Trails, Roads and Volcanos

Over the past several weeks some Rogue Valley Runners have been turning in some impressive racing results.

Running to the Volcanoes in Hawaii!
Back in late January, Ashlander Jenn Shelton traveled across the Pacific Ocean to visit our 50th state. Though she didn't soak in as many rays as she had hoped (she was visiting the rainy side of the islands) she did capture a victory at the Hilo to Volcano 50 Kilometer Ultramarathon. The uphill road race started in the ocean-side town of Hilo, HI and traveled up to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Jenn won the ladies race, finished third overall and set a new course record for women; 4 hours, 15 minutes, and 10 seconds.

Fall Creek Reservoir
This past weekend Phoenix, OR's John Leuthold went north to Lowell, OR to use a comp entry he won back at a race on New Year's Eve. John started the Fall Creek Run Around 20 Miler, a mix of asphalt and gravel roads, and found himself running in the lead after a few miles. Challenged once just past the half-way mark, John "put the hammer down" and gapped the competition for the win. John turned in a 2:08, roughly three minutes ahead of second place.

Marilyn Bailey running at Hagg Lake.
A huge congratulations to Marilyn Bailey and Ben Benjamin (both of Ashland, OR) who, two weeks ago, successfully finished the Hagg Lake 50 Kilometer Ultramarathon. This northern Oregon ultra is known for it's mud, but this year, things weren't so bad. Ben finished his fourth Hagg in 6:04:15 and Marilyn Bailey crossed the line in 7:00:35, her seventh Hagg Lake 50K finish.

Ben Benjamin at Hagg Lake
Nice work everyone!!!(photos of Ben and Marilyn were taken by Thomas Riley)