Results: Mitchell, Dart Run White River 50

Locals, Brad Mitchell and Hank Dart, toed the line in the shadow of Mt. Rainier for Saturday's challenging White River 50 Mile Endurance Run (race site). In his first ultra since a serious spring injury, Brad took on a stacked field and finished a strong 14th overall in 7:43:58, just three minutes off his top 10 pace from last year. Hank, in his first ultra ever, finished strong in 9:11:46, good enough for 48th overall. For more, check out Brad's blog post (post), the detailed USATF story on the race (story), and the select photos below, courtesy of Glenn Tachiyama.

Start (Photo © Glenn Tachiyama)

Brad blazing into Corral Pass (mile 16) (Photo © Glenn Tachiyama)

Hank coming into Sun Top (mile 37) (Photo © Glenn Tachiyama)

Beck at Corral Pass (mile 16) (Photo © Glenn Tachiyama)

Wardian into Sun Top (mile 37) (Photo © Glenn Tachiyama)

Fast and Furious 2008 Elephants Perch Backcountry Run

The annual single track speed fest that is the Elephants Perch Backcountry Run stayed true to form for 2008 (race site). Blazing fast times took both the 10 mile and 16.5 mile races. Though final results are still pending, US Nordic Team member, Morgan Arritola, won the women's ten miler in a dash over an hour, and standout Sun Valley Ski Education Nordic skiers, Mike Sinnot and Taylor Sundali took one, two in the 16.5 miler, with accomplished ultra runner Brad Mitchell showing good post-injury return to form with a solid third. To feel like you were there, check out Brad's Addicted2Running post (post).

Postscript: (7-23-08) Full results now posted (results).

AJW Takes Vermont 100

Andy Jones-Wilkins wins Vermont 100 for second year in a row. Check out his blog www.ajwsblog.blogspot.com

Congrats Andy

Top 3 finishers and other observations posted on Hank's Run Junkie blog (post).

Skaggs Wins Hardrock 100 in Under 24 Hours

An amazing performance this weekend by Kyle Skaggs at the Hardrock 100. See my Run Junkie post for details and a YouTube video of his finish. --Hank

Linking Local Trails

Good mileage and climbing this weekend by linking some popular local trails. Check out my post at www.addicted2running.blogspot.com

Adams Gulch Trail

On part of my long run today, I did the Adams Gulch Trail, which is basically a 9 - 10 mile extension of the classic Adams Gulch Loop, and I have to admit that it was a bit of a challenge. Even though it's part of the high volume, tourista paradise of Adams Gulch, it is clearly the trail of least use. For a good chunk of the six mile climb from where it separates from the classic Loop, it was either overgrown and quite narrow or made up of loose shale that was not doing my already tired legs any favors. The payoff for the rough and slow climb, though, was a spectacular, football field-sized hillside of yellow and lavender lupin near the top of the climb, just before you connect to trail 142 to head back to the Loop. With Harpers and the Fox Creek loop added, I got in about 25 - 26 miles today - 20 of which were hard fought. But, I feel good right now, and think I'll even be looking forward to Saturday's long run out Deer Creek. Cheers. --Hank

Western States 100 Cancelled Because of Raging NorCal Fires

Sure, the Shop to the Top was cancelled last year because of Castle Rock, so we know it can happen, but the scuttling of Western States seems nevertheless unfathomable, even as smoke from the NorCal fires brings haze to the Wood River Valley. It was, of course, the correct call. The unpredictability of wild fires, the huge length of the course, and the spread of competitors just made it a recipe for disaster, and the best thing to do was to wait for next year. Tough love, though, for the 400 athletes who were ready to toe the line, including the Valley's AJW - a consistent top placer who was making a more than realistic run at the Masters record this year.

For some links to blog posts about the Western States cancellation (including AJW's), check out my Run Junkie post (post).

--Hank

Randy Sighting

As I headed down Carbo for my second descent, a stocky bearded man was coming up the trail. I had to slow down and refocus, I wasn't sure I was seeing things correctly (especially since I had just taken a hard fall). It was Randy Geherke! I had been wondering what Randy was up to, especially with Hard Rock not far off. Randy has been training and was out for some miles in some good hot sun. It was good to see Randy, hopefully he will be joining our group runs as the summer continues.

Tread Carefully: Snakes Out in Force

The snakes seem to be out in force in the south Valley now that the weather's finally turned sunny and warm. As usual, Democrat is a hot bed of rattlesnake sitings, with at least one dog on the losing end of a close encounter (Mt. Express story). Even out Quigley Canyon, one SVBR runner saw an intimidating 5 footer casually crossing the dirt road.

Watch your step.

Race Report: 2008 TVR One-Hour Distance Classic

There was a great showing at the middle school track this past Thursday for the yearly running of the Titus Van Rijn Invitational One-hour Distance Classic (see previous post for details). Runners healthy and injured alike took the start at 5:45pm, each waging a personal battle against the gale force north wind down the stretch. Though exact distances are still being gathered, AJW had a stellar performance cranking out approximately 15,700 meters (9.8 miles). Daryl Fauth came in with a very solid 8.5 miles. Hank Dart, Mary Fauth, and Brad Mitchell rounded out the crew who took to the wind-blown oval. Black cherry soda was enjoyed by all afterward.

Row 1 (l to r): Daryl, Brad, AJW pre-race; Brad stretching; The start.
Row 2 (l to r): AJW; Daryl; AJW
Row 3 (l to r): Mary; Hank; Black cherry soda

(If distances are wrong, please let me know)