Moab's Red Hot 50 Kilometer Trail Race

Southeastern Utah is home to some of the most awe inspiring vistas, unique rock formations, and brilliant winter weather. It was also the setting for the second annual Moab Red Hot 50K+ and 33K.

The La Sal Mountains from Poison Spider Mesa...the setting of the last six miles of the race.

Roughly 300 runners lined up for these two races on what would turn out to be a gorgeous February day. It was the perfect escape for many runners from the cold and snowy environs they had been inhabiting since last November. The race would, in turn, attract the most competitive ultra field thus far for 2008. The 50K has 4,500 feet of gain and takes runners over some classic Moab trails like Gemini Bridges, Metal Masher, Gold Bar Rim, and Poison Spider Mesa.

A View of what's to come. A glimpse of the course from the starting area. Runners would navigate up the Gemini Bridges Trail across the snowy cliff face to the right. Ultimately runners would end up on top of Gold Bar Rim (the cliffs in the far distance).

Race Director, Chris Martinez, shouts out last minute instructions.

Torrid paces were set from the beginning. Young ultraspeedsters, Tony Krupricka (CO) and Kyle Skaggs (NM), set a fast early pace in order to distance themselves from the competition. They were challenged late in the race by Justin Ricks (CO), but were able to out pace him and tie for a win and set a new course record in 4:03 (taking 22 minutes off of Karl Meltzer's 2007 course record). Ricks finished third in 4:04. Johannas Rudolph finished fifth overall and won the men's master's title in 4:22.

A pre-race photo with (l to r) Karl Meltzer, Ian Torrence, Tony Krupicka and Kyle Skaggs.

Perhaps the most exciting race of the day was battled out between Susannah Beck (of Eugene, OR) and Anita Ortiz (of Eagle, CO). Beck, a relatively new face to ultrarunning, see-sawed back and forth most of the race with Ortiz. In the last five miles Beck was able to build one last final lead to win and set a course record in 4:28. Ortiz finish second and won the master's race in 4:34. Darcy Africa, last year's Red Hot winner and course record holder finished third in 5:02.

...And they're off!

In the 33 kilometer race, Romiero Paris won the men's race in 2:32, while Anna Pichrtova won the women's race and finished second overall in 2:37. Anne Pence won the women's masters race in 3:34. Brandon Haddick won the men's masters race in 2:53. 155 runners completed the 50K course, while 84 runners covered the 33K course.

Full results can be found at Red Hot 50K's web site. Another good race report can be found on La Sportiva's Mountain Running Web Site.

TAR 'N TRAIL 6 MILE RACE

TAR 'N TRAIL 6 MILE RACE

Here it is folks!  Finally, Rogue Valley Runners is proud to present our first organized foot race.  The Tar 'N Trail is a USA Track and Field sanctioned event.  The course will pit runners against some of the best trails and roads Ashland has to offer.  Run through Ashland's park jewel, Lithia Park, ascend the steep Granite Street Trail steps and hill to the narrow and windy Ditch Trail.  After grabbing some water at the half-way mark ascend further up Hald-Strawberry Park hill and Hitt Road.  Then start your downhill run to the finish while taking in the expansive views of the Rogue Valley below.

Course Description

The race will start at the Winburn Way Bridge west of The Plaza in downtown Ashland and head into the park over the bridge, then onto the wood chipped trail on the east side of Ashland Creek.  Continue all the way to where the trail becomes a dirt single track and switchbacks up to and past the water tower and Swim Reservoir Park to Granite Street. The race course will take a right on Granite Street descend to and then up the stairs on the Granite Street Trail to the TID Ditch Trail. Once on the TID Ditch Trail the course will continue to Ditch Road and to Hald-Strawberry Park’s trails. The course will proceed up the switchbacks in the park and stay to the left (cross Strawberry Lane a second time) to Hitt Rd. Up the paved Hitt Rd to the dirt single track Bird Song Trail.  Down Bird Song Trail to Bird Song Lane.  Take a left on Strawberry Lane and down Westwood Street to the dirt connector trail and footbridge with Sunnyview Street. Down Sunnyview Street to Grandview Drive. From Grandview take a right onto Scenic Drive, then a left on Church Street. Descend steeply on Church Street and take a right on High Street, cross Granite Street to the stairs into Lithia Park. At the finish, runners will re-enter the park at that stairway at the end of High Street, pass the bathrooms on the wood chipped trail on the west side of Ashland Creek and finish near the start on Winburn Way.

