Sunday, September 14, 2008

Hal Koerner wins Angeles Crest 100 Miler!

Hal after his 2006 Angeles Crest victory. Photo courtesy of Larry Gassen.

I got a call a little after midnight last night from a very excited young man; Hal has done it again! In 18 hours and 29 minutes, Hal has won the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run; a full hour ahead of his nearest competition. Improving on his 2006 winning time by eight minutes, he again cements his name in this southern California race's history. He raced back and forth with Jorge Pacheco for the first half of the race and then, in the heat of the day, Hal made his move. He was able to gap the rest of the field and run alone through the night to the finish line outside Pasadena, CA.

Here's a great description taken from the event's web site of what Hal experienced during his 18 and half hour win:

"From Wrightwood to Pasadena. 100 miles includes 90 miles of trails and 8 miles of dirt road in the Angeles National Forest including portions of the Pacific Crest Trail, and 2 miles of paved road. The race starts on Park Street in downtown Wrightwood and finishes at Johnson's Field in Pasadena. There is a 21,610 ft. accumlative elevation gain, 26,700 ft. accumlative loss, resulting in a 48,310 feet total elevation Change. The highest point is Mt. Balden-Powell at the 9,210 ft. level."

Congratulations Hal!

14 comments:

Daniel N said...

Yes!! Awesome feat for the feet, Hal.

Rennaker said...

Well done Hal!!!

You definitely deserved this one. We'll all have to celebrate when you get back.

K Skaggs said...

That's Crazy

AJW said...

Congrats Hal! The last time you won AC you came back the following June to work your magic at that other race in California. I hope this means you'll be doing that again. Awesome running!

AJW

PS -- I'll be in Oregon for a week at Thanksgiving. Think it's time I stopped by the store. Is there any good running in Ashland?:)

jenn said...

halium is the craziest mofo i've ever met.

John said...

Hal, you are one serious stud!!! Congrats on a super run.

Jasper Halekas said...

Congratulations Hal, that was one hell of a race you ran.

-Jasper

saschasdad said...

Yeah, what they said...

Anton said...

Good to see that even broken feet can still finish 100 milers. Strong work, Hal.

John L. said...

Congratulations, Hal - I was beginning to think your only highlight for 2008 was going to be Pear Blossom. All joking aside, I don't know how you do it. You are the man.

Todd said...

Nice...real nice!

seagull junker said...

saaaawwweeeeettttt runnin' man. it was great hearing updates out on the course how you were doing. rock on brother man...

Justin Angle said...

big congrats hal! you were due and you made it happen. very nice to see...

Gary Robbins said...

Congrats Hal, great seeing your name on the winner's list and not the dnf list! Nice work on fighting through the injuries this year...hope to see you at more events in 09...Diez Vista again??
GR