Saturday, April 22, 2006

24hrs of Rouen Costils

Les résultats
1. Alain Costils (KM 520, Barneville) 207,350 km ; 2. Philippe Vit
(Torcy) 180,525 km ; 3. Peter Bennett (Australie) 176,175 km ; 4.
Eric Boufflert (Harfleur) 160,950 km ; 5. Jean-Claude Courcy (Vernon)
155,875 km ; 6. Mlle Dorit Attias (USA) 151,525 km ; 7. Violette
Bourillon (Vernon) 141,375 km ; 8. Micheline Année (Vernon), 135,575
km ; 9. Chrisitan Guérinier (Vernon) 131,950 km ; 10. Raymond Année
(Vernon) 128,325 km.


WALK 24 hours of Rouen Costils from beginning to end The 37e edition
24 Hour old of Rouen which was held for the first time this weekend
on the quays of right bank, around hangars 9 and 10, was marked by
terrible climatic conditions "I never knew such such an unfavourable
context for the walkers since 1971 when it had fallen from snow the
Easter Day", remembers Francis Hébert the organizer the
demonstration. On the forty competitors, of ten different nations,
having taken the departure of this infernal round Saturday with 5
p.m., half of them gave up after five hours of race because of a
ceaseless rain, a violent wind and an icy cold. Party quickly without
being concerned with time, Alain Costils took the direction of the
operations quickly. The last winner of Paris-Colmar buckled 47,125 km
per fifth hour of race. Preceding Francilien Philippe Saw (44,225)
and the Australian Peter Bennett (41,325). The advance of Norman did
not cease growing with the wire of the loop of 725 meters. After
sixteen hours of race the three men of head maintained their
variations respective on the remainder of the group from where
American Dorit Attias emerged however come straight of the New
Jersey. Blow of bar While traversing to final the 207,350 km, Alain
Costils beat his own record established last year with 205,500 km
crossing the arrival almost as fresh as a sportsman of
Sunday "Sincerely I did not suffer from the wind nor of the rain. I
simply had a light blow of bar between 9 a.m. and 11 H this morning.
But after all returned in the order and I set out again on the basis
of the twelve turns per hour " Victorious in 2004, 2005 and 2006,
that which is laid off with club km 520 of Barneville in the Eure
will take share in next Paris-Colmar of May 31 at June 3, at a
distance of 450 km. No matter what it arrives, it already promised to
the organizers to be present the next year. Quellles that are the
atmospheric conditions.

Date change for Colac 6-day race

Dear All,

Please note that that Cliff Young Australian 6-day race will now be held between Monday 20th November from 1pm to Sunday 26th Nov at 1pm.

If you would like a copy of the Application form, please email me at pessam@bigpond.net.au

Please note the changes to the Selection criteria

"First priority will be given to runners with a proven ability to run at least 130 kilometres in 24 hours - 250 kilometres in 48 hours, and who have run at least 500 kilometres in 6 days. The Committee reserves the right to allow a number of wildcard entrants."

100km DeMillau

Information

Three Peaks Race Results

Race results

Friday, April 21, 2006

78 Ultra Web Links

I’ve just added some more links to the already extensive links list on the right hand side of the page.

We now have 78 links. These include National Bodies, International sites, Ultra races, Ultra walking, Ultra runners and a miscellaneous column.

If anyone has any more to add, please send and I will add to the page.

Phil

Chris Wedge in the News

http://tinyurl.com/orgdz

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Two of my favourite Ultra Blogs

http://davidcriniti.blogspot.com/

http://luckylegs.blogspot.com/

New stuff on WSER siite

New stuff on WSER site

The WSER website (www.ws100.com) now has new maps and elevations for the whole trail, including the new sections, and a list of 2006 entrants with bib numbers.

