How the Western was Won: Killing the Fluke

Hal Koerner slides into home first at the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run.

I knew Hal had it in the bag when, prompted by a cameraman, he retraced his steps for a photograph on No Hands Bridge. No Hands Bridge sits at the 96.8 mile mark along the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. The old bridge spans the American River and marks, for most runners, the realization that, yes, they are really going to finish a 100-mile foot race. For Hal, it marked the realization that, yes, he's really won this thing!

Hal had been leading the race since mile 56, but he really had no idea how far behind the next runner was. But you see, confidence was his thing. It was a feeling he was familiar with, because he had won this same race in 2007. He started this year's race with the confidence of a winner and ran throughout the day with a desire that only winners exude. He pushed hard at the start in order to create a gap from the rest of the field; only a few went with. When he reached the canyons through which the course weaved, Hal pushed harder in the 110-degree heat. He knew those behind him would have to match it or fall behind or fall down. So, by the time he reached No Hands Bridge in the day light (a feat only a few other winners have managed) he was confident enough to back track for that photographer. He did the work and he was determined to enjoy it now.

In the 25 miles I spent with Hal as his pacer, few words were spoken and all attention was paid to the following foot-step; focused. He worked hard the entire way and he stopped only twice; once to clear a small back spasm and once to clear a bug from his eye. I knew he was having some fun when a chuckle pursed from his lips when I asked him if he would kindly run faster so we wouldn't have to climb the final hill to Robie Point in the dark. There were never any identifiable issues; it was text book. It was an awesome thing to witness and physically be a part of.

In what Western States' race management has called the most competitive field in the race's history Hal Koerner was able to place one foot in front of the other, farther and faster than any of the other 399 contestants in the race. Hal covered the course in 16 hours, 24 minutes and 55 seconds. 27 minutes ahead of second place finisher Tsuyoshi Kaburagi from Japan and 29 minutes ahead of third place's Jez Bragg from the United Kingdom.

238 runners finished Western this year, a finishing rate of 59%. Tough odds! This held true to form for our local contingent as well. Along with Hal, Neil Olsen (from Central Point) finished in 22 hours, 54 minutes and 14 seconds in 46th place. Ashland's Rob Cain overcame serious back cramps to finish in 23 hours, 38 minutes and 40 seconds, for 66th overall. Under the tough conditions, Jenn Shelton (from Ashland) and Tom Pelsor (from Yreka) both stopped short of their goals, only to save themselves for another chance to dance again soon.


Jenn Shelton runs the downhills hard early in the race.

Hal makes it look easy early on.

Hal's up to his neck at the river crossing at mile 78. A welcomed sight after running through the dust and 100 degree temps.

Rob Cain; is he smirking? He loves the pain.

Neil Olsen approaches Michigan Bluff (mile 56). His expression says it all.

Hal Koerner is led by his pacer, Ian Torrence, as he comes into Rucky Chuck River Crossing (mile 78).

Here's a line up of the press folks:

Auburn Journal article

Sacramento Bee article

Mailtribune article

Runner's World article

Trailrunner Magazine

Ultrarunning Magazine

Final results for the 2009 Western States 100 Mile.

Photography was provided by Pete Zinsli, Glenn Tachiyama and John Medinger.

Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run

Big things are always happening. Let's see...there was an election earlier this year, there's great concern over Global Warming, and the economy is heading for the toilet. But here in our little world at Rogue Valley Runners we have become fixated as of late on one particular race. The buzz around the shop revolves around a 100-mile trail race that is about to unfold in Northern California's high country. This year the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run has, perhaps, the most competitive field ever assembled. The top men and women ultra runners from around the country, nay, the world are gathering near Lake Tahoe in order to head out over the snow covered mountains and into the 105 degree heated canyons to determine who the best 100 miler is of 2009.

We're invested in the event literally and figuratively. We're a running shoe store (who just so happens to love the sport of ultrarunning). Events like these not only get our juices flowing but everyone else's in the surrounding community. This results in a fire storm of interest and activity in the store and the sport we love so well. The race's defending champion is our very own Hal Koerner, the owner of Rogue Valley Runners. When he does well, so do we.

Five Rogue Valley locals are headed out to contest Western this year.

