I am sure Patrick Smith can weigh in with more authority, but just for the record there is nothing wrong with well-maintained grass runways. A fair number of 727s were sold with grass/gravel runway certification for use in remote areas of the world. I believe the option was also offered for the 757 but never ordered.

Also, all pilots are trained to do a go-around (that is, "take off again") if the runway becomes blocked, turns out to be too slick, etc. If you fly a lot you will experience this about once a year. The key of course is for the pilots to recognize the problem and initiate the go-around soon enough.

sPh