Peter Fish

Failed prison break inspires ultramarathon

Article published Apr 18, 2006Failed prison break inspires ultramarathonBy ELIZABETH A. DAVISThe Associated PressWARTBURG, Tenn. — A failed escape into East Tennessee's mountainous terrain by convicted assassin James Earl Ray in June 1977 gave Gary Cantrell an idea for a race that has become known as one of the world's hardest ultramarathons.
Set on an unmarked, rugged course through briar-infested woods, the Barkley Marathon is so difficult some runners don't consider it a real race.
Only six people have finished the entire 100-mile journey — five times around a 20-mile loop in Frozen Head State Park — in the allotted time of 60 hours.
Other participants choose the “fun run” of 60 miles, or three loops, in 40 hours. Most people are just happy completing one loop.
Ray, the confessed killer of Martin Luther King Jr., was captured 55 hours after his escape only 8 miles east of Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, which is bordered by steep hillsides and the state park.
“In that length of time, I could have made 100 miles,” Cantrell, a long-distance runner and hiker, recalls saying back then.
“It turns out it's not that easy.”
Run since 1986, the Barkley has drawn the likes of athletes who hold speed records for the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails and made hobbies of running 100-milers such as the Western States Endurance Run in California, Hardrock 100 in Colorado and the Badwater Ultramarathon starting in Death Valley.
Even military personnel including Navy SEALs and Army Green Berets have tried it.
And then they find out why the Barkley has become known as “the race that eats its young.”
“The whole sport is odd, but within the sport it's even an odd kind of race because of the fact that it seems so difficult,” said Don Allison, publisher of Ultrarunning magazine. “Those who do it seem to love it and embrace it. Others kind of look askance on it.”
An ultra race is considered anything longer than a 26.2-mile marathon. People outside the sport may not even know longer races exist, but there are many variations held on roads and trails that last for days or longer — testing the limits of human endurance.
“We do things that most people think are impossible,” said 58-year-old Ed Furtaw, who recently ran in his 10th Barkley and was the first person to finish the “fun run” in 1988. “This event needs to exist. Otherwise, people won't know what they can take.”
This year's race began, appropriately enough, on April Fools' Day and again had no 100-mile finishers.
Only two participants out of 33 — Nick Gracie from England and Brian Robinson from California — finished the “fun run,” but they came in a few minutes over the 40-hour limit and were not allowed to continue for a chance at the 100.
Temperature near 80 on the first day made it difficult for the runners to stay hydrated, and only 22 completed the first loop. Five finished two loops.
Four hours and 34 minutes into the race, the first four racers emerged from the woods, crossed a curvy highway and hustled up a hill beside a small waterfall. Jim Nelson, who completed the 100 in 2004, had bloody cuts all over his legs. About 30 minutes later they crossed the road in another place and climbed a steeper embankment overlooking the old prison in Petros, where Ray made his daring escape.
Ray, who died in 1998 while serving a 99-year sentence for King's murder, was found cowering under a pile of leaves. The prison's warden was quoted at the time as saying: “You might get over the wall, but you've got to get over a new wall — and that's the terrain.”
The Barkley course starts in a campground in the park in Wartburg, about 40 miles west of Knoxville in the Cumberland Mountains.
Racers might run in a few spots on the Barkley. Crawling and sliding is acceptable. Much of the course is up and down steep hills. The entire 100 miles would total 100,000 feet of elevation change, the equivalent of climbing and descending Mount McKinley two and a half times. McKinley, the tallest peak in North America, is 20,320 feet.
“You can't understand unless you've done it,” Cantrell said. “There are hills you can actually stick your hand out and touch the ground without bending over.”
Cantrell, who declared on this year's entry form that “the Barkley will squash you like a bug,” said the origin of the marathon's name was rather prosaic — Barkley is the last name of the man who provides chicken for the pre-race meal.
Cantrell signals the start of the race by lighting a cigarette. The racers — only 35 are allowed each year — start making their way with a topography map, compass and detailed instructions to find the intended path, which often is overgrown with briars and downed trees. It gets really tricky in the dark, even with flashlights.
Unlike other ultramarathons, there is no aid except two water drops. If a person quits, he has to walk back to the start, where “Taps” is played on a bugle.
People who finish the course sleep very little and eat even less as the hours go by. Those who make it to the fifth loop often have hallucinations, and some have gotten disoriented and forgotten why they were out there.
“It's a slow death,” said 56-year-old David Horton, who finished the Barkley in 2001. He was an observer this year after completing the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails last year.
“This is harder to finish than those (trails),” he said.
Despite the incredible difficulty, the participants share a sense of humor about their mission.
“What we're doing is kind of absurd,” Furtaw said. “We're crazy, and we know it.”

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Coburg 24hr - Main web site

http://www.coburgharriers.org.au/html/24hour.htm

Coburg 24hr Race -22-23 April 06 Preview

24H RUNNERS AGE EVENT PERSONAL INFO

BEAUCHAMP, Bill 58 24H Run Has run 213 km in 24 hours. Has been running ultras for nearly 20 years and is a regular at our event. Came 2nd in the 2003 24H run with 171.2km.

BOYCE, Robert 44 24H Run Robert has run 100 km in the very respectable time of 11:23. Has upped the ante and will attempt a 24 hour run at Coburg.

DAVIS, Robyn 61 24H Run Robyn is an experienced ultra runner, having has run 150 km in 24 hours. This will be his first appearance at Coburg.

DeWILLIAMS, Deborah
24H Run Deborah completed 75 km in 12 hours in our 2003 event . She went on to
become the first woman to walk around Australia (15,669 kms in 343 days),
setting multiple world records along the way. Soon after the completion of
this momentous event, she completed the 2004 Colac 6 day event, walking
448.17 km in the allotted time. She is back this year to compete in the 24
Hour Run event

14 FICKEL, Bob 54 24H Run One of the legends of Australian ultra running and a finisher in the
gruelling Westfield Sydney-Melbourrne run (1990). Has been running
ultras since 1987 and still going strong. Bob has a best of 208 km (1994).
His last appearance at Coburg was in 1991 and he is back again this year
as a warm up for a 24H 'Run for Cancer' event only 2 weeks after our
event. Now that's enthusiasm!
Check out Bob's website at www.geocities.com/fickelab

19 GRAY, Peter 41 24H Run Has a best of 230 km in 24 hours, set in our 1991 event. Youngest ever
Westfield Sydney-Melbourne finisher. Has completed a record 18
consecutive finishes in this event. Has run 188 ultras and 44 24 hour events.
A running machine. He wears number 19 this year to mark his 19th entry in
our event.

15 LADYMAN, Rodney 49 24H Run Has run 59 km in 6 hours and 107 km in 12 hours. I think this may be his first time over the 24H distance in our event.

16 MARSH, Ken 50 24H Run Started off with the 6H run and has worked his way up nicely. Competed in our 2004 24 hour run with a distance of 116 km. Won our 12H Run last
year with 107 km. Is back to attack the 24H distance this year and I think
we can expect a good performance.

