Return of the Frostbite Run

...And They're Off!!!

On a wet and drizzly morning more than 90 runners headed out for the two mile and seven mile options at the Frostbite Run in Talent, Oregon. Big names toed the line. Erik Skaggs, a new employee at Rogue Valley Runners, was entering his first road race in history. He was coming off an impressive trail race victory at the Quad Dipsea (28 miles) Trail Race in northern California. Elliot Jantzer, 2007's 4A Boy's High School State Cross-Country Champion, was in the mix. Perennial race favorites Neil Olsen and John Leuthold were also there to add to the race day excitement.

"After coming through at a pedestrian 5:30 first mile split, I decided to start picking up the pace," said eventual winner Erik Skaggs. And with that, he made his move on the first uphill on Foss Street.

Lead Pack at Mile One (l to r, Olsen, Skaggs, Jordan, Leuthold, Jantzer)

The pack worked together and chased Skaggs.

Lead Chase Pack at the Turnaround (l to r, Olsen (in the far distance), Moses (in yellow), Jantzer, Leuthold, Jordan)


With his final mile in 5:10, Skaggs went on to cement his win in 38:00. He was chased by JJ Moses, John Leuthold (who both tied for second in 40:04), Neil Olsen (40:24) and Drew Jordan (41:05).

Erik Skaggs for the Win


Other Rogue Valley Runners participated:

Hal Koerner and Carly Varner finished in 56:22.


Chris Rennaker finished in 45:28 with a thumb's up.


Marci Klimer put in an impressive race to win the women's seven mile race in 45:50. Full results can be found soon at the Southern Oregon Runners website. Congratulations to all!