One of America’s greatest races – of any kind – was held today under … “classic” conditions. ”Epic” is actually what 8-time winner Scott Elliot called it.
A major winter cold front moved into Colorado the day before, and temperatures plummeted under a steady rain. It was going to be cold up there … at 14,115′, MUCH colder up there! But Matt Carpenter told me Race Management has a saying: “Snow, go; lightening no!” In other words, there is no weather bad enough to cancel the race except lightening. Ron Ilgen, RD told me, “It’s a mountain race. People know what to expect. If they don’t want to experience being on top of a mountain, they are in the wrong race.”
An excellent attitude in my opinion!
The local REI practically had a line out the door on Friday afternoon as people lined up to buy hats, jackets, anything. This was probably a good idea, as a light but steady rain fell on the field as the 7 AM gun went off.
Veteran Simon Gutierrez (photo) prevailed once again, showing he is ready to lead the National Mountain Running Team to Switzerland next month, and go for 3-in-a-row World Masters titles. Tim Parr is back in form with a close 2nd and Payton Batliner also looked good close behind, indicating maybe some year soon a non-master can win this race!
Speaking of which, Brandy Erholtz, who is also going to Switzerland, ran a powerful 2:39 for the Women’s win (and 15th overall), with two-time winner and Masters CR holder Lisa Goldsmith 2nd in 2:51 followed by Conilee Walter and Anita Ortiz in 2:53. Bob Evers, having a great year at 57 years young, was just 5 seconds behind Lisa.
Due to deteriorating conditions, Race Management moved the time cut-off at the A-Frame aid station to 10:15 AM; runners not arriving at that time had to turn around. The effect is not the same as at last years Chicago Marathon; “turn around” on the mountain means they all had to run 10 miles back down! The winning times are remarkable, as the conditions up high were quite “brisk”. The snowplows were very active on the road, as 2-4 inches covered the upper reaches, with wind, snow, rain, and grapple making running a challenge. Many people were treated for hypothermia. The volunteers were absolutely incredible, Race Management did a fabulous job, and I think most people were very very impressed.
If not for one reason, then another!
View a photo gallery of both races here.
BRISK? It was not that bad, the snow was only coming down at a slight angle (to be said with a Scottish Accent)!
My bag is packed and headed down to the Springs shortly. I have every piece of gear I can think of. Not sure what to wear!
[...] 18, 2008 · Filed Under Race Reports · Photo from mountain running blog · Two race reports from mountain running blog. One on the PP Ascent: …A major winter cold [...]
i am so cold here. The wind hard against my tent. I feel like im outside! Im wearing just about everything that I possibly cold. Later guys! Miranda W