17 MARSH, Trevor 44 24H Run Completed in the 6 hour event in 2003 and then moved up to the 24 hour event in 2004 and won the Gordon Burrowes Trophy for his gutsy
performance in covering 125.8 km for 10th place. He also completed the
Colac 6 day championship in November 2004 with a distance of 556 km.
Improved to run 162.8 km in last year's Coburg event. Has developed
rapidly into a very good ultra distance runner.

18 MATCHETT, Ken 84 24H Run Completed a remarkable 130.5km in 24 hours in 2004 at 82 years of age to
set a whole range of M80 world records. Last year he completed 121 km in
our event and then backed up later in the year to finish a wonderful Colac 6
day event , setting more M80 world ultra records. At 84 years of age, he will
be without doubt our oldest competitor and will still finish mid field!

21 KINSHOFER, Rudolf 52 24H Run This SA based runner has run 100 km in 8:01 and 232 km in 24 hours (in our 1991 event here at Coburg) . He won the 24H Run in 2004 with a fine
distance of 187.434 km and won the 2005 event with 192.909 km. He is
back again to try for a third straight title.

22 McCORMICK,Richard 39 24H Run Came second in the 12H run last year with 90.4 km. Is upping the ante this year and doing his first 24 Hour track event although he did successfully
compete in the Glasshouse 100 mile trail run last year so knows what it is all
about.

23 OHLENROTT, Bruce 41 24H Run Moving up to the 24 H Run category afer competing in the 12H Run last year (in fact, after running 3 6H events and 3 12H events, it is about time he
moved up!). Has a best of 88 km in 12 hours so should achieve a good
distance in the longer event.

24 STAPLES, Alan 56 24H Run Alan competed successfully in the 2003 and 2004 24 Hour run events and has a best of 171.6 km. Returns again this year.

25 TIMMS, John 63 24H Run Very experienced runner at all distances from 24 hours to 1000 miles! Best 24 Hour run of 170.7 km (1994). Regular Colac 6 Day runner and a
regular supporter of our Coburg event.

26 WISE, Garry 59 24H Run Garry ran 10:52 for the 100 km in 2005 and is extending himself to try the 24 hour event in 2006.

12H RUNNERS AGE EVENT PERSONAL INFO

28 EARLE, Lee 43 12H Run Another first timer and attempting the 12 hours.

29 HARTLEY, Ernest 56 12H Run Came third in the 2005 12 Hour run with 86 km. Is back again this year to improve on that performance.

6H RUNNERS AGE EVENT PERSONAL INFO

32 BENNETTS, Karen 44 6H Run A This is Karen's first ultra so we welcome her to our event and wish her all the best.

33 BROWN, Sue 40 6H Run A This is Sue's first ultra so we welcome her to our event and wish her all the best.

34 CARSON, Max 52 6H Run A Max has best times of 72 km (6 hours) and 116 km (12 hours) so will be very serious contender for the 6 Hour Run

35 DUFFELL, Geoff 55 6H Run A Geoff advises he has no recent performances and that this will be his first ultra run for a number of years. Good luck Geoff.

36 DYER, Bill 45 6H Run B Bill completed the 100 mile walk in 22:50:33 in 1977 as a 16 year old. Nearly 30 years later, he remains the youngest person ever to cover 100
miles within 24 hours. This year he is doing the 6 hour run and should be
competitive, having recently run a half marathon in 87:02

37 MARSHALL, Diana ? 6H Run B Canberra first time ultra runner.

38 PARRIS, Dawn 53 6H Run A One of the legends of ultra running, Dawn has a best of 202.65 km in 24 hours, set in 1989. Last year she won the 6 hour run event with 49.33 km
and is back again for the same event this year.

39 YOUNG, Shirley 76 6H Run A A multiple age group world record holder. Ran 176 km in 24 hours in our 2000 event at age 70. Now content to run the shorter distances! A marvel!

24H WALKERS AGE EVENT PERSONAL INFO

43 ATTIAS, Dorit 44 24H Walk Dorit has come very close to the centurion walk milestone, having completed 150 km within 24 hours in USA in 2000 and having completed
99 miles in 24 hours in Malaysia last year. Her Coburg race should see her
finally achieve her goal.

44 BAKER, Fred 73 24H Walk A former secretary of the British Centurions, Fred has completed their 24H walk distance of 100 miles on a record 20 occasions. This is a chance to see
one of the all time greats in action.

45 BENNETT, Peter 50 24H Walk Peter has completed 100 mile Centurion walks in Australia, NZ and Malaysia and has a best time of 19:42:54. He also holds the Australian
Open 100 km walking record of 10:51:25 and the 12 Hour Open walking
record with over 108 km. We are excited that Peter has joined our event this
year.

46 BILLETT, David 35 24H Walk David is an experienced ultra runner and walker. He came 4th in the 2004 Coburg 24 Hour run category with a fine distance of 163.8 km (just over
100 miles). He has since improved that to 172 km. In 2004 he returned to
Coburg as a walker and achieved Centurion status with a distance of
161.887 km. Then he completed his first Colac 6 day event with a fine 602
km. An ultra runner/walker on the rise!

47 BOLLEN, Karyn 51 24H Walk Successfully walked 100 miles in 24 hours in our 2002 event. Walked the 12 hour event in 2003, ran 141 km in 2004 and walked 132 km in 2005. Is
back for the walk again this year.

