The Shop to the Top is a race with a very high fun/work ratio. A Ketchum, Idaho (Sun Valley) tradition, it starts right at the Elephant’s Perch, the local outdoor gear shop and sponsor of the event, runs for a mile to the base of the mountain, then cranks 5 miles on a beautiful single-track to the top of the ski area. Simple; classic. Food, prizes, and a big 360 degree view greet the runners on top, then they can either run back down or enjoy a free chairlift ride.
Being the 9th and second-to-last event in the La Sportiva Mountain Cup, this event brought up some talent. Bernie Boettcher and his partner Jeanne drove up from Colorado, as did Mike Selig and Norah, both looking for some points. Three-time winner Tom Borschel was a welcome sight after a 5 year absence, coming up from Idaho Falls.
At 9 AM the runners took off down the tidy streets of Ketchum, turned onto the Mt Baldy Trail, and then the fun began. Bernie is in top form this year, as at age 45 he ran away from the field for a time of 58:09, even while taking 90 pictures with his camera en route. Tom B noted, “I’m 5 years older than Bernie, and 5 years ago I ran almost the exact same time; one second difference”.
Michael Tobin, a world-class adventure racer, resident of Boise, and also a Master at age 44, was in 2nd place until Mike Selig reeled him in near the top. ”I was slow getting going”, said Mike. ”I finally found my rhythm on the trail.” Mike also passed Joe Savola, who ended up 4th at age 43, so coupled with Tom Borschel’s 8th and Buzz Burrell’s 13th Overall, the average age was sort of typical for mountain running events … “not young”.
Jenny Tobin crushed the Women’s field with a 1:06, 11 minutes ahead of 2nd and two minutes under the Course Record! Her triathlete attire stood out nicely from the usual runners garb.
The Shop to the Top is what the Mountain Cup is about: bringing national recognition and runners to an excellent but unheralded local event, for the benefit of both the race and the new people who discover and enjoy it.
Updated Overall Mountain Cup Standings will be posted Monday.
Geez – if ever there was a weekend that you would think Bernie wouldn’t race, you’d think it’d be the weekend after he killed it at PPM. Incredible how he can put up another effort like that so soon. Very impressive.
jmock has it right re Bernie. He and Jeanne drove up from Silt, they both raced (he won at age 45), they went on a hike with us the next day above Redfish Lake in the Sawtooths, then turned around and drove (640 miles) back down. Both always smiling.
Mike and Norah did the same, and the weekend before PP, they all had driven out to SLC for the Jupiter Peak Steeplechase (where they also went 1-2).
I’d like to be like Bernie when I grow up (oops, it’s way too late). Mike and Norah are also a great couple, who make smart choices in a way that I can only admire from afar.
Great to see everyone in my neck of the woods. Between Sun Valley, Jackson Hole, Wind Rivers, Wasatch, Uinta’s, Yellowstone all within reasonable striking range, now you know why I live in this area! I will try and do the 650 mi trek to Vail this weekend for another worthy event. TB
Here’s an article in the local paper, mentioned that Gold Medalist Kristin Armstrong was in the race, and giving full results:
http://www.mtexpress.com/index2.php?ID=2005122345
The scenery in the Sawtooth Wilderness was unbelievably beautiful!!! What Buzz didn’t say is that he climbed Elephant Perch, a Half Dome like rock feature while we were there. The place is called “shangrila” by locals. We found out why.
Tom’s neck of the woods is pretty amazing!
I was bummed I missed this years Shop to the Top. I had no idea it was going to draw the field it did. For me, it was in between a 100k and a 50 miler. My daughter was quite happy I decided to watch her horse show instead. But – It would have been fun to race against an incredible field of La Sportiva runners and the usual Boise crew. You got to experience a typical Perch event – organized, well attended, and FUN!
I am glad you all got to come over to our “shangrila” and experience the beauty our area beholds. Incredible valley, culture, and great running and climbing opportunities.
Congrats on all of the great finishes, hopefully this will be part of the Mountain Cup in the fututre and continue to draw great runners.
Good thoughts Brad. The Shop to the Top is one of those very cool events that are highly-regarded locally, and totally unknown everywhere else. The Mountain Cup is trying to bridge that gap! Tune in next year for another great line-up; I can’t say now, but think the Shop will be on the schedule again.
As for: Tom B noted, “I’m 5 years older than Bernie, and 5 years ago I ran almost the exact same time; one second difference”.
I dug back and found, 5 years ago I actually ran 58:20, 6 years ago was 58:11(the one I was thinking) and 7 years ago 57:39 after an early wrong turn and long diversion which cost me the course record.
Well done Bernie!!!!!