WESTERN STATES 100
Oh boy. WSER is here! WSER! Coming this Saturday, June 23rd at 5:00 am! For those of you who might not know, the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run is “the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race.” It starts in Squaw Valley, CA, “near the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics and ends at 100.2 miles later in Auburn, CA.” “Following the historic Western States Trail, runners climb more than 18,000 feet and descend nearly 23,000 feet before they reach the finish line at Placer High School in Auburn. In the miles between Squaw Valley and Auburn, runners experience the majestic high country beauty of Emigrant Pass and the Granite Chief Wilderness, the crucible of the canyons of the California gold country, a memorable crossing of the ice-cold waters of the main steam of the Middle Fork of the American River, and, during the latter stages, the historic reddish-brown-colored trails that led gold-seeking prospectors and homesteading pilgrims alike to the welcoming arms of Auburn. For more than four decades, Western States has been home to some of the sport’s most stirring and legendary competitions, and has spurred the capacity of spirit of all runners, of all abilities and from all walks of life, from all over the globe.” iRunFar sums it up in, “One hundred (point two) miles, 18,000 feet of climb, 22,000 feet of descent, high-country altitude and technical terrain, oppressive canyons heat, 44 years of history, the original 100-mile trail foot race, interesting storylines from the front of the race to the back of the pack, and always some expected variables mixed in: the 2018 Western States 100 is almost here.”
Why are we more excited than ever to follow along? Because our babe, who has recently transplanted to California – Corrine Malcolm – will be racing!! Plus Nikki Buurma will be pacing a portion of it alongside her, and new teammate, Thomas will be out there spectating!
iRunFar has a couple great articles out on the Women’s and Men’s Preview/s. Check out the Women’s Preview HERE! and the Men’s Preview HERE! Meghan Hicks writes, “We expect that both the women’s and men’s front-of-the-pack races will have fascinating dynamics…In the women’s field, we have three past champions, a couple women who’ve knocked closely on the door of the podium before, several women who know how to finish in the top 10 like it’s their job, a goodly number of gals who don’t flinch in the toughest conditions, and some up-and-comers among whom someone is sure to break into the highest echelon of trail ultrarunning.” Malcolm is mentioned on the list of likely contenders, with Hicks writing, “Corrine Malcolm has the potential to run herself into the women’s top 10. In the last year or so, Corrine’s top performances have been a fourth at the 2017 Leadville Trail 100 Mile, a seventh at the 2018 Way Too Cool 50k, and a win of the 2018 Canyons 100k.”
As fans & geeks of running, we are excited to follow along, especially for some of our faves – duh, Corrine, Courtney Dauwalter, Jim Walmsley, Tim Freriks, Jared Hazen, Eric Senseman (I mean all the Coconino Cowboys…)..too many incredible athletes to name. Ok, who are we kidding, we’re excited for each and every freaking one of them.
iRunFar is one of the best avenues for following along. They’ll be livecasting the event on their Twitter feed. Tracking is also available through ultralive.net!
PADDEN TRIATHLON
On Saturday, June 23rd, Leighton Overson will compete at the Padden Triathlon, which includes a 1/2 mile swim, 21 mile bike ride and 5.2 mile run. The swim will take place in Lake Padden; the bike ride will head out on Samish Way, to Lake Samish Dr., hanging out out there on Old Samish Rd. before Chuckanut Drive, Old Fairhaven Pkwy, 36th St. and back to Samish Way, re-entering Lake Padden. The run will comprise of two laps at Lake Padden. Good luck Leighton!
IRONMAN COEUR d’ALENE 70.3
Opting out of the Padden Triathlon, David Larpenteur will compete at the Ironman Coeur d’Alene in Idaho on Sunday, June 24th. The one-lap swim takes place in Lake Coeur d’Alene; the bike leg has a gain of 3,445 ft.; the run has a gain of 414 ft. Feeling primed after his first 70.3 of the season at Victoria, David is set up well!
SCOTIABANK VANCOUVER 1/2 MARATHON
Sunday, June 24th is also host to the Scotiabank Vancouver 1/2 Marathon, a favorite of BDP’s. Alongside teammate, Derek Thornton, Amber Morrison is on the hunt for a new 1/2 PR. Courtney Olsen will also be racing. The 1/2 takes off at 7:30 am, which will be nice in beating the heat, at East Mall near the Thunderbird Arena. The race will traverse SW Marine Drive, Chancellor, down the hill to Spanish Banks, Locarno Beach, Jericho Beach, rounding several corners to come to Burrard Bridge, heading west to Stanley Park and the finish line. The course isn’t the fastest, with some big climbs, including Burrard Bridge’s ascent at 18k, but the three are ready for the challenge!
