Son Of A B@#$&!, nope, that's Siskiyou Outback!

Why is it an SOB? Could it be that the scenery is b#@&%in'? Could it be that the course's altitude makes it so freakin' tough? Perhaps it sucks that you couldn't get in because it filled? Or maybe the competitive field keeps getting faster and faster? Or maybe it's cuz 31 miles is a flippin' long way to run, period! Oh yeah, now you remember...you awoke Sunday morning with a splitting headache because you were attached to the post-race beer cooler.

Regardless of your reasons, whether you've run this race or not, you will return or you will add it to your next year's race schedule. It's a race not to be missed! The course and the post race party lend it to one of the best race experiences you'll ever have. Rob Cain and John Price, the two new co-race directors, have filled the shoes of their predecessors (Mel Bailey and Tom Pelsor) like fine wine with a good meal. The second bottle is just as good as the first.

So what happened this year? The weather was perfect (the rain and fog came the following morning). The post-race fare was superb. The aid stations and course markings were on par with that of the Biltmore Hotel. Sound like something you'd want to be a part of next year?

157 runners completed the 50K and 157 runners finished the 15K. I know, weird. But just so perfect. See, the trend continues. Headlining this year's performances was the race that, Rogue Valley Runner and Ashland local, Mr. Erik Skaggs had. Holly Christmas Mama! Another course record added to an already impressive CV. 3:39:19! More than three minutes removed from Max King's stormin' time of last year! Too perfect? Nope, it's the name of the game here at SOB! Kudos to Bend's Rod Bien who brought in an impressive second place finish in 4:01:21.

What about the ladies? Anne Hitchcock from Auburn, CA won the 50K with a time of 4:35:00. Idaho's Teresa DeBlieck finished a strong second in 4:40:21.

For those who insist on running faster and, perhaps, not as long, there is a 15K option offered at SOB. Again, the perfect event for everyone. Chris McIssac, from Olympia, WA won the 15K in a blazing time of 59 minutes and 28 seconds. Local runner, from Phoenix, OR, Marci Klimek, won the ladies race in 1:09:32.

How about some photos:

Typical SOB Scenery.

Just why folks swarm to the event...sweet trails.


Catered Finish Line.

Happy? I'd say so. Course record and looking good! Nice work Skaggs! Happy Birthday man!

Oh how we miss the 80's. Mr. Eric Poole and Renn Dog do it up right at the Grouse Gap Aid Station.


Carly Varner leads Ixel Sanchez in the 50K.

Bob Julian runs the 15K, fast!


Full results for the SOB 15K and 50K can be found at the official SOB web site.

Photos were provided by Andy Atkinson, see the rest of his SOB photos here, and Michael McCullough.