48 BORELLO, Jens 58 24H Walk Already a triple centurion - Continental (C317 22:15:34 2004), British (C1026 23:17:36 2005) and American (C62 23:21;14 2006). He will be
trying for his fourth Centurion badge at Coburg and should comfortably
make the requisite 100 miles.

49 CUMMINS, Louis 56 24H Walk Louis will be attempting his first ultra. He has completed a marathon in 3h 56m and is making the big jump to the 24 hour event. We wish him all the
best.
51 FISHER, Patrick 58 24H Walk Pat walked 87.8 km in the Gosford 12 Hour in January and is now going for the 24 Hour! Must be seen as a very serious contender.

52 HAIN, Geoff 59 24H Walk Geoff is Australian Centurion 49 and has completed 3 100 mile qualifiers in the last 16 months (including one in NZ). He won the male 24H walk in our
Coburg event last year. This is a new career for Geoff who was an
accomplished ultra runner for many years before making the switch.

53 HOWORTH, Sandra 43 24H Walk Sandra started with 6 hour events a couple of years ago, worked her way up to the 12 Hour event at Gosford and then completed 102.55 km in the
24 hour walk at our 2005 event. Is hoping to increase on that distance this
year.

54 JEMMESON, Sean 37 24H Walk A first time ultra entrant.

55 MISKIN, Stan 80 24H Walk Very experienced ultra runner and walker. Regular competitor in our event
and still going strong at 80 years of age. Holds Australian M75 & M80
run and walk records and World M80 records for various ultra distances.
Has a career best of 187 km in 24 hours, set in 1984. Contested his 4th
and completed his 2nd Colac 6 day event last November. Will have a great
battle with Ken Matchett.

56 O'NEILL, Terry 50 24H Walk Terry is Australian Centurion 11, having completed his 100 mile walk in 21:13:08 in 1979. Amazingly, this is his first ultra since then but he is fit
and may surprise. Welcome back to Terry.

57 SKRUCANY, Rudolf 50 24h Walk Rudolf is competing in his first ultra. He crewed at the Colac 6 Day event and now wants to have a go himself. Well done.

58 SKINNER, Deryck 73 24H Walk Deryck became Australian Centurion 51 with an astonishing walk in the
2005 Sri Chinmoy. Aged 72 years, he completed the 100 miles in 22:39:55
to set a whole swag of new Australian M70 running and walking records.
Don't be surprised to see him improve on that performance this year.

12H WALKERS AGE EVENT PERSONAL INFO
61 CARTER, Ken 53 12H Walk This Coburg athlete is a regular competitor in the walk, winning the 2005 12 Hour Walk and coming second in the same event in 2004.
62 CHOMYN, Sharon 47 12H Walk Sharon is a relative new comer to ultra distance events, having a best distance of 40 km in 6 hours. This year she will up the ante and contest the
24 hour walk and hopes to achieve a distance of 100 km.

63 JACK, Clarrie 60 12H Walk Clarrie is one of Australia's most experienced ultra distance walkers, being Australian Centurion No 4 (1971 – 20:39:45). He also holds the Australian
Open Record for the 50 mile walk with a time of 7:57:57, set in 1979.

64 JACKSON, Ross 46 12H Walk Ross completed the 100 k walk in the 2000 Australian Centurion event in an excellent time of 13:21:3. He is back after a 5 year break and doing the
12 Hour walk this time. He will be hard to beat.

65 TURNER, Gary 52 12H Walk First time ultra competitor. Has run 38 km in 6 hours and has walked a marathon. A major jump for our event as Gary tries himself out over the 12
hour timeframe.

6H WALKERS AGE EVENT PERSONAL INFO

68 BAIRD, Carol 57 6H Walk A A regular in this event, Carol is class act. Holds all Australian Open Ultra walk records. Holds various Ultra age group running records. Has a large
number of big 24H totals to her credit both running and walking. Is doing
the 6H walk this year and then crewing for the other Canberra based
entrants.

69 JORDAN, Stephen 49 6H Walk B First time competitor in 2005 when he won the 6 Hour Walk with 43.6 km. Back again in 2006.

71 MISKIN, Ellwyn 76 6H Walk A A regular in the 6H walk. Ellwyn will walk with Stan for the first 6 hours and then support him for the remainder of the 24 hours. Now that takes
endurance!

72 PROUDFOOT,Gordon 62 6H Walk B A stalwart of the Coburg club and a regular runner, Gordon will be attempting his first ultra with a 6 Hour walk

73 WHYTE, Robin 64 6H Walk A Robin is a three times Australian centurion (1996, 1999, 2000) and a holder of a whole swathe of age group walking records. Has walked the
100 miles in 20:37:12. Is having a well earned rest this year and just doing
the 6 hour walk.

150 mile race for Illinois

2007 will bring a 150 Mile Race to IL

Runners-

This weekend has brought the conclusion of the 2006 McNaughton Park
Trail Runs. We have heard many stories and applaud everyone's efforts.
This race is turning into a world-class event.=20

Is it time to discuss the 2007 event? It will take place April 14-15 in
Pekin, IL. The 30-miler is no longer an option. To fill this void, Andy
Weinberg (the RD) has agreed to add a 150-mile option as part of the
race. The entries for the 150 miler are unlimited. The race will be held during the same 36 hours that the 50 and 100 Milers are run and on the same course. (If you don't know this is a 10-mile looped course.)

