Runner Comments
Comments below are from the 2008 race. Page will
be updated with 2009 inputs. Check back in March 2010.
First Ultras
All 15 first timers finished the 50 Mile; 11 out of 12
first timers finished the 50K.
"Thanks very much for a very well run race. The organization and
commitment you and your race staff showed to the runners was impressive and much
appreciated. Your hard work and dedication made my goal of running a 50 mile
ultra feasible and safe. Please share my appreciation with all your staff.
Beautiful, VERY hilly course. Impressively well run, well organized race crew.
This type of distance is very physically challenging and thus can be dangerous.
I can say from first hand experience that I thought the runners in this race
were in good hands."
-- Baker Clayton, 18th in 50 Mile
"I just wanted to thank you and all the
volunteers for a wonderful race this Saturday. This was my first ultra and I
absolutely loved it. The organization of the race was fantastic and the
friendliness and efficiency of the aid stations really made a difference.
Stunning views, a good but doable challenge, well organized, great aid stations,
great after race chicken soup!"
-- Christina Friedman, 15th in 50 Mile
Beautiful scenery - awesome support
group - hills and more hills
-- Dawn McGriff, 30th in 50 Mile
"This was my first ultra so I don't have
a lot to compare it to, but I found the course challenging. I thought it was a
nice mix offering everything from monster hills to huge down hills and
everything in between. Very well organized. The volunteers were extremely
helpful and supportive. But best of all, the scenery was breath taking."
-- Jeff Carr, 8th in 50 Mile
"This was my first ultra and it was a
wonderful experience. The volunteers were extremely helpful and knowledgeable,
the course marking was superb, the other runners were friendly, scenery was
gorgeous. I would tell them it is quite hilly though!"
-- Michael Clements, 10th in 50 Mile
"Great course, hospitality, camaraderie... my
favorite marathon course - fun hills and scenery. Good for the family -
most they've ever been able to see me on a race course, and they enjoyed
cheering for all of the runners."
-- Chris Bord, 11th in 50K
"The race course was challenging but
enjoyable. Finishing it gives you a great sense of accomplishment and the views
along the course were spectacular."
-- Joshua Thomson, 4th in 50K
Experienced Ultrarunners
"The Age graded metals were a great idea. It gave the
runners a solid goal to shoot for and something to achieve rather than
just a finish, and a medal for finishing. I know it was a part of my
strategy. I'd keep this as a part of the race."
-- William McGovern, 5th in 50 Mile
"Thanks for
the opportunity to provide feedback on the race. First off, you did a
tremendous job directing this event. Things went very well for me this
year as well as last year, so kudos to you. In addition these events
could never happen without the help of volunteers and they all did a
fantastic job, always cheerful and always looking to help you out.
Please extend my thanks to each and every one of them."
-- Paul Doody, 14th in 50 Mile
"Scenic, Friendly, Good Roads with generally little to
no traffic. Lots of hills. Hard. Course was very well marked. You would
have to be brain dead to get off course."
-- Bill LaDieu, 22nd in 50 Mile
"Beautiful course, well-organized, small crowd,
manageable course, runnable except for the 13 minute walk up Bobble, you
get to run with some incredibly talented runners and awesome people.
Love the tech shirts, the volunteers at the aid stations."
-- Donny Andreas, 23rd in 50 Mile
"My sincere thanks for putting on a great
race... everyone was as helpful and upbeat as you could possibly wish...
I most definitely will attempt to come back next year and will spread
the word re what a great event you put on... not to mention the beauty
you witness on the course with the amazing colors and scenery of
autumn... I can't think of any changes I would recommend... the food,
shirt, awards and most of all the hospitality was first rate, my very
sincere thanks for all your hard work."
-- Pat Riccardi; 5th in 50K
