PU: The Stank - 100 miles up and down Pikes Peak

Brandon, on his way to completing PU: The Stank
photo: Dave Labosky

"Pee-ew!”

When you hear someone say this, something in your olfactory senses tells you it must be very stanky, right? Well, yes, that is what should happen when you run up and down the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak four times and accumulate 100 miles along with 31,200+ feet of elevation! That is exactly what Team Colorado's own Brandon “The Stank” Stapanowich did this past weekend at the Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon in Manitou Springs, CO. This is not the first time he has accomplished it, either. Back in 2013, he completed Pikes Ultra, aka PU: The Stank after battling sub-zero temperatures and a few hours of sleep in the fetal position, hugging the compostable toilet at Barr Camp at 4am, to stay warm. He’s done the Inclinathon (13 times up and down the Manitou Incline, about a marathon in length), the UltraInclinathon and even one of the very few who has completed Nolan’s 14 in under 60 hours.

After coming off his new birthday adventure, a self-supported, 485-mile Colorado Trail record from Durango to Denver (DuDe) in 9 days, 14 hours, 28 minutes just a month ago, Brandon was keeping his next fantastical adventure quiet because he didn’t know how the body was going to be feeling after such a long effort. “It was something that I had a hard time committing to as I wasn’t sure if I’d be recovered enough from finishing Colorado Trail a month ago.” Stealthily, he jumped in the Pikes Peak Ascent on Saturday and said, “I went into it planning on just taking one lap at a time. That way, if the weather turned or my body wasn’t feeling right, there was no shame in stopping. The decision to go all in wasn’t made until around 9:00 pm as I came down from my second trip.” 

 

After finishing the self-supported 485-mile Colorado Trail, Brandon is satisfied.
photo: Alex "Axel" Nichols

'I can feel it coming in the air toniiiight, oh Lord!' We’re sure that song was going through his head.

"Making my way down to the Manitou Avenue roundabout, people were out enjoying their Saturday night, and I had a decision to make. I could go home, sleep, and come back in the morning for the marathon with a respectable 75 miles for the weekend and no one would care. Or, with 10 hours before the marathon start, I could complete my third lap in the darkness, maybe snag a couple winks of sleep, and be ready for the final trip in the morning. Still, probably no one would care, but I’d know that I’d chosen to do the hard thing.” 

Hard thing, indeed, because the thought of 100 miles with over 31,200+ feet of gain is not soft and most people barely make it up once. I, The Prez, personally completed the Pikes Peak Marathon & Ascent "Double" this past weekend. A big accomplishment, people tell me. But Brandon has set his struggle-meter and mental-flux-capacitor to Ludicrous Speed. After starting the Ascent on Saturday morning, finishing, running back down the mountain (while picked up trash, massaging cramping fellow-runner’s calves and cheering them on), then up immediately after and back down again for round two to complete the Double Roundtrip...then back up and down yet AGAIN through the night for the Triple! Ice Cube would have been thoroughly impressed with his weekend of messing around and getting a “triple double”. He wasn’t done yet! He got about 40 winks of sleep (maybe an hour) in his car and proceeded to complete the Pikes Peak Marathon start line on Sunday morning in order to complete The Quad, totaling 100 miles in 30 hours 7 minutes.

"Some people have asked 'why' and I still wonder the answer to that question. Then I wonder why do we do anything. I guess I just enjoy imposing challenges on my mind and body and the feeling of achievement when they work together to overcome a difficult situation. When the adversity is self-imposed, it often teaches me lessons that are applicable in other scenarios of my life where I feel like I have less control. I think for this Pikes Peak Quad trip, the lessons have been about choice and the experience of pain without suffering.

And if you think he’s just a wacky nut job like Van Gogh was when he cut off his year…YES, he is!! "I like to think of these escapades are a form of artistic expression. And like a poem or painting, the 'meaning' behind the best pieces aren’t concrete, but are left to the interpretation of the viewer. And like any artist, my hope is that it makes you feel something. Inspired, hopeful, motivated to push limits and challenge assumptions."