Tom Pelsor, who lives in Yreka, CA, but spends most of his time in southern Oregon, is headed to Western for the fourth time. Tom is the former race director for the Siskiyou Outback 50K and also runs communications for the Lithia Loop Trail Marathon.

Central Point's Neil Olsen is headed to Western for the first time. He carries with him a great ultra resume. He's the winner of the 2008 USA Track and Field 100K Trail Championships (held in central Oregon at the Where's Waldo 100K) and he has dazzled many at other local Oregon ultras. Olsen has yet to finish a 100 mile race and looks forward to the challenge that lies ahead.

Ashland's Rob Cain, president of the Ashland Woodlands and Trails Association and current RD for the Siskiyou Outback 50K, has finished three 100 milers (one of those being Western). As noted previously on this blog, he's battled his fair share of ailments (giardia and a hernia operation) so that he too can line up with the best in Squaw Valley.

The lone lady from the Valley headed to Western is Jenn Shelton. She's never run Western, but has impressed in her past four 100 mile finishes including the fastest American woman's trail 100 time: 14 hours and 57 minutes at the 2007 Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile held in Texas.

And then there's the aforementioned Hal Koerner. The owner of your favorite running specialty store, Rogue Valley Runners, is prepared to defend his title as champion at this year's race. He's done his homework and ready to take the course by storm.

To learn more about these five runners click on this link. Daniel Newberry wrote this piece for today's Mailtribune.

There is another aspect to this race that makes it exciting, even if you aren't there. There is an excellent web tracking feature. During the race you can log on here and find out how runners are doing.

So look for these runners and their bib numbers:
Tom Pelsor: 353
Rob Cain: 157
Neil Olsen: 70
Jenn Shelton: 17
Hal Koerner: M1

To find out more about the course, the runners and the organization that makes it all happen check out the Participant Guide for the race.

And in conclusion we hope to see this man doing this same jig on his last lap around that track at Placer High School just before he crosses Western's finish line!



Good luck ya'll!!!

Rogue Runners

For those who didn't get a chance to see the Rogue Valley Runners article in paper print, it's now up on the Running Times web site. Click here to see the article.

Granite Apples

Jenn Shelton sprints downhill.

The Granite Man Endurance Weekend has come and gone. The weekend's events were held at the always scenic Applegate Lake about 30 minutes west of Jacksonville, Oregon. There was an event for everyone. A 5K (on the Grouse Gap Trail), the 11 mile Granite Man Mountain Run (over Collins Mtn.), a 30K (one lap around Applegate Lake), a 60K (two laps around the lake), a triathlon, a duathlon and relay versions of the tri and du.

The Granite Man Mountain Run was the second race in the Oregon 2009 La Sportiva USATF Mountain Running Series. As predicted Rogue Valley Runners Erik Skaggs and Jenn Shelton ran away with the overall titles. Jenn covered the course over Collins Mountain in 1:29:43. Skaggs took a couple of minutes off his 2008 winning time by finishing in 1:12:40. With the always tough Richard Bolt out due to injury, RVR'er Ian Torrence was able to capitalize and finish second in 1:19:00. RVR Teammate Joe Griffin finished a strong fourth in 1:24:43. Full Results can be found here.

Erik Skaggs 100 meters into the Granite Man Mountain Run.

JC Callans, Greg Mueller and Adam Seibert finished top three respectively in the 30K. JC's winning time was 2:05:49. It was sweet revenge for Callans as Mueller finished ahead of him at last weekend's Pompadour Half Marathon. The women's race was won by Tawnei McDonald in 2:32:45. RVR Lady's Thursday Night Group Run leader, Maria Clementi, finished third in 2:52:51. Yeah Maria! Annie Crispino-Taylor finished fifth in 3:00:55.

Maria Clementi starts the 30 Kilometer Trail Race.

The 60K event was won by RVR'er Neil Olsen in 4:51:48. Northern California's Bev Anderson-Abbs won the women's race and finished second overall in 4:58:18. Ben Benjamin finished third in 7:00:11.

Joe Griffin is satisfied with his run. He would return the following day to take second overall in the duathlon event.

Results for all the runs can be found here.

Andy Atkinson was out along the course again taking photos. His shots can be found on his web site here.

While Richard Bolt (the USATF representative) was not running he was still at the event and taking photos as well. Here is his story. Here are his photos.