Here is a course visual (click on the image to enlarge):

Here is a Entry Form and more information(click on the image to enlarge):

We hope to see you out there!

Trinidad to Clam Beach Race

Through driving rain, high water, and heavy headwinds they did press onward.

Conditions were far from ideal at this year's 43rd annual Trinidad to Clam Beach Race. Over 700 runners braved a blistering cold front to run the 8 3/4 mile, 5 3/4 mile and 3 mile races on the northern California coast. The courses runs along rural windy and hilly coastal roads, through the small town of Trinidad, CA, to the ocean where they must ford the Little River and run the final two miles along Clam Beach to the finish line.

Erik Skaggs, from Ashland, OR, was unaffected by the weather conditions and the waist deep rushing waters of the river. He took the lead early in the race and ran full throttle across the final sandy miles to win the 8 3/4 mile race in a time of 47:35. He out paced San Diego's Pete Chenard by more than a minute.
Erik Skaggs races across the final beach miles to the finish.

The top ten was rounded out healthily by several other Rogue Valley runners including Bob Julian, Neil Olsen and John Leuthold who finished in 6th, 7th and 8th places respectively.

In the 5 3/4 mile race, Todd Ragsdale, from Talent, OR, handily took top honors with a time of 33:52. Joe Griffin finished a close third in 36:29, by being out paced slightly by Jim Howard of Applegate, CA, the winner of the 1981 and 1983 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. Emily Olsen, from Central Point, OR, took second place in the women's race by crossing the line in 40:17.Todd Ragsdale crosses the Little River in the lead.

A hardy congratulations goes out to all those who finished the races in such tough conditions. Full results can be found on the Trinidad to Clam Beach Run web site.

On a more personal note: Several local Rogue Valley Runners car pooled over to the race and made a weekend out of the event. The guest of honor was John Leuthold, who's 40th birthday occurs this month. After the race we returned to his parent's house near Crescent City, CA for a crab and beer feast. On Sunday morning we awoke to brighter skies and ran 14 miles beneath the coastal redwoods before returning home. A good time was had by all.
Some of the crew (left to right; Joe Griffin, Ian Torrence, Erik Skaggs, John Leuthold) dwarfed by one of the great redwoods of northern California.

Birthday boy, John Leuthold, being helped across the Little River in this year's Clam Beach Race. He's little, but he's fast!

Fifth Annual SOFA 50 Kilometer

The Rogue River and trail head parking from the Graves Creek Bridge.

When you are confronted with the word "sofa" one often conjures up images of a soft piece of furniture that one can recline upon. But here in the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon, runners have brought a new meaning to the word "SOFA". Southern Oregon Fat Ass...a full 50 kilometers of it...roughly 31 miles for those that don't know their conversions.

So, what exactly is a Fat Ass? Truth be told, there's nothing really exact about it. Fat Asses or FA's is the name given to a series of low key runs that are frequented by runners. The phrase "No Fees, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimps" describes the run to a tee. FA's are free to enter and are put on by other runners who usually run the unorganized event as well. Since it's really not an organized race, there is no guarantee of anything other than a course to run (maps may or may not be included), and don't expect course markings or aid out on the course. It's a good way to shed unwanted holiday pounds and prep your body for the upcoming spring racing season. FA's occur all over the world during the winter months. Heck, there are four to choose from here in Oregon alone.

The SOFA 50K begins at the Graves Creek Boat Launch along the lower end of the Wild and Scenic Rogue River. The trail the SOFA course follows can eventually be taken along the river for 40 miles to the village of Agness, OR. SOFA runners, however, ran an out and back course, distances travelled by runners ranged from 54 kilometers to 10 miles. In total, 31 runners (and many doggies) showed up for this year's non-event, breaking the attendance record of 27 set two years ago.
The Lower Rogue River Trail Head at Graves Creek.

A group shot of some hardy souls...

Here's a list of those who showed, how far they ran and how fast they did it. As you can see, even the results follow suit with the Fat Ass theme...lots of inclusive evidence.