When he’s not running, he works full time as a children’s physical therapist in a program that serves special needs students in several schools in Manitou Springs, Cripple Creek and Woodland Park. He’s also the founder and developmental director of the Pikes Peak chapter of Achilles International, an all-inclusive running/walking/biking/moving group based in Colorado Springs. Brandon leads weekly group runs that pair dozens of disabled and able-bodied athletes and advocates active lifestyles to promote personal achievement and enhance self-esteem. Brandon admits he gets inspiration from a lot of people and places, but certainly his connection with the Achilles group is a big part of it.

So, if you think something like the Pikes Peak Ascent or Marathon, or even the double, are difficult, just remember that smell, that smell that surrounds you—that’s Brandon and the Pikes Ultra, aka PU: The Stank!  

Brandon after finishing The Stank in Manitou Springs
photo: Peter "The Prez" Maksimow

More adventures:

http://www.pikespeaksports.us/profiles/blogs/unpacking-the-colorado-trail-lessons-from-the-dude

http://www.pikespeaksports.us/profiles/blogs/unpacking-lessons-from-the-dude-part-2-miles-on-my-legs-voices-in?xg_source=activity

Team Colorado Welcomes Amanda "Smash'em" Basham --you better get out your helmets!

Name: Amanda "Smash'em Basham

Age: 26 years young

Hometown: Sweet Home...

Current residence: Manitou Springs, CO! 

Sponsors: Nike Trail, Nathan Sports, My Healtheats, VFuel

Personal Bests: 8 hours, 11 minutes at Cayuga Trails 50. I’ve ran faster 50’s but time is irrelevant from race to race. This one was by far my best accomplishment.

Notable Achievements: 2015 USATF 50 Mile Trail Champion, 2015 Squamish 50 – 3^rd female, 2015 Speedgoat 50k – 4^th female

Goals for 2016 and beyond: Top 2 at 2016 Gorge Waterfalls 100k (Get that golden ticket!) & 2016 Cayuga Trails 50 Champion!

Favorite trails: The Incline (Manitou Springs), Mesa Trail (Boulder, CO), Coastal Trail (Marin Headlands) & anything in the Wasatch Mountains.

Favorite workout: 800’s on the track. It feels good to run fast on a flat surface once in awhile.

Favorite races: The North Face 50 San Fran, Speedgoat 50k (in a very masochistic way). Portland Trail Series (Go Beyond Racing is the bomb.com!)

Favorite beer: None. I prefer cider or Pinot Noir.

Website/Blog: www.amandabasham.com

Why Trail/Mountain/Ultra Running?: Why not?!

Western States Endurance Run Training with Jared "The Youngster" Hazen

So your name got pulled in the Western States lottery. Congrats! In six months you'll get to toe the line at one of the most iconic footraces in the world. You'll start in Squaw Valley, encounter California's beautiful Sierra Nevada high country, rugged canyons, and hopefully land yourself in Auburn. But, before you encounter all that you'll need to get to the start line healthy and fit.

Running 100 miles is hard. Training for a hundred mile race is even harder! Maybe you have hired a coach to help you prepare. If you haven't, I'm going to give you some training advice that has helped me have successful runs from Squaw Valley to Auburn.

I've run Western States twice, in 2014 I finished 14th in 17 hours 29 minutes, in 2015 I was 3rd in 15 hours 37 minutes. I wouldn't contribute either of those finishes to luck. In 2014 I trained hard and learned a few important things on my first go around. The next year I trained harder and was able to put my course knowledge to work. You can see by the result above that hard work combined with some knowledge is very beneficial. The following advice is what has worked for me. You may not follow it exactly, but I hope you can find some of it helpful. So let's get to it!

The Youngster placing 3rd at the 2015 Western States 100                photo: Bryon Powell/iRunFar.com 

Before we start talking about training, you need to first make sure you are well rested and healthy. If you recently ran a big race, be sure to take a couple weeks of rest to get your energy levels topped off, you're going to need it. If you're injured, now's the time to do rehab and get healthy, not the time to be putting in miles. There's plenty of time yet, but if you nurse an injury along from now until May, you will be sorry.