Pompadour Half Marathon Results and Photos

Medford's Glenn Tucker took the lead from the start and ran away with the win and the inaugural course record of 1:16:36.


RVR'er Jenn Shelton used the Pompadour as a tune-up for the upcoming Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. Jenn won the women's race and finished eighth overall in 1:31:54.


JC Callans cools off as temperatures began their climb into the 90's. JC finished fourth in 1:26:41.

Photos were taken by Andy Atkinson.

POMPADOUR HALF MARATHON RESULTS
30-May-09 North Mountain Park Ashland, OR
PLACE NAME AGE TIME
1 Glen Tucker 29 1:16:36
2 John Leuthold 41 1:23:11
3 Greg Mueller 38 1:23:44
4 JC Callans 42 1:26:41
5 Todd Ragsdale 39 1:27:46
6 Daniel Hough 28 1:29:29
7 Chad Wilkander 36 1:30:56
8 Jenn Shelton 25 1:31:54
9 Josh Johnson 23 1:33:18
10 Michael Sotos 34 1:33:48
11 Joe Griffin 48 1:39:27
12 Sarah Wilson 31 1:40:55
13 Freeborn Mondello 29 1:43:23
14 Vic Harris 52 1:45:17
15 Becky Hacker 38 1:46:54
16 Karl Pryor 45 1:48:12
17 Matt Oliva 37 1:48:19
18 Piers Rasmussen 15 1:48:54
19 Mike Davis 49 1:49:30
20 John Theiring 34 1:52:21
21 Stan Potocki 52 1:52:45
22 Eddie Townsend 24 1:53:04
23 Carl Sniffen 56 1:53:07
24 Rene Millan 36 1:53:16
25 Molly Holzhsu 36 1:54:18
26 Gary Solberg 55 1:55:19
27 Desiree Barnes 26 1:56:28
28 Tara Pennington 39 1:58:33
29 Tamara Ellis 39 1:59:17
30 Shahid Ali 23 2:00:18
31 Chris Foster 42 2:01:34
32 Leshaya Spears 27 2:02:20
33 Molly Gramley 43 2:03:53
34 Jayme Hartwell 35 2:05:01
35 Lance Cooper 33 2:05:43
36 Jennifer Callans 36 2:05:53
37 Israel Mathewson 35 2:07:39
38 Susannah Bishop 23 2:08:47
39 David Bowman 50 2:09:37
40 Camden Stemple 14 2:11:16
41 Maggie Milligan 25 2:14:33
42 Steve Godwin 45 2:15:36
43 Robin Van Horn 45 2:15:52
44 Karolina Wyszynska 31 2:17:02
45 Lela Stemple 12 2:17:30
46 Gina Alvis 25 2:17:46
47 Rachel Richmond 40 2:19:57
48 Jasmine Merrit 20 2:20:10
49 Mindi Law 31 2:20:32
50 Erin Akers 31 2:24:26
51 George Wood 45 2:25:22
52 Ralph Humphries 43 2:25:25
53 John Griffin 58 2:28:20
54 Dodie Noles 47 2:28:58
55 Johnny Hutter 46 2:37:04
56 Norman Shaskey 61 2:43:27
57 Kara Stemple 40 2:48:45
58 Scott Stemple 43 2:48:45
59 Steve Mitzer 41 2:48:59
60 Stacey Golden 40 2:49:14
61 Stacy Mead 38 2:49:14
62 Misun Igelman 52 2:50:45
63 Nasra Ali 45 2:53:24
64 Risa Banks 27 2:59:18
65 Crystal Smith 30 2:59:18
66 Raquel Kahn 18 3:04:57
67 Roxanne Flynn 47 3:04:57
68 Jason Jepson 32 3:11:09
69 Tina Van Horn 25 3:45:27

Want to see your photo? More awesome photos can be found at Andy Atkinson's web site. Congratulations to all you runners who braved the hilly roads of Ashland!

An article about the race by Andy can be found in the Mailtribune here.

50 In The High Sierra

Ian "Torrid" Torrence opened his spring ultra campaign several weekends ago at the Bishop High Sierra 50. In conditions which proved to be less than ideal and on a course offering only the shade of sagebrush, Torrence managed to harness the spirit of the desert jackrabbit on his way to a hard fought and strong second place. During a post race interview Torrence mentioned the word "hot" and "sweat" in excess of 25 times...this lead me to believe it was just that, "hot". Results can be found here. Nice work Torrence! Also, check out a great picture of Ian runnin' through the high desert here.