Andy has also stated that he would open the course Friday evening, April13 to allow 48 hours to complete the 150 miles if anyone wanted.

The entry fee will be $150.  The webpage will be ready mid May:
http://www.mcnaughtonparktrailruns.com/.

All the Best-
Ryan Dexter
Madison, WI

Bull Run 50 Mile Trail Run

Bull Run 50 Mile Trail Run

Greetings, Folks.

For anyone who cares, I finally finished my Bull Run Run report and have posted it here:
http://www.noones-saloone.com/RaceReports/BullRunRun-2006.html

I think this one goes above and beyond the accepted level of minutiae,so only read it if you're desperate to kill time at the office.  It will probably only hold interest for those who did the run and/or those planning on it in the future.  Heck, I think even my family will ignore it.

- Steve Noone

45 mile solo run

45 mile solo run
4/15/06

I had planned a much earlier start but getting my 4 year old daughter
dressed and ready to go to her mothers at 4am proved to be more difficult
than I had imagined.  I wasn’t sure what sort of pace I would keep up on
such a long training run so I wanted to allow for 13+ hours before I had to
head back up the mountain to pick up Ella.  I was pleasantly surprised to
finish must faster.

I parked my truck at the Auburn Damn Overlook at 6:30am and quickly bounded
off down the trail to No-Hands Bridge.  I was feeling good on the climb to
Cool but had to remind myself that I was going a long ways and needed to
walk the up hills.  I reached the Hwy49 crossing (Upper Quarry) in about an
hour and a half, not bad for trying to go slow.  I flew down the Quarry
trail to the river, giving my quads a good pounding was the goal on this
run.  All my runs for that matter.

Before I knew it I was boogying up the Browns Bar Trail then setting the
cruise control on the Robie Trail.  This is trail running at its finest
along this stretch.  Mostly flat, sweet singletrack, winding in and out of
the canyon creeks along the rim of the Middle Fork American River canyon.  
The weather was perfect; overcast skies, cool temps, a light drizzle (better
than snow!) I was in heaven.  I stopped for a second to pay my respects at
the Barbara Schoner memorial, the anniversary of her death is this coming
Sunday.

I tried not to stop at all, this was my key to keeping a good pace.  I ate
while I walked,  I went pee while I walked, I only stopped briefly here and
there to get difficult items out of my pack and to filter water into my hand
bottles.  My camelback was stuffed with food so I left out the bladder.  I
carried 24 Gu’s but only ate 11, 4 cliff bars but only ate 2, a bag of dried
apricots, and my new favorite – Salmon steaks in pouches.  I just tore off
the top and squeezed it into my mouth like a Gu.  MMMMM!!!! Delish!!!!

The next thing ya know I was already at Green Gate.  I beat feet down
Slinger Mine Rd. and got to the river crossing at 11:30am. The river was
pumping!  I paused shortly to gaze at the water; cold, deep and scary
looking.  I wouldn’t want to try and cross it now!
I munched a Cliff bar as I began the march back up Slinger Mine Rd.

Now I was on cruise control again along the Robie Trail.  I noticed some
Leona Divide prints that were not on the trail on the way out.  They turned
out to be a friend, Derek, and I had just missed him.  The clouds began to
drizzle on me around Auburn Lake Trails so I donned a light jacket.  I ran
into a guy named Dennis Fox along the lower quarry road who was also
training for States.  He was jealous of the mileage I was getting in and
said he wasn’t sure if he was getting enough.  He just did AR50 so I think
he’ll be fine.  The trip back went by so quickly with almost no pain and
absolutely no fatigue.  I must be doing something right in my training!

I popped another salmon steak (MMMMM!) crossing Hwy 49 by Cool.  I was on
the home stretch and was just blown away by how smooth the run had gone and
how great I felt.  My first couple 50 mile races hurt so bad and the first
time I did a 40mile solo I had to stay in bed the next day.  But here I was
screaming down to No-Hands full speed.

Just as I reached the bridge I came up behind a horseback rider training for
Tevis.  His name was Jim and he and his horse, Little Big Man, were all
decked out in replica cowboy gear.  I ran along side and we chatted all the
way back to the Overlook. (Yes, I was actually running up the hill!)  He
told me Tevis stories and really got me confused on the route and the
mileage.  I guess it’s not the same course?  He kept trying to tell me the
River Crossing was at Poverty Bar instead of Oregon Bar and that he had
never been on the Robie Trail.  I’m not sure he had his facts straight.

All in All it was a fantastic day in the woods.  10 ½ hours for 45 to 50
miles.  I felt great the next day and got a big boost of confidence for my
first 100 at Western States.  A few days rest to avoid any overtraining
injuries and now I’m good to go!