If you are ready to start training, the next 6-8 weeks are a great time to just get out and put in some miles. Maybe train for a distance you don't run often, say a 5k to half marathon. You don't need to break the PR you set when you were in college. For now, I would recommend you limit your hard workouts to 1 a week. Also, getting out on your favorite trails is a great way to get your body ready for the training that is to come. If you’re going this route, don't fall into the trap of every run being an easy run. Add some climbing in there and don't be afraid to push it when you're feeling good. This is also a good time to strengthen your hips, and gluten, core (just ask the Prez). All of that will be important when you get into the heavy training. The goal here is to prepare you body for the hard training to come, but don't kill yourself now, you'll get to do that later! Start thinking of a tune up race you want to run in late March or early April. 50 miles to 100k is the perfect distance. Lake Sonoma is a great tune up if you don't mind the travel. Also, registering early will help keep you motivated through the winter months.

Jared sharing some trail time (and practicing his Japanese) with new friend, Koji Morimoto of Japan       photo: Hayley Hagen

February is a good time to start picking up the pace a bit. I would recommend running about 80% of the volume you normally do in the final month leading up to a big race. Up your workouts to 2 a week and add in a long run every 2 to 3 weeks. I've found that doing fewer long runs, but more volume on my other days is a good way to keep my legs under me while making sure they're ready to go the distance. Try increasing your warm ups before these workouts. You'll get in a few more miles and put a little fatigue in your legs without ruining your workout. It's important to remember that your body can only handle so many big, long efforts. Everyone is different, but I would err on the side of caution when it comes to the frequency you do long runs. My longest run before Lake Sonoma 50 was a 4 hr run and the race took me 6 hrs 30 min. Going into the race I felt fresh and in good shape. I wasn't in the best shape I had ever been, but I didn't need to be. Western States was my goal race and it was still two months away.

Some of my favorite types of workouts before a tune up race are shorter intervals with short rest, and tempo runs. My favorite example would be Rob Krar's Man Maker Workout (8x3 minutes with 1:30 jog rest in between on a 6-8% dirt road). Others would be 1 minute hard, 1 minute easy, or 30-40 minute tempo runs. These can be done on a sustained uphill, flat or rolling surface. Try doing some of your workouts on the terrain you'll encounter during your tune up race, it's important to be comfortable running fast on that terrain. Adding one downhill workout every two weeks is also a good idea. Best start getting those quads ready for Western States sooner rather than later! Examples would be 10-20 minutes of hard running on a non-technical downhill or 3-4 x 5 minute intervals on the same surface.

At this point in your training you should be feeling fit, but not fatigued. A one week taper for your tune up race and a two week recovery afterwards will be allow you to have a good race without sacrificing any fitness and be adequately recovered for your final block of training.

The Youngster, running like a Rabbit
photo: Tim Bergsten/PikesPeakSports.us

Your final block of training should be your hardest. You should have about 6-8 weeks to put in your final training followed by about a two week taper. You'll want to pick up your training where you left off before tapering for your tune up race. From here you'll want to gradually build to your max volume for the last two weeks of training. It's important to remember that you still have plenty of time. Be cautious of ramping up your training too quick and getting burned out in the middle of June. I like to transition to longer workouts with longer intervals and more rest. Examples would be 3-4 x 15 minutes with 5 minutes rest or 4-6 x 10 minutes with 5 minutes rest running hard uphill or on a flat surface. Don't worry so much about pace, just focus on working hard and make it hurt. 

I like to do a hard workout every other day, but the rest you take in between workouts is up to you. I still like to include tempo runs in my training but I make them a little bit longer. I usually would shoot for about 45 minutes of work in the beginning of the training block and an hour of work towards the end on my workout days. I also recommend doing a long warm up before these workouts. Including downhill workouts into the cycle is also important. I make every third workout a downhill day, usually looking for 30-45 minutes of hard downhill running. I like to do long runs every two weeks and include back-to-back long runs, such as 6 hours on Saturday and 4 hours on Sunday. I did that combo about 3 weeks out from Western States for my last long runs. 

