Pacific Crest Trail and White River 50 Mile Trail Races

A couple of trail ultramarathons took place last weekend; let's discuss. Up north, near Mt. Hood, the Pacific Crest Trail 50 Mile Ultramarathon went off. Among the 126 finishers were three of our favorites:

Clyde Aker, 10:00:47
Annie Crispino-Taylor, 10:29:45
Ben Benjamin, 11:01:11

Annie Crispino-Taylor hits the trail.

Yreka's Clyde Aker.

Ben Benjamin looking good.

Further north, in the state of Washington, the National Trail 50 Mile USA Track and Field Championships took place. Set at the foot of Mt, Rainier this course has it all: riverside running, breathtaking views and pulse racing climbs. TheWhite River 50 Mile Trail Race attracted several of southern Oregon's ultrarunners. Here's who did what:

Hal Koerner, 7:43:01
Darcy Kleiman, 10:11:20
Carly Varner, 10:29:06
Mark Sherbow, 13:32:19
Chris Rennaker, "50 kilometer option"

Renn-Dog contemplates his 50K effort.

Hal rests in the brush after his top ten finish.

Darcy finishes her first 50 miler! Yoo Hoo!

Carly is all smiles after her finish. We like that!

We'd like to do a little shout out to former RVR employee Anton Krupicka's awesome finish at White River as well. Not only did he win, he cruised to a seemingly unbeatable course record in the process! 6:32:07!

Tony bounces to the finish and the win.

Congratulations to everyone, good work, nice efforts!

Treadmill Uphill Challenges and Outside Magazine Press

Hal Koerner, Rogue Valley Runners' owner and top dog, headed east to Salt Lake City this past week to take in new products and ideas at this summer's Outdoor Retailer Trade Show. He couldn't get away, however, without going head to head with Tony Krupicka, former RVR employee and current Leadville Trail 100 Mile champion. They fought it out on the Uphill Treadmill Challenge. Fifteen minutes at a 10% grade. How did they fare? Hal was heard saying, "My arms went numb." In the end, Tony just out-leaned our local southern Oregon hero.

Hal and Tony beat each other up on the Treadmill Challenge. (photo by Kevin Peaslee)

Gotta love this story in the July 2009 Outside Magazine about our hometown girl Jenn Shelton.


Written by Christopher McDougal, the author of Born To Run, the short piece is a good read.

Jenn Shelton as seen in July 2009 Outside Magazine's profile piece.

One More SOB Shot...

Just had to add one more classic photo that captured the moment. You know you've had an impressive race when the current two-time Western States 100 Mile champion is tumbling backwards, as he video tapes you, with his mouth agape.



Once again, congratulations to everyone who ran their hearts out this year at southern Oregon's largest ultra, the SOB 50K. First-timers and old-timers alike, nice work ya'll. Till next year!

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.

Fourth of July Racing in Ashland, Oregon

Seems like everyone came out for this run! Almost 700 runners for both the six and two-mile races! An incredible turn out! The race has been around for long time and is steadily gaining in popularity. Here's an excerpt taken from the race's info page on Facebook.

"This event was first competed on 4th July 1977, and was called the “Senators Cup Run.” The event started at Triangle Park, near Ashland High School on Siskiyou Boulevard, and included a 6-Mile Run and a bicycle race. In 1978 the start/finish was moved toward downtown Ashland, and the name of the event changed to the “Fourth of July Run”. The event has always had a 6-Mile Run, but its accompanying 2-Mile (1984-1991, 1999-present) or 1-Mile (1992-1998) has changed depending on which year. The bicycle race accompanying the original event was dropped in the mid-1980s. 2009 had a little under 700 runners participate, representing 18 states and Canada as their places of residence. The 2008 race witnessed 573 total participants. There were 481 participants in 2007 and 485 in 2006."

Erik Skaggs runs hard to the finish tape on East Main Street in downtown Ashland. Skaggs captured second place in the six mile race. He finished in 32:30, 20 seconds behind the winner, Portland's Tim Julian.

RVR's Chris Rennaker hammering home. Renn overcame a tight hip issue that slowed him at the four mile mark to finish in 37:08.

Leland Fulton, Rogue Valley Runner's newest store employee, strides in the final stretch. Leland found the course to be challenging and "...really hot."

RVR runner and store employee Ian Torrence finished the hilly course in 36:20. The hamstrings are tight now!

Bob Julian Jr. kicking old style with the bandanna. Bob rounded out the top ten in an impressive field and crossed the line in 34:29.

Western States 100 Mile winner, Hal Koerner, ran the race as well. It was his first running strides since he finished Western States last weekend. He was overheard saying that he's had better runs, but it felt good being a part of Ashland's largest running race.

Check out theMailtribune's article about the race.

Full Fourth Of July Race Results found here.

Andy Atkinson's photos of the races can be found at the Mailtribune.

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.