Tough As Nails

For those who haven't seen them yet; the full write-up and results have been posted for last weekend's Tough As Nails race. See them here.

Photos of the event (taken by Andy Atkinson) have been posted on the Mailtribune's web site; see those here.

This is a sweet event folks! I recommend it to anyone looking for a challenging day on a mountain. The short course loops the mountain on a smooth gravel road, while the long course takes you up and over the summit of Roxy Ann Peak (Medford, Oregon's eastern horizon) on some nice single-track. The views are excellent and the wildflowers are at their peak this time of year. A great change of pace from all that road running.

McDonald Forest 50K - Sweeping with White Russians

(L to R) Neil Olsen, Eric Poole, Hal Koerner and Chris Rennaker chill after an awesome effort.

This past weekend on the outskirts of Corvallis, Oregon the McDonald Forest 50 Kilometer Trail Run took place. A few ultrarunners from the Rogue Valley went up to race; and race they did. With brooms in hand, the Rogue Valley Runners almost swept the top five spots at this year's race. RVR owner Hal Koerner led the charge and won this year's race in 4:01:33. The Valley's newest professor, Chris Rennaker, finished third in 4:27:34. Resident reality specialist, Eric Poole was fourth in 4:30:17. The neighborhood's favorite doctor, Neil Olsen, finished in fifth and crossed the line in 4:31:04. Ashland resident Ben Benjamin finished in 6:30:11.

Eric Poole tries to evade "The Big Lebowski" Crew at the Dimple Hill aid station.

Rennaker takes The Lebowski Crew up on their White Russians offer. He believed the drinks to be a bit weak.

Fourth place 50K finisher Eric Poole had these things to say about his day at Mac Forest:

"This is my first ultra," said John from Bend as we were waiting in the porta pottie line before the race. Chris Rennaker was in line also and we immediately started to give encouragement and that brought other comments from the folks in line around us. "Eat and drink more than you think you should", "take it easy on the downhills", "start out slow and taper" was another good one."

"This comment by John from Bend about his first ultra snapped me into thinking about how Mac Forest was my first ultra in 2002. I was soon to become a father for the first time in 2002 and this was the last hurrah before the reality of being a father set in. I remember many parts of that first ultra like it was yesterday. I remember bonking so hard coming into the last aid station and how it took many minutes for the cola, potato and salt combo that I consumed at the aid station to kick in and for me to get running again. I remember the coaching and friendship and encouragement that Tim Turk provided leading up to and during my first ultra. "

"I did not run another ultra for a few years after my first as I fumbled my way through being a new father, starting a new career, etc. Nine years later to find myself back at Mac Forest, hanging out with some good friends, meeting some new friends, enjoying a PERFECT weather day, soaking up Mother Nature and making memories that will last a lifetime was a fantastic reminder of why doing these events is about the run and so much more. I doubt that John from Bend will be reading this but if he is I hope that he had a great time this past weekend and is looking forward to his next ultra."

"Thanks to all who made the Mac Forest 2009 such a fun event. The course was marked perfectly, the weather was outstanding, the hangout scene after the event was a hoot and I am looking forward to going back again soon!"

Koerner is welcomed to Dimple Hill by Jesus. Donny does a good job in attending to his bottles.


Nice work gentlemen!!!

What Mi-Wok? Mi-Paddle!

Well a few hearty soles braved the elements at the 2009 Miwok 100k. Of those, two Ashlander's finished while one persevered for what seemed like 40 days and 40 nights.

In the end Carly Varner stormed to an 18th place finish for the ladies in 12:05 and Erin Keller squeaked under 13 hours to finish in 12:58! Anne Crispino-Taylor found herself at Rogue Valley Runners the next day inquiring about rain jackets and Gore-tex trail runners. Nice work!

Fellow friend, ultrarunner and esteemed filmmaker JB Benna crewed for Carly and put together these two great pieces for your enjoyment.

Here's Carly's first hand words about the event.

"I had the immeasurable loving support from Hal that was without a
doubt heartwarming and outright amazing. He’s a trooper for sticking it out. The Benna’s were also strong supporters – up at the crack of dawn and laughing and smiling every second thereafter. Those two are super studs! Who no doubt kept me moving from Bolinas Ridge to the finish.