Right about the middle of this training block is when you will probably begin to feel pretty tired. It's called “the grind”. Everyone experiences it. Stay tough and put in the work. You're just a few weeks away from a well-deserved taper. Hopefully, by now, you know what kind of taper works best for you. I like to start mine two weeks out, by cutting back my mileage to about 70% of max volume. One week out I cut it back to 40% of max. I like to continue doing workouts until about 1 week before the race. During these workouts I try to put in about 20-30 minutes of work while keeping the intensity high. I prefer to go into a race 90% rested rather than feeling like I'm sluggish and have lost fitness. I also like to take the day before the race off.

As you begin your taper it’s a good time to start thinking about how you want to run the race. I'll post another blog with helpful tips on how to race The Western States Endurance Run along with some course insight. Until then good luck and happy trails! 

Jared "The Youngster" Hazen

A Tale of Two Toilets

     One of my favorite hobbies when visiting a new town is to get one of those "Maps of the Stars". Unfortunately this was Indianapolis, so I had to settle for the next best thing. Finding the best temporary restrooms that the hub of the Midwest had to offer. 

My quest now focused, I had to set up a game-plan on where to find the most outstanding human waste receptacles. The desk clerk at the La-Quinta, Darren (I made this up, he looked like a Darren though), mentioned a half marathon was being held the following day. Holy porta-potty Christmas! I rushed down to the race expo and promptly signed up for the half marathon. 

The biggest fear I had was that I would not be able to review the porta-johns in their pristine near mint condition. Come on you can't review fairly review one at Day 4 of Bonnaroo. To get my first choice I snuck up to the starting line and waited for the gun. I hid amongst the lead group of runners for 6 miles passing 6 mile mark in approximately 29:50. There it was. Just as I had imagined. Nestled in a row of identicals. 
My review follows.

Porta-Potty #1
Location: Pennsylvania & 21 st
Condition: 5, perfect logged service record, fully functioning spin lock
Neighborhood: 4.5 residential, admittedly a bit squeezed for space with approximately 15 others pressed together
Technology: 3.5, I reserve 4+ for ones that have a wind powered fan integrated into the windows
Odor: 4.5 , blue smelling
Availability: 3, the first two were occupied or permanently locked 
Recommend to others: a great representative to Indianapolis

Exiting the first stop I returned to running with a group of men who were running roughly 5:20 per mile, towards the next porta-john. Worried this group might delay my next review I allowed them run ahead of me starting from about the 8 mile mark. 

Porta-Potty #2
Location: Meridian & 30th st
Condition: 4, definitely more utilitarian than style oriented
Neighborhood: 4, classic mixed-use industrial just outside downtown neighborhood ripe for gentrification, only 2 other porta-johns shared this space
Technology: 3, basic clean good representation of the minimalist urban design theme
Odor: 5*, the asterisk is for the fact that it was pretty windy at this point and clearly played a role in this category, but maybe that's what the race organizers had in mind
Availability: 5, first try, no knocking or aggressive door pulls during my review
Recommend to others: a must for the adventurous voider

Finding myself about 3 miles to the finish of the event, I couldn't justify not finishing the event. I ran the obligatory final three miles as the official time clock read 1:11:something.  I can honestly say that Indianapolis was a surprisingly great review site. I would like to thank my sponsors Charmin and Indianapolis Metro Waste Systems for allowing me to pursue my goals, dreams and basic human needs. 
-Real Deal Neil McD

Michele "Bomb 'chele" Yates talks about Western States 100, Babies, Health and Ultrarunning

Team Colorado's Michele "Bomb 'chele" Yates was ready for Western States 100 after the birth of her daughter, Maya, but unforeseen health issues that have spiraled out of control forced her to withdraw. We haven't heard from Michele in some time, so we reached out to see how she was doing.

Bomb 'chele, it's been a while, we miss you! We are bummed to see you were forced to withdraw from WS100. How did you feel going into it? What were the circumstances that lead to the eventual withdrawal?

Oh man, I was soooo ready for Western States (or so I thought!). My climbing ability had significantly increