as they want.
The races were on dirt and gravel roads with wide trails that led participants up and down hills through a beautiful countryside that began and ended at the Ranch House. Several volunteers worked hard all day to provide drinks, snacks, breakfast, and lunch as well as entertainment from a DJ – it’s like one big party throughout the day.
The Danman is a free and family-oriented event for all ages. There were repeat participants that came from all over, as well as locals and even first timers who attended. Even though there were only a few spectators, the runners all hung out and participated in outdoor games and even a few brought tents because they camped the previous night.