Thanks for reading,
jack

African stage races

African stage races

one website - 5 cool stage races

http://www.raidsahara.com/

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Shots from the Greek 7-day race




Vlastimil Dvoracek and Arun Bhardwaij

(shots taken by Edit Berces)

McNaughton Race (from our local paper)

Running on empty ... 'Ultramarathon' pushes athletes to the limit

Monday, April 17, 2006
BY KATE HAWLEY OF THE JOURNAL STAR

Ken Meyer wrenched off his running shoes with a loud "ahhgg!",
peeling away his damp socks to reveal shriveled, blister-covered feet.
Meyer, 58, ran 30 miles Saturday over a bumpy trail, through creeks
and up and down countless punishing hills.
That was the easy race.
More than 200 runners competed this weekend in The McNaughton Park
Trail Runs, 30-, 50- and 100-mile races run concurrently on the same
course, a 10-mile loop through John T. McNaughton Park in Pekin.
The races began at 6 a.m. Saturday and continued all day, through the
night, and into Sunday afternoon, with runners stopping for drinks,
snacks and the occasional nap before heading back onto the trail.
Andy Weinberg, a coach and gym teacher at Pekin Community High
School, started the races six years ago with only 11 runners. The
McNaughton Park run has since become Illinois' largest
"ultramarathon," the name for any race longer than 26.2 miles, the
length of a traditional marathon. It's the only 100-mile race in the
state.
Runners traveled to Pekin from all over the Midwest-and from places
as far away as Colorado, California, Alaska, Germany and Belgium.
But despite its international flavor, the event had the feel of a
family picnic, with volunteers camping out in tents and Larry
LaBanca, a Pekin pipefitter, dishing out baked beans, burgers and
grilled cheese sandwiches to weary runners.
Many of them were unlikely candidates for extreme sports. Most were
older than 40 and several were older than 60, and there were plenty
of bulging bellies and stooped shoulders among the crowd.
"It's not your usual bunch of long-legged Kenyans," Weinberg said.
But it's not surprising that unconventional athletes gravitate to
ultramarathons, he added, since long distances require more grit and
patience than speed.
Jean-Jaques d'Aquin, 66, a 100-mile runner from Belgium, appeared in
the grassy stretch behind the finish line, a white towel draped over
his head.
"Go Jean-Jaques!" Weinberg shouted.
"Sunblock!" Aquin barked in reply, and struggled to open his water
pouch. Minutes later, he was back on the trail.
The temperature neared 85 Saturday, making the hilly, rocky course
even more challenging. Phil Rosenstein, 35, of Milwaukee was too
dehydrated Saturday afternoon to even sweat.
As the sun went down, the temperature dropped. But just after 11
p.m., lightning began to flash. Overnight, rain came down in fat,
cold drops that hit the runners with such force some of them mistook
it for hail.
Just before 6 a.m. Sunday, Rosenstein had run 80 miles. Alone on the
trail, his vision began to blur and his breathing became irregular.
When he reached camp almost an hour later, he began convulsing.
Paramedics arrived and hooked him up to a cardiogram and two IVs to
restore his body's balance of electrolytes.
Shortly after 9 a.m., he was adjusting his mud-smeared track shorts,
preparing to go back out on the trail. He'd chugged "a whole jar of
Pedialyte," he said, and felt ready to at least walk the rest of the
course.
He began his penultimate lap. "I'm very stubborn," he said, his eyes
trained on the steep, muddy slope under his feet. "People say to me,
why do you run all these races?" He laughed. "Because I can."
He had walked several hundred yards across a wheat field when he
shouted, to no one in particular, "Let's try a little running!"
"Ah!" he shouted, as he picked up speed, "ahh!" And he disappeared
into the trees.
Jerry Davison
West Peoria, IL
McNaughton Webmaster

Monday, April 17, 2006

Russia expels global trekkers

MOSCOW, Russia -- A British explorer and his American fellow traveler who entered Russia without going through a border checkpoint will be deported and fined, dealing a serious blow to their dream of walking around the world.

Briton Karl Bushby and American Dimitry Kieffer were also fined 2,000 rubles (U.S.$72; euro60) each have 10 days to appeal against the ruling by a court in the Russian Far East region of Chukotka.

The two are divided over what to do next, NTV television reported. Bushby is considering an appeal but Kieffer is not willing, since it could take up to four months to work its way through the court system, NTV said.

The two have been staying in the remote village of Lavrenty, 800 kilometers (500 miles) northeast of the provincial capital Anadyr, since arriving in Russia on April 1 and being detained.

It took them 15 days to make the trek across a 120-kilometer (56-mile) stretch of the Bering Strait.

Bushby's Web site identified him as a former paratrooper who made the Bering Strait crossing from Alaska to Chukotka as part of a round-the-world walk that began in 1998 at the southern tip of South America.

He wants to be the first person to walk all the way around the world.

Since the beginning of his journey on November 1, 1998, he has covered 27,000 kilometers (17,000 miles), walking through South, Central and North America. Kieffer accompanied him on the Bering Strait leg.

An entry on their Web site says: "All their electrical equipment, as well as skis, poles, dry suits, underwater gloves and sled have been retained for examination. These will be examined by experts as part of the current investigation.

"K and D state that they are OK and get lovely home-made meals from their friend Father Leonid, the Orthodox priest who gave them a place to stay.

"They have managed to find a radio station from Anadyr that plays a mixture of Russian/ U.S. rap and rock which helps to pass the time. They are progressively learning Russian in order to be able to adapt to their new surroundings, relying heavily on a phrase book and dictionary borrowed from the local library."

For more information about Karl Bushby go to http://goliath.mail2web.com/

Editors Comment: It will be a shame if Karl Bushby's epic walk does come to an end. I wa sinformed by my good friend, Danish runner Jesper Olsen that apart from Australia, Russians were some of the friendliest people in the world. Hopefully they can extend that friendship to Karl and let him keep walking.