JB is officially my first pacer ever. The mixture of severe winding roads and Hal’s James Bond driving pretty much forced him to jump in impromptu and muscle out the toughest 7 mile section with me – thankfully! After that the ever bubbly Jen Benna cruised me in for a strong finish. Hal too made a cameo pacing appearance with the little miss in tow. I’m definitely a fan of the whole pacing concept!

All and all it was just mind blowing. The weather was the most unique I’ve ever run in. Seriously – it rained on me for 12 of the 12 hours and five minutes it took me to finish. From Bolinas to the turnaround I crossed a whooping 20+ muddy lakes. Who knew mud could come in so many varieties and colors. Two of my favorite textures were swampy kitty litter and pudding. There weren’t any of the typical views you would expect on the course, instead I was finding humor in the many different floating objects that were bouncing along in the fog. My favorite was the bodiless neon hat I was chasing down from Pan Toll to Hwy 1. So regardless of the persistent annoyance the torrential downpour provided, it just made it that more special.

Yes I want another whack at the Miwok 100k. This terrain is fantastic and the race is put on (seemingly) without a hitch.

Yes I’m looking forward to Wasatch 100 this year too. Miwok solidified my confidence in my ability to train well, target attainable time goals and once I’m in it to simply enjoy the ride. But in addition I’m completely freaked out by the idea of adding 27 more miles – at altitude.

And don’t let me forget to mention how awesome it was to have so many wonderful women out there plugging along too; the ever fashionable Jenny Uehisa who also completed her first 100k, fellow Ashlander Erin Keller who was also looking quite amazing in her form fitted hefty trash bag and another Ashlander Anne Crispino-Taylor who has so many of these darn things under her belt she knows when and where she really going to shine.

I’m very proud of myself. It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t short, it wasn’t dry but it will be an experience and a memory to last a lifetime. Yea ME!!!"

Nice work Varner!

Pancakes, Hotsprings, Bagpipes, a Brewpub and a Little Hill Climb

Startline Set Up.

Set in the mountains east of Eugene, in the small town of Oakridge, the Larison Rock Hill Climb is a hidden gem of a race. Dubbed the "Fastest Little Race in Oregon", it tied in with the town's weekend's festivities; their annual tree planting festival (which includes a parade, craft fair, and vendors.)

The race started at the Greenwaters Park in Oakridge, crossed the Middle Fork of the Willamette River, and after a mile of flat dirt running started to ascend. In a 3.5 miles, the course climbed 2,200 feet up the switch-backing, pine-needle laden Larison Rock Trail to the summit and finish line.

Rogue Valley Runners' Erik Skaggs led the charge up the mountain. Finishing just below the rock strewn summit in 42:45, Erik solidified his lead in the 2009 La Sportiva/USATF-Oregon Mountain Running Series. The Larison Rock Hill Climb is the first race in the six race series. Series creator and Portland resident Richard Bolt finished a solid second in 47:30. RVR's Ian Torrence finished third in 48:09.

Men's winner Erik Skaggs.

The Top Three Men: (L to R) Richard Bolt (2nd), Erik Skaggs (1st), Ian Torrence (3rd)

In the ladies race, Jenn Shelton out distanced herself from Eugene's Susannah Beck to win in 52:50 (fifth overall); roughly two minutes ahead of Beck's second place showing.

Women's winner Jenn Shelton.

Atop Larison Rock enjoying finish line views. (L to R) Susannah Beck, Erik Skaggs (holding Zoroaster), Jenn Shelton.

After jogging back down the mountain (a shuttle was provided if you didn't want to run down), runners were presented with an all-you-could eat pancake breakfast and awards ceremony. Shelton and Skaggs each walked away with $100 in prize money for their efforts.

Pancakes! (L to R) Alan Abbs, Bev Abbs, Erik Skaggs, Jenn Shelton.

Richard Bolt's race report and full results can be found on his blog here.

Though only still a very small event, we can surely see this hometown race reaching great heights in the future. Special thanks to race directors Alan and Bev Abbs and Catrina Davis for their work in organizing a first class show.

The intrepid Rogue Valley Runners, however, did not end their road-trip race weekend there. After awards and breakfast they headed up river to soak in the McCredie Hot Springs. Leaving the pools light headed they continued on to Oakridge's new brewpub, The Brewers Local Union 180. Post race meals were accompanied by several rounds of bagpipe serenades. The food and brews were good!

(L to R) Erik Skaggs and Jenn Shelton follow an unidentified hotspringer as they head into McCredie Hotsprings.

Rogue Valley Runners Profiled in June's Running Times Magazine

In the new June 2009 issue of Running Times there's a five page spread that profiles Ashland, Oregon's Rogue Valley Runners. The fun starts on page 64. Head to your nearest specialty running store and pick up your copy now!

Bridging the Gap

Jenn Shelton (ladies' winner of the 10K), Ian Torrence, John Leuthold (men's 5K winner) and Erik Skaggs (men's 10K winner) show off their awards.

There was a huge turn out for the this weekend's Bridge the Gap 5K and 10K run/walk/wheelchair races. Biggest ever! The race started and finished at Railroad Park in Medford, Oregon and sent the runners out and back on the rolling Bear Creek Greenway bike path. 135 runners finished the 5K, while 114 runners completed the 10K option. The run benefits Mobility Unlimited, a local non-profit that helps working adults obtain the mobility equipment required to live independently and maintain employment.

Rogue Valley Runners came away with lots of awards. Jenn Shelton won the ladies 10K race in 38:27. Erik Skaggs won the men's 10K in 32:37. John Leuthold won the men's 5K in 17:51. Neil Olsen and Hal Koerner won their age divisions in the 10K. Dorsey Dobrey and Suzanne Ray won their age divisions in the 5K race.

Congratulations to the 5K women's winner Lianna Jenkins (19:05), Corey Hartgrave (the 10K wheelchair winner) and Jon Hebbiewhite (the 5K wheelchair winner).

Full race results can be found here.

Photos of this year's run can be found here.

Giardia Shimardia

Rob Cain strides his way to a win at the Mt. Diablo 50 Mile Endurance Run in northern California.

This just in...

Get a hernia operation and follow it up with a bout of Giardia. It'll get you a personal record and a win!!!

Ashland's Rob Cain has tried everything in the past.

"I needed to jump start my training. I felt a cut in the gut, followed by some staples, and then quickly losing ten pounds in three weeks was the way to go. Western States 100 Miler is only weeks away. It is imperative that I get a leg up on all the fast guys who are going to be there this year. I'm 55 now, drugs might come into play after I reach 60, but right now I'm still in my prime."

Thus Rob launched his new training method. He's patented the technique, so to all you other athletes out there, make sure you get his permission before embarking on this plan.

Rob tested his revolutionary new idea at this past weekend's Mount Diablo 50 Mile Endurance Run. Set in the San Francisco Bay area; Mt. Diablo's trail course rises for over 13,000 feet. Temperatures on Sunday's race rose to over 90 degrees. Neither the net altitude gain nor the temps made Rob falter.

Rob runs through the heat at Diablo.

Rob was heard saying after he returned home, "Most folks would crumple under conditions like that. I lost more water weight while I battled that darn Giardia bug. The soreness in my quads in the last few miles of the race was a welcome relief compared to the pain I endured while the doctor placed that metal mesh in my belly after the hernia operation! This was a piece of cake!"

Cain passes through an aid station.

And so it must have been a cake walk for Cain. He ran nearly an hour faster than last year at the same race and he placed second overall; first male. Congratulations Rob! We can't wait to see how you present your next training plan. Full race results can be found here.

Note: Rob never said any of these things, but I'm sure he would have had we given him the chance. Cheers!

Pear-fect

Max King wins and sets a new course record a week after winning the American River 50 Miler.

Fourteen hundred 5K-fun runners, 10-mile runners, 10-mile walkers, wheelchair racers and Mayor's Cup one and two milers felt that the Pear Blossom Run was the ideal way to spend part of their Easter weekend. Even the weather cooperated! Congratulations to everyone who participated and volunteered in southern Oregon's largest foot race!

The Medford's Mailtribune article can be found here.

More race photos can be found here.

Full race results can be found here.

Ultra Season Underway In a BIG Way

Hang in there folks...we've been busy here in the Rogue Valley. Lots of ultrarunning to recap! Its all very exciting; we're witnessing the dawning of a new movement in the sport of ultrarunning: so many folks taking part, so many races, and competitive fields getting faster and faster.

