If you've never seen it before, the Boom Run features a series of logs connected end to end by a short chain. The logs are floating and are generally soaking wet on top and bottom. The goal: Sprint from one dock to the other and back across this treacherous floating, spinning platform in the shortest amount of time.

To say that nimble, nifty footwork is a prerequisite would be a gross understatement. Perhaps the most well-balanced and agile competitors in all the Great Outdoor Games, boom runners have to match their unique athleticism with great fearlessness, for there are only two things a boom runner can hit if they have a misstep — the water or a log. There were more than a few black and blue marks obtained last year on both the male and female side of the draw.

Consistency was the name of the game in the Women's Log Rolling event at the 2002 Great Outdoor Games, when the top three medalists from the 2001 event all repeated. Shana Martin, of Madison, Wis., repeated as silver medalist and Margaret Bulk, of LaCrosse, Wis., reprised her 2001 bronze, but Mandy Erdmann did them one better. The LaCrosse, Wis. roller won her third Boom Run gold medal in the three years of the ESPN Great Outdoor Games.

In the Men's Log Rolling, Stillwater, Minn.'s Jamie Fischer unseated JR Salzman, of Hayward, Wis. in a breathtaking final run.

The logs will be rocking again July 10 - 13 in Reno, Nev. at ESPN's Great Outdoor Games.

Qualifying Criteria

Athletes have been selected for competition in the Great Outdoor Games based on their rankings in the respective disciplines. The top three winners from each of last year's timber events will receive automatic invitations, with the exception of the Team Relay and the Mixed Doubles Boom Run.

Timber athletes are ranked by the Lumberjack Sports World Ranking Association. Rankings are determined by the average of points assigned by regional committee representatives.

2003 registered competitors

Boom Run terms

Birling
Log rolling

Boom
A long string of logs that are connected end to end, for easy storage & transportation.

Pike
Pole used in the River drive competition

River pig
A logger who runs out into jammed logs to open the flow of timber. Also used synonymously for a "river driver" competition.