Distance Name City Time
54k Mark Humphreys Eugene 6:02
54k John Price Ashland 6:09
54k Rob Cain Ashland 6:09
50k Eric Poole Ashland 4:39
50k Ian Torrence Ashland 4:41
50k Erik Skaggs Ashland 4:41
50k Jenn Shelton Bend 4:41
50k Chris Rennaker Talent 4:56
50k Sean Meissner Sisters 5:21
50k Chris Askew Bend 5:34
50k Darla Brader Bend 5:35
50k Ken Ward Corvallis 6:09
50k Kelly Woodke Eugene 6:34
50k Ben Benjamin Ashland 7:15
50k Colleen O'Malley Medford NA
50k Carin Humphreys Grants Pass NA
24 miles Julie Peterson Ashland 6:00
24 miles Maura Schwartz Madras NA
24 miles Stan Nowakowski Madras NA
20 miles Ric Sayre Ashland 3:28
20 miles Clayton Gillette Medford 3:50
18.2 miles Teresa Hogan Medford NA
18 miles Mel Bailey Ashland 4:20
16 miles Dana Bandy Ashland 3:15
16 miles Tom Ahle Ashland 3:25
15 miles Tom Pelsor Yreka 4:11
10 miles Tim Turk Ashland 2:01
10 miles Annie Crispino-Taylor Ashland 2:01
??? Doug Naverson Jacksonville 3:00
??? Brad Putnam Coburg 6:07
??? Clem LaCava Corvallis 6:29

Kudos to Race Director Tim Turk for organizing such a great non-event and supplying the where with all to be silly runners and the feast after such silliness.

A sample of the treats that awaited runners upon their return.

Speaking of Marathons: Win a Ticket to the One Time Showing of "Spirit Of The Marathon" at Rogue Valley Runners

On Thursday January 24th at 7:30pm there will be a one time showing of the documentary Spirit Of The Marathon at Tinseltown in Medford, OR.

"As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon. More than a sports movie, Spirit of the Marathon is an inspirational journey of perseverance and personal triumph; a spectacle that will be embraced by runners and non-runners alike. Filmed on four continents and in five countries, the film stars legends such as Dick Beardsley, Paula Radcliffe, Bill Rodgers, Toshihiko Seko and Grete Waitz." - taken from the Spirit of the Marathon website

Rogue Valley Runners will have a drawing for a free ticket to this movie at their next Wednesday evening group run. All you have to do is be present to win at the store on January 23rd at 5:30pm. Along with the ticket to the movie, the lucky winner will also win a NeatSeat, NeatSeat is an on the go automotive seat cover perfect for runners, swimmers, cyclist, or anyone who drives to and from their workout.

If you can't make the drawing, tickets can also be purchased HERE for Spirit of the Marathon.

And, since marathons are the topic of late, let us not forget what it feels like after we finish one of those buggers. This You Tube video does an excellent job of reminding us.

Hope to see YOU next Wednesday!

Gonna Make You S.W.E.A.T. (Redding Marathon Redux)

In keeping with our theme, it was a glorious morning to go running with nary a cloud in the sky. The sixth annual Redding Marathon and 5k entertained some 200 folks along the banks of the Sacramento River Sunday morning and proved again to be one of the ultimate tests of endurance.


The race, which starts at the Lake Shasta Dam 7 miles north of Redding in the foothills of the Shasta Wonderland, begins its journey to town via the Sacramento River. From the heights of the Dam, runners drop 500 feet in the first 2 miles to a scenic and fast path (rails-to-trails) and continue on for 8 miles. From miles 10 -13 the route follows paved country roads that lead back onto double track to the Sacramento River Bike Path. From here, there is a section of out and back on the asphalt bike path, a residential loop, a tour through the arboretum and a picturesque finish over the Sundial Bridge and Turtle Bay.

I took the lead as we made our way across the dam and headed down the huge descent. After 2 miles in 10:20 I was feeling pretty strong but was a little worried that my facetious prediction of starting out running 5:20's that would turn into 7:40's in order to run 6 minute pace might just come true. Never-the-less I continued on with my feverish pace as one glance over my shoulder noted that 5 time Redding Marathon women's champion and Western States women's runner-up Bev Anderson-Abbs was 15 seconds back. Where was my boy Ian? Where were my relay folks I needed to help pace me along the long stretches of monotonous linear ground? I thought to myself, I had better go it alone, and in a hurry. I had set a few goals along the way, 10 miles in 57 minutes, 13 miles just to get to, then 17, 20 in less than 2 hours and 23 miles just to break up the last 6. I was intent on looking ahead to those markers in my mind to help keep up the pace. I hit 10 miles in 57:20, 13.1 just under 1:15 and mile 20 in 1:57 and change. I was pretty psyched with all the splits, but I knew from the year before that I still could fade terribly in the last 6 miles. I eased off a little to find the confidence to push the last 3 if needed and luckily it held out as I hit the bridge in 2:35, just enough time to break 2:36 and 6 minute per mile pace.


At mile 19 I was able to high 5 fellow Rogue Valley Runner, Ian Torrence, whom had taken over second place and who appeared to be some 12 minutes behind. I was psyched to see how well he was looking and that made me kick it up a notch, or at least a quarter notch. I also ran into Bev, as well as Marty Fagan (RD of the Cle Elum Ridge 50k) on the quick out and back. It was so good to see some familiar faces and to hear their words of encouragement.

In the end, a new CR was thrown down as Ian and I took 1st and 2nd handily. Ian's 2:49:27 was one of his faster marathon times and I could tell he was very happy with it, and 2:35:51 will probably be my PR for a long time. I think we were both happy that our legs let us finish a few minutes before Bev's. With 250 ultra's between us, Ian side much more weighted, we don't have too much time for all this hard pavement.
Fellow Rogue Valley residents Tom Bell and Adam Elson also made the trip for the marathon finishing as close together as one from Medford and Ashland might.

The 5k that ran in conjunction with the marathon also had a Rogue runner in the mix. Maria Clementi, of Ashland, ran a PR in 21:41 taking 2 overall in the women's race.

In the end it was quite apparent that we are no longer welcome in Northern California. It seems as though we have taken it to the locals lately and a little too often. Seriously, it has been great to have so many races to choose from that are nicely organized and well run, and that are within an easy drive.

Thanks S.W.E.A.T!

Full results can be found at www.sweatrc.com

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!

We've Added Some of Our Favorite Links

We've finally added some of our "Favorite Links" to our blog. Check them out on the sidebar to the right.

Koerner and Skaggs Featured in February 2008 TrailRunner

Pick up the latest TrailRunner Magazine (Feb 2008, Issue 50)!!! Why, you ask? A few of the Rogue Valley's top ultrarunners are featured.

Erik Skaggs, a new employee to Ashland's Rogue Valley Runners, is mentioned in two stories. On page TS-30, in an article about the La Luz 9 Mile Trail Race and Simon Gutierrez, Erik is briefly mentioned in having pushed Gutierrez to the finish. Erik's recent accomplishments are further described in the story beginning on pages 54-55 about the San Juan Solstice 50 Mile Trail Run. Photos of Erik and his brother, Kyle, can be found there too.

On page 10, an article can be found that discusses American runner's experience at France's Ultra-Trail Tour du Mont Blanc, a 100-mile trail race that circumnavigates the Alps. In this story, Hal Koerner, the owner of Rogue Valley Runners, is cited several times as to his own experience with the race on foreign soil.

This issue is available at Rogue Valley Runners now. Stop in and take a gander, I'm sure Erik or Hal would be available to sign a copy for you.

Not Your Typical Group Run

The group assembling pre-run.

This past weekend a large group gathered at The Plaza in Ashland for a run. Different groups went different distances. The pièce de résistance was an ascent up Hitt Road/Trail to the summit of Ostrich Mountain (3,000 feet in five miles), a traverse of the No Candies Trail (four miles through three feet of newly fallen snow) and then the knee jarring decent from Horn Gap on the 2060 Road back to downtown Ashland: Sixteen miles of heart racing climbs, screaming descents, snow, wind, cold fingers and toes and great conversation.

It was a special run in that several folks came in from out of town to partake. Seattle's Scott Jurek (seven-time winner of the Western States 100 Mile Trail Race, two time winner of Badwater, two time winner of Greece's Spartathalon and this year's winner and course record holder of the Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run) and Las Vegas' Josh Brimhall (winner of the Zane Grey 50 Mile Trail Race, Lake Hodges 50 Kilometer Trail Race, Pemberton 50 Kilometer Trail Race, and the Crown King 50 Kilometer) joined the usual suspects for this weekend's frolic in the woods.