Lets start up north at the Chuckanut Mountain 50K near Bellingham, WA. The esteemed owner of Rogue Valley Runners, Hal Koerner, and his girlfriend, Carly Varner, traveled to join 270 runners for the 17th running of this trail event. Good weather, good competition and solid training helped Hal to a tight third place finish in four hours, 2 minutes and 18 seconds. One of the fastest times ever run on the course! Carly finished in a strong 6:04:49.

The start of the Chuckanut 50K.


Hal stretches it out in the early flat miles.

Due south was the running of the largest 50 kilometer race in the US, a trail race called Way Too Cool. John Leuthold, Todd Ragsdale and Anne Crispino-Taylor went to check out what all the hub-bub was about.

Here's what we heard after the race went down:
John Leuthold -- "Basically, Ian lied to me. It was more technical and harder than I was led on. There were 16 creek crossings! I was impressed at the amount of ultrarunning talent gathered for this one race."

Todd Ragsdale -- "I went through mile one in 6:44! I looked around and nobody cared. I knew at that point that this was going to be a fast 31 miles! This was the prettiest piece of California I've ever seen."

John finished in 4:12:18, Todd in 4:22:51 and Anne in 5:57:33.

Way Too Cool's course has some sweet singletrack!

This past weekend a large contingent of Rogue Valley Runners went across the mountains to Sisters, Oregon (near Bend) for the Peterson Ridge Rumble 60K and 30K trail races.

Here's a small report from Eric Poole (who finished 5th in the 60K distance):

"Here's a run down of the Best Of's:
Best shoes - Jenn Shelton with her snake skin clogs
Best tights (you are jealous are you not) - Tom Pelsor
Best Effort - Rob (double hernia and throw in some giardia for good luck) Cain - AMAZING - he had lost about 5% of his body weight pre run!!!!
Best Driver - Annie (I'll even pass a sheriff - almost) Crispino-Taylor
Worst Parking Karma - Annie (I'll pass all the good spots close to the Bend Brewing Company) Crispino-Taylor
Best luck - Ben (first time playing "rocks, paper, scissors" and he wins) Benjamin
Best impression of a bad ice skater - Steve Greuel
Most "together" after the run - Clyde "The Glide" Aker
Best salt lick impression after the run - Darcy Klienman

It was a fun run. I enjoyed the mix of running on some fun singletrack, dirt road and fireroads. Good aid stations that were well placed. The weather was AMAZING and the hangout scene after was really great...music, friends, BBQ and you got to cheer on the finishers. There were a number of spots on the course where you got beautiful views of Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters. The 60 km ended up being a wee bit over 34 miles and the 30 km ended up being closer to 20 miles."

A huge congratulations goes out the local finishers: Eric Poole, Jenn Shelton, Rob Cain, Darcy Kleiman, Ben Benjamin, Anne Crispino-Taylor, and Tom Pelsor. Look here to find out how they, and others, did.

Darcy Kleiman runnin'.

Rob Cain practices his hurdling skills.


Anne running on the dirt.


Jenn on the trail.


Ben Benjamin victorious at the finish line.


Eric Poole turns in a fast time and good race at Peterson.


Darcy and Anne love that they are DONE!


Jenn Shelton avoids the hurdles at Peterson's finish line.


Tom Pelsor finishes Peterson. Are those Clifton tights?


Rob, Anne, Jenn, Darcy, and EP look cool at Peterson.

Also this past weekend, along the shores of the American River, outside of Sacramento, CA another huge race took place; The American River 50 Mile. Bend's Max King and Ashland's Hal Koerner traveled down to the event together. Max won last year's Siskiyou Outback 50K. His goal was to finish in the top three at American River; his first foray into the 50 mile distance realm. Needless to say he did so and then some. Max won the race in 6:04:44. His next goal is to run circles around a fresh Erik Skaggs at this weekend's Pear Blossom 10 Mile Road Race.

Hal dropped at 40 miles. Saving his gusto for a better and bigger day. He was, however, good enough to accompany Max to a NASCAR event after the race festivities had concluded. A sport they both longingly crave...

Here's a story about the race from the Auburn Journal.

Max King crosses the tape at American River 50 Mile.

Thanks to Glenn Tachiyama for his shots at Chuckanut and Peterson.