7 day Race at Loutraki, Greece 1st-8th April 2006.

By Vlastimil Dvoracek

This winter I was facing a big dilemma: should I take a part in 48hr race in Brno, where I was owing to have a go at finally winning after four consecutive second placings? Or should I enter a week later 7 day race at Loutraki in Greece? Finally in this heartbreaking decision I decided for Greece. Firstly it was something new, a new challenge. Secondly, after enjoying good results in 6 day Race at Colac, Australia I was keen to find an opportunity to run 1000 km in one race.
I did not leave anything to a chance. My weekly running distance did not drop below 200 km. For the first time I was going to have some support in multi day race in the form of my nephew Lukas, 18. While most runners have always some support during races, for me this was going to be a luxury. For the first time I was not going to worry about basic needs and could concentrate only on running.

Originally the Ultra marathon Festival which included 6, 12 and 24 races was to be held on a 400 m track. Unfortunately an earthquake in January damaged the track so the organizer decided to hold the race on a 735 m track at a sporting complex about 4 km from Loutraki. I assumed that since the city is situated on a sea shore I expected the complex to be in the same area.
It was a shock when arriving in taxi from Corinth, about 10 km away, the driver did non turn towards the sea but the opposite direction towards the hills. Another shock was to see the track – my hope for some records disappeared very quickly.

I have run on a variety of tracks in the past but nothing could be compared with this. The elevations on the track was guessed by the runners to be between 10 – 20 meters. It was basically square with one side going up and steeply down, the other down. The other parallel sides were almost flat but far from ideal. To calculate the total elevation during over 1000 laps could produce an interesting figure.

24 hour race was keenly contested, the winner was Valmir Nunes from Brazil with 212 km . Normally he is capable to run over 270km. Only three runners managed over 200 km. So much for the track!

There were few more hassles before the start of the race. Firstly I was told that my helper Lukas was not included on Entry Form(?) so he would have to sleep in a tent. Eventually they found a bed for him in the 14 bed accommodation block. I was originally given the top bunk but fortunately someone swapped it for me for the lower one. I could not imagine myself claiming up after racing all day. About an hour before start I went for my race number only to be told by the organizers that I cannot start until I have paid my entry fees of 150 euro. I was trying in vain to convince them that I had paid it but unfortunately did not bring with me the receipt (a good lesson to learn). I had no choice but to try to organize quickly some money but fortunately the Race Director finally discovered that my entry fees were received. A little unwelcome hassle so close to the start.

After some criticism of the organizers I have to say that we were looked after well. In the canteen few meters from the track we received three warm meals each day and further refreshment on the trackside. Short sleeps were available in the accommodation block close to the track and toilets were close too so we did not have to run too many extra meters – apart from the hills…

Fortunately there is not much to write about the race itself. From the star I did not leave anything to a chance. I settled in the front position and already the first day I built up a sufficient gap on the second runner. All that was left for the following days was to maintain it. I did not sleep the first night at all, the following nights I slept for 2 – 3 hours. Only the sixth day due to shin splints I concentrated only on holding my first place without causing too much damage to my leg. I think I achieved both.

My nephew Lukas assisted me in this by keeping eyes on Finish runner Seppa and only when necessary I went back on the track to keep him at bay. Fortunately the seventh day he had enough of it and was not willing to throw another challenge at me. Looking back the seventh day did not enhance the race, especially since all classical races are 6 days. But it is only my view.
The lap counting was automatic by the chips we had recording every lap, every two hours the results were printed and the website was kept up to date so friend and family at home were well informed about the progress of the race.

There were 23 runners from 11 countries, about half of them known to me from previous races. The weather was typical for Greek spring – sharp sun and warm during the day, no shade, cooling down overnight to a pleasant temperature.

And a couple of observations typical for this race: number of stray dogs of all sizes and shapes running freely around. One gets eventually used to them. But I am still puzzled by the attitude of adults who let their little kids running around in this situation without supervision. The second one is very personal. I felt like running in a cage. I am used to running in parks or roads where there is some contact with general public even if only accidental. But in this sporting camp you could not see a soul apart from the participants of the race. Few spectators turned up for the weekend but that was all.

I have to admit that I fell in love with multi day races. During the week the participants grow close together, some you feel closer to than to others, just like in normal life.

One never forgets the closing stage of a race when everyone is so exited and happy for having successfully completed the race. It is an unforgettable atmosphere and feeling which I would like to repeat again in another multi day race.

Results:
1. Vlastimil Dvoracek Czech Republic 751.996 km
2. Seppo Leinonen Finland 731.024 km
3. – 4.
Constantin Baxevanis Greece 710.052 km
Gilles Pallaruelo France 710.052 km
5. Hiroko Okiyama (F) Japan 701.813 km


(Translated from Czech by Vlastik Skvaril)

North Pole Marathon Results

Widely Acclaimed Author wins 2006 North Pole Marathon
On Saturday 8 April, Irish novelist Michael Collins led home a record
54-person international race field to win the 2006 North Pole Marathon.

