I wasn’t there. I don’t know what happened. But I still can’t resist posting!
Because Rickey Gates really got it done – took the win with a sub one hour run – joining Matt Carpenter as the only other American to ever go under an hour on this storied course.
Mt Wash is probably the most competitive mountain race in America. Although it’s uphill only, and on a mostly paved road, those that have shown up do not regret it; it’s quite the scene, the organization is very professional, and running thru the fog, clouds, rain, or wind at the top will definitely get your attention.
Ricky reported,
“I started slowing down the final 1/2 mile, figuring that i had the win in hand. I kinda forgot about the hour thing. Then Peter Maksimow yelled at me with 200m left, “30 seconds!” I started sprinting (as best as one can sprint on that last 200m, as you know) and leaned in to the tape. Lucky for me my mustache was three seconds ahead of me.”
Rickey in 2006
Other stray personal comments:
* When Rickey first tried to enter in 2006, nobody had heard of him. The Lottery was long closed, but the RD called me up and asked me about Rickey. I said, “DEFINITELY, let him in; you won’t be disappointed.” No one was, as he ticked a 1:03 for third place.
* Last year he was second to Eric Blake, and this year I thought no one had a chance but those two. A week prior, Rickey said, “Eric has ‘Marathon’ legs this year.” He knew the race was his, and ran like it, opening up a 20 second gap at mile 2.
* The top 5 men at Mount Wash were the same top 5 men of last years bronze medal US National Mountain Running Team - yikes – that’s top competition for you.
* With 100m to go someone called out to Rickey: “You have 15 seconds to get under an hour!” So he launched an all-out sprint and got it done with 2 seconds to spare. “That was a hard 100 meters!” he noted.
* Brandy Erholtz has quickly and clearly emerged as the top Female US Mountain Runner. Two wins in a row here, with the 5th and now 4th fastest times ever, and not losing anywhere else. The Barr Trail Mountain Race will be a good one.
* Craig Fram turned 50 and absolutely crushed the 50+ CR with a ridiculous 1:06:58; beating the previous 15 year old record by a massive five and a half minutes.
* One cannot help but note that for several years this race has been dominated by non-New England runners, with Colorado leading the charge.
* Rickey (and many others) will stay in NH for the US Mountain Championships at Mount Cranmore, then he heads to Europe for their exciting mountain running circuit. One of these years we hope he sticks around or comes back to make his mark on the Pikes Peak Ascent.
Jonathan Wyatt and Anna Pichrtova in 2007
Some video, pix on my blog and bunch at Scott Mason’s site – http://scottmasonphotography.smugmug.com. Also looks like Dunham has posted some on Facebook as well.
The depth of competition in this race is incredible. Nearly any of the top 50 could go and win a local yokel road race – but this race is too strong for that. It is like a Bolder Boulder with its depth.
Congrats Ricky, Brandy!
Mt. Washington is such a great race, put on by some wonderful people. Those guys up front are some kind of fast. It is inspiring to be on the starting line with that quality, not to mention the history this race has. Shiloh and I warmed up some with DD and other CMS guys. Also saw Bob Hodge warming up. My race went well, just a steady grind. Stuck to th strategy of pushing progressively harder over the last half. Actually right after halfway, I got to run about 2 miles side by side with Craig Fram. He is incredible and tough. Joined DD to the summit after. Glad I was here to “see” Ricky break one hour, awesome. Great performance by Brandy was well. Thanks to Bob, Andy, Paul, and everyone making this race possible.
Look forward to hammering again next week…. if I have some legs left.
Wow. This race was awesome. I had fun meeting some other La Sportiva Teammates and warming up with them. Can’t wait for next year!