Post-run group photo. From Left to right: Abbey the dog, Eric Poole, Josh Brimhall, Hal Koerner, Kyle Skaggs, Scott Jurek, John Leuthold, Chris Rennaker, Ian Torrence

Ted Corbitt "The Grandfather of American Ultrarunning" passes away at the age of 88

Ted Corbitt, who some say is the "Grandfather of American Ultrarunning", passed away at the age of 88. The International Assocation of Athletics Federations (IAAF) posted this about Corbitt on their web site.

Distance running inspiration Ted Corbitt passes away at 88

Wednesday 12 December 2007
Ted Corbitt, 1952 Olympian, training pioneer, administrator, and author, has passed away at the age of 88.

Born in 1919 in South Carolina, USA, into an African-American family, Corbitt as a child ran to and from school in an era of racial discrimination in which there was only school transport available for white children. Corbitt was never bitter and found great enjoyment in that daily regime. When as an older student he read a newspaper article about Theodore Ellison "Tarzan" Brown, the Narragansett Indian who won two editions of the Boston Marathon in the 1930s, that childhood enthusiasm for running was turned into a lifelong passion.

During college, segregation kept Corbitt out of many interstate meets and generally restricted his competitive opportunities as a runner. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a masters’ degree with honours in physical education and then studied to become a physical therapist, but always retained serious thoughts of competitive running.


At a time when there was very little knowledge in the area of professional training available to runners, most of his early self coaching was experimental. Using the methods of Czech Olympic legend Emil Zatopek as the foundation of his training he added a lot of resistance exercises to his own regime and married speed sessions with long slow runs.

Corbitt debuted at the marathon at the age of 32 with a 15th place finish in the 1951 Boston Marathon and after two further marathons was selected for the Helsinki Olympic team.

During a career which lasted well into his 50s Corbitt ran just under 200 marathons and ultra marathon races. His strength and stamina were legendary. At age 54 he ran his 175th marathon in Boston in a time of 2:49:16, less than one minute slower than his first marathon 23 years earlier. His fastest marathon time was 2:26:44 in 1958. He held the American record at 25 Miles, at the Marathon distance, and at 40 and 50 Miles.

Corbitt was the first President of the Road Runners Club of America, and as the third President of the New York Road Runners Club, he pushed for a masters category for runners over the age of forty, knowing that it would bring out the retired racers who couldn't compete successfully any longer in the younger arena.

Largely responsible for the movement to adhere to strict measurement criteria and course certification, Corbitt’s 1964 book, 'Measuring Road Running Courses', became the benchmark for certified road race courses at the time and is the foundation upon which accurate road racing rests today.

IAAF

This is Your Forum

Rogue Valley Runners would like to encourage any and all runners to use this blog spot as way of communicating between your fellow runners and the store.

Looking for a running partner? Want to carpool to a race, far or near? Have a question on new running routes and trails? Want to hear honest reviews about the new, latest and greatest running gear? Want the skinny on an upcoming race? Do you have injury questions, training questions, nutrition questions? Want to share what works for you? Also, share links to race photos, results and interesting stories and news articles here.

To post your information, click on the "comments" link at the bottom of each blog post and type in your contribution.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Ryan Shay Memorial Fund

On November 3rd the nation lost one of its most talented and promising distance runners. Ryan Shay, at the age of 28, collapsed five miles into the Olympic Marathon Trails in New York City and could never be revived.

Here is alink to his remembrance ceremony held recently in his home town, Flagstaff, AZ.

In honor of Ryan Shay, an integral member of the Flagstaff, Arizona running community, the Center for High Altitude Training has designated its current "Running Fund" through the Northern Arizona University Foundation to be a "Ryan Shay Memorial Fund," with the targeted purpose of serving as a source for athlete stipends. These stipends are financial allocations to eligible U.S. middle distance and distance runners that help pay for their training-related expenses while training in Flagstaff.

For further information and details on how to contribute, click the following link:

http://www.hastc.nau.edu/frameset-events-ryanshay.html

Quad Dipsea no match for Ashland runner

Erik Skaggs, of Ashland, Oregon, was the men's winner of the Quad...Most everyone considers crossing the Dipsea Trail a formidable challenge. To run it four times in a row - 28 miles, with 9,200 feet each of precipitous uphill and downhill - appears nearly incomprehensible.
To do it in under 4 hours is, well, off the chart of adjectives. At Saturday's 25th annual Quadruple Dipsea, Erik Skaggs became the second runner ever to turn the feat with a sensational time of 3 hours, 53 minutes, 7 seconds. San Rafael's Victor Ballesteros was runner-up, 20 minutes back.

Skaggs, making his first visit to the Dipsea Trail, laid down the gauntlet by covering the opening leg from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach in a scintillating 54 minutes. Buchanan (last year's winner) lost sight of him by the top of the steps which open the course. Skaggs returned to Old Mill Park, halfway through, in 1:51:14, well on track to break the Quad's legendary record of 3:52:29, set by Carl Andersen in 1992. But a slowing, though still torrid, third leg of 59 minutes kept finish line observers guessing. Despite a furious final charge, Skaggs missed the record by 38 seconds.

"It was hard," said Skaggs immediately after finishing. "I walked, for the first time, on the hill out of Stinson Beach on the last lap, and that demoralized me a bit."

taken from the Marin Independant Journal

The Pioneer Road Run

This past weekend marked the running of southern Oregon's oldest road race (started in 1971), The Pioneer Road Run. The race, located in Phoenix, Oregon, had two different race distances: nine miles and five kilometers.

Rogue Valley Runners' store employee, Ixel Sanchez, won the women's nine mile race in a time of 1:01:07. It was her first race back after her stellar performance at the Portland Marathon (see her marathon story here). Darcy Kleiman, also a RVR store employee, finished third in the women's race in 1:11:00.

In the men's race, John Leuthold, won yet another southern Oregon race (read about his other recent victory here). Chased all race long by Darren Goff, Leuthold eked out another close victory by finishing the nine mile course in 50:40, four seconds ahead of Goff. RVR store owner, Hal Koerner, finished third in 51:32. Other store regulars, Aaron Reed and Jeremy Eisen, finished fourth and sixth respectively.

A special congratulations must go out to Trevor Palmer, Elliot Jantzer and Joe King. Trevor set a new course record in the five kilometer race by crossing the finish tape in 15:03. Elliot set a new age group record (14-18) by finishing the 5K in second in 15:55. Joe finished the 5K in 25:37, in an 80+ age group record time of 25:37!

Congratulations to the more than 130 runners that took part. Results can be found on the Southern Oregon Sizzlers web site.

Seiad Valley Preview

Many locals know well the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) as it crosses the flanks of Mount Ashland on it's way to Pilot Rock, Soda Mountain and over to Green Springs and Hyatt Lake. But on rare occasion the need to get away strikes. A recent, clear November day gave such inspiration for a trip like this.

The troops loaded up for the drive into southern California and then west on Highway 96 along the mighty Klamath River. Less than ninety minutes after having left Ashland the group found themselves at a dirt turn-off along the road, just west of the small community of Seiad Valley, with a Pacific Crest Trail marker pointing the way. Up they did charge. The car was left along the banks of the river at 1,500 feet and six miles later the runners stood next to an abandoned lookout tower at 5,200 feet.


Here the northern California mountains are framed by the old building's now vacant windows. Mt. Shasta can barely be seen.


Abbey (tongue a hanging), Erik, Kyle and Ian (R to L) stand on Lower Devil's Peak with rugged Kangaroo Peak in the distance and the Red Buttes Wilderness beyond that.


Looking down on Seiad and the Klamath River more than 3,600 feet below.

Now that most of the elevation was gained, the group continued to contour along the mostly above treeline flanks of Middle and Lower Devil's Peak reaching almost 6,000 feet. The crew took in the views and then backtracked to the car...a few trip notes...water is scarce and ticks are a plenty on this section of trail.

This little excursion definitely whetted our appetites to explore further on the PCT and to find out what other incredible vistas, summits and sweeping ridge lines lay between here and Mount Ashland.

Pre Seen Training on The Plaza!!!

Steve Prefontaine was spotted sprinting through Ashland's downtown Plaza last night. The photographer was lucky enough to catch him in what was, no doubt, a warm-up for this weekend's Olympic Marathon Trials. His die hard fans seem to follow him everywhere he goes.

The Park Street Challenge Heats Up!!!

...and they came a runnin'.

Here are the newest updates from the run up Park Street (For more info on the Park Street Challenge see the blog posted on October 15th).

1) Erik Skaggs 4:31
2) Kyle Skaggs 4:56
3) John Leuthold 5:05
4) Todd Ragsdale 5:10

Though John and Todd ran up Park Street together, the Skaggs' time trials were set on solo attempts on different days. It would be interesting to see what would happen if everyone ran up Park on the same day. There are still many folks that we need to hear from! We have yet to hear some results from a lady or a master's runner.

Results from Around the States: Vegas, Redding, and Chicago

Team Rogue Valley Runners went out of state this past weekend in order to test their skills.

Mr. Hal Koerner traveled to the outskirts of Sin City (Las Vegas, NV) for the World of Hurt 50 Kilometer Trail Race. Preliminary results had Hal as the winner in 4:17, out kicking local ultra-star Josh Brimhall by two seconds. Those two seconds earned Hal $500 in cold hard cash that he could later spend in the casinos of Vegas as he recovered from the race in style. Ashland's Carly Varner missed winning prize money by one place. She finished forth in the women's race in 6:36. More details and, perhaps, some photos of this race are forth coming. Stay tuned!

RVR store employee, Chris Rennaker, traveled south to the outskirts of Redding, California for the Whiskeytown 30 Kilometer Race. This was Chris' first race after a long recovery from a knee injury. After setting an early fast pace, he was passed by only one competitor in order to finish as a strong second place in 2:32:17. Congratulations Chris!

Many other Rogue Valley runners traveled to Whiskeytown for the 50 Kilometer version of the trail race. Aaron Reed was the first local finisher. He covered the course in 4:58:02 and cracked the top ten. Other local valley finishers were Jeremy Eisen, Becky Hacker, JC Callans, Robert Hodge, Vic Harris, Anne Crispino-Taylor, Mark Sherbow, Jennifer Callans, Tom Pelsor and Jim Clover. Results can be found here.

Finally, off in the quiet mid-west, RVR store employee, Ian Torrence, tested his mettle in a fast road 5K. Through the quiet morning streets of Downer's Grove, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago) Ian managed to eke out a 17:39. Good enough for third place in the Trick or Trot 5K.

Group Run Spooked

Our highly anticipated wednesday night group run has been moved back a day to Thursday at 5:30 inorder to allow all the ghosts and goblins to roam freely. We will resume our regularly scheduled activites next week at 5:30. We hope to see everyone for some leftover candy and an all around good time.

Stagecoach Run

On October 13th Team Rogue Valley Runners took the Stagecoach 10K Run by storm, placing runners in four of the top five places.

After these parting words, "I'm going to make you pay." Talent, Oregon's John Leuthold laid down one final push over the last half mile of the 10K race to seal his victory against his closest competitor and rival, Hal Koerner. John crossed the finish line in 34:46. Six seconds later, Ashland's Rogue Valley Runners store owner, Koerner crossed the line. Central Point's Neil Olsen crossed the line third in 35:55. Rogue Valley Runners newest store employee, Ian Torrence, crossed the line in fifth about a half minute behind local hero and legend, Leonard Hill. Other notable finishes in the 10K were recorded by some of Rogue Valley Runner's Wednesday night group run regulars. Jeremy Eisen and Scott Martin finished in seventh and eight places respectively.

In the 5K, Talent's own Todd Ragsdale posted a second place finish in 17:46. RVR Wednesday night group runners Carly Varner and Maria Clementi finished in 23:55.

The race was sponsored and organized by the Southern Oregon Sizzlers. The races started and finished in historic downtown Jacksonville, Oregon. The contestants ran out and back on the Old Stagecoach Road. Most would agree that it was a long uphill return to the finish after the turn around! More than 130 runners participated.

Final results for the Stagecoach 5K and 10K can be found here. Congratulations to all runners!

The Park Street Challenge

Looking up Park Street from the "Start Line."

Here's the Challenge: Drive, bike, run or walk to the base of Park Street (with it's intersection with Siskiyou). From that intersection run or walk as fast as you can to the top of Park Street. The "Finish Line" is where the asphalt road turns to dirt. Using the Honor System...comment back to this blog spot with your name, age, hometown and state, date and finish time. You can run it as many times as you want, we will keep track of your fastest time.


The "Finish Line."


Looking back down Park Street.

The statistics: Distance from the "Start" to the "Finish": 0.60 Miles
Vertical Rise from "Start" to "Finish": 420 feet
That's a 13.26% grade on average, but you'll find that the last 0.30 miles are steeper than that!
Fastest Time: Unknown at this point in time...this is where your name could go. We will keep track of both women's and men's times, as well as age divisions. There is no end date for The Challenge at this time. If things get competitive enough, there could be some awards on the line! Stay tuned! Now get out there and do it and let us know how you did!!!

Look Here! It's a Shoe Sale!

Save up to 50% on select styles and sizes of Brooks, Saucony, Fila, Asics, and Adidas running and walking shoes at Rogue Valley Runners! Hurry while supplies last.

A Strong Portland Debut!

This past weekend (Sunday October 7th, 2007) was the 36th annual Portland Marathon. Rogue Valley Runners' store employee, Ixel Sanchez, was there to take part. Portland was her first marathon and she confidently took it by storm. Running strong all morning long she finished in 3 hours, 16 minutes and 18 seconds. She averaged 7:30 minutes per mile and, in doing so, qualified for the Boston Marathon.

You can view Ixel's speedy finish here on You Tube.



Ixel said that the roughest patch for her was just after the half-marathon mark, where the bottoms of her feet began to hurt and the hills and bridges of Portland began to slow her down. Things turned around, however, after the 20 mile mark when she was joined fellow store employee and good friend, Natalie Hemphill.

Congratulations Ixel, job well done!

Todd Ragsdale's 100 Miler

Photo taken by Andy Atkinson

On Tuesday, September 18th local runner Todd Ragsdale ran 100-miles around Ashland, Oregon's Lithia Park. Why? Just to see if he could. He ran a 3.5 mile loop 29 times. He started at 2am and 16 hours and 36 minutes later he was done. A fantastic time for a 100 mile run! He was accompanied throughout the day by many local runners, bikers and drivers. He spent little of the day without friends. Even the local news showed up. See Todd's interview on You Tube.

Congratulations Todd!

A Runner's Destination: The Red Bridge

Try and find it...the City by the Bay. Most days of the year the city of San Francisco and it's infamous bridge of note, the Golden Gate, can be enveloped in a dense wall of fog. Though no fog was to be found on this early Fall morning, our intrepid runners would encounter other dangers on their way to their destination.

Aliens from Mars...



UFO's...



Tall men in horns and dresses...



But being the good runners' they were, the band regrouped and hydrated at the Treasure Island Music Festival.



Then headed for the Golden Gate...



And, finally, after many miles they arrived at their destination.

McKenzie River Invite

Why would anyone invite so many Rogue Valley Runners to a central Oregon party? Probably because they knew we would give their course a run for it's money, and that in part is exactly why RD Phil Vaughn decided to have the Mckenzie River 50k invitational on Sunday. The allure of the Mckenzie river 50k has grown greatly in my mind over the years based in part by the fact that it fills so quickly year after year. On the day that entries are taken, it fills leaving those who want to experience a first rate NW race on the sidelines watching. This year, Eric Poole, Joe Griffin, John Leuthold, Todd Ragsdale and myself provided the SO contingent and became the exception to the rule as the MRTR hosted a special invite for it's 20th anniversary. The race was as billed; fantastic single-track, cascading waterfalls, nice temperatures, fast course, easy crew access and all the lava rock you can handle. The race started way too friendly and as the morning progressed I found myself waking to the realization that if I wasn't too careful I could let some of the excited folk get too far ahead. And that is exactly what happened as the eventual winner gained 10 minutes on me in some 20 miles. However, as is the case with speedy sub 2:20 marathoners that shouldn't be out running for 4 hours they start to "come back." Unfortunately for the invite I could only regain 8 minutes. Oh well, there's always next year and the hope of breaking that inconceivable CR. Congrats to Todd, John, Joe, and Eric for making the A standard and for putting up with all the razzing that preceded the race.