The certified 26.2-mile (42km) event, dubbed the world’s coolest marathon,
took place at a temporary Russian North Pole camp in the high Arctic Ocean
at the Geographic North Pole. Despite extremely challenging underfoot
conditions, comprising soft snow and hillocks of ice, as well as
temperatures that dipped to –23C, all fifty-four participants successfully
completed the event
In the men’s division, Collins and Carsten Kolle (Germany) forced the pace
at the outset, crunching through the hushed indomitable surroundings and
matching each other stride for stride over the initial 10km. A polar bear
was spotted but fortunately it was one of the other competitors donning a
costume. Despite the scare, Collins was relentless in his efforts and went
on to win by a comfortable margin in a time of 4.28.35 on the toughest ever
terrain for the race.
Meanwhile, in a perfectly judged effort, Marcel Kasumovich (Canada)
overhauled the German for second place with France’s Philippe Moreau and
Herve Taquet finishing together in 4th position.
The women’s race saw Alison Hamlett (England) set a new world record for the
event, finishing ahead of 2006 Antarctic Ice Marathon winner, Wendy
MacKinnon (Scotland), with Ireland’s Caitriona Strain in third place.
Hamlett’s time of 5.52.56 was good enough for sixth place overall.
This amazing race – operated at the top of the world and run on the ice
floes that overlay 12,000 feet of Arctic Ocean - attracts a diverse range of
participants each year. While some were attempting to join the Marathon
Grand Slam club by running a marathon on all seven continents and the North
Pole, others were making their marathon debut. Hundreds of thousands of euro
were also raised for various charities through participants’ heroic efforts
in completing the race.
To find out more about the North Pole marathon, or to register for next
year’s event, log on to www.npmarathon.com. Places are limited due to
aircraft capacity constraints.
MEN'S RACE

1. Michael Collins, Ireland 4.28.35
2. Marcel Kasumovich, Canada 5.00.26
3. Carsten Kolle, Germany 5.06.54
4. Philippe Moreau, France 5.51.50
4. Herve Taquet, France 5.51.50
6. Brent Weigner, USA 6.13.15
7. Henri Alain D'Andria, France 6.18.26
8. Mark Tointon, England 6.18.47
9. Johnny Donnelly, Ireland 6.40.30
10. Hal Salveson, Scotland 6.41.35
=10. Mark Howe, England 6.41.35
12. Neil Rhodes, England 6.49.57
13. Stephen Murphy, England 7.00.50
14. Brendan Smith, Australia 7.13.40
15. Jim Montgomerie, Scotland 7.14.10
16. Tony Copp, England 7.31.05
17. Gareth Hughes, Wales 7.41.54
18. Stuart Codling, England 7.43.04
=18. Will Knight, England 7.43.04
=18. Harvey Smyth, England 7.43.04
21. Nigel Haigh, England 7.50.59
22. Simon Pinchin, England 7.57.48
23. Johan Soderstrom, Sweden 8.07.03
24. Simon Chester, England 8.17.38
25. Clyde Shank, USA 8.17.40
26. James Sams, England 8.23.31
27. Peter McGarry, Ireland 8.29.36
28. Phil Murray, England 8.35.26
29. Huw Jones, England 8.36.36
=29. Mark Sinclair, England 8.36.36
31. Giles Griffiths, England 8.37.20
=31. Jim Summers, England 8.37.20
33. Roobik Eskandari, England 8.49.50
34. Chris Jonns, England 8.50.43
35. David Donnell-Jones, England 8.56.33
=35. Mark Clifford, England 8.56.33
37. Vir K. Nanda, USA 9.16.29
38. Osy Waye, England 10.06.42
39. Paul O'Dwyer, Ireland 10.33.01
40. Gary Baron, Canada 11.39.40
41. David Justin Ross, USA 12.14.57
42. James Falconer Ross, USA 12.14.57
43. Jim Lawrence, USA 12.26.20
WOMEN'S RACE
1. Alison Hamlett, England 5.52.56
2. Wendy MacKinnon, Scotland 6.36.28
3. Caitriona Strain, Ireland 7.41.47
4. Kate Charles, England 7.45.06
5. Colleen Antrobus, New Zealand 9.03.02
=5. Joanne Gowing, England 9.03.32
7. Kenwynne Barber, Wales 10.31.50
8. Kimi Puntillo, USA 10.41.35
9. Evelyn Haran, England 11.12.58
10. Terri Straiton, Canada 11.39.40
11. Ginny Turner, USA 12.26.20

Best regards,
Brent Weigner, Race Director
Sierra Trading Post Wyoming Marathon Races
Always on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend
http://www.angelfire.com/wy2/marathon/
RunWyo@msn.com

Umstead 100 Race Results Available on Website

The 2006 Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run Race Results are now available on
the Results website, _WWW.RGDWEB.COM/ultra/umstead/_
(http://www.RGDWEB.COM/ultra/umstead/) .
Individual results should be mailed in the next week along with pictures,
certificates, etc.
If you find any discrepancies, please let me know as soon as possible so
that I can investigate it.
Happy Trails,
Joe Lugiano
Race Statistician

Santa Barbara 9 Trails 2006

Friends, Entry for the 2006 Santa Barbara 9 Trails 35 Mile Endurance Run
is now open. Complete information and your application is available at
www.allwedoisrun.com Because we are limited to the first 100 runners,
this event will sell out fast. Please feel free contact me if you have
any questions or suggestions.
Luis Escobar
Get out there and run man, run!
www.AllWeDoIsRun.com
www.ReflectionsPhotographyStudio.com
www.LuisEscobar.photoreflect.com
Luis@ReflectionsPhotographyStudio.com
824 South Broadway
Santa Maria, Ca. 93454
805-922-2932
c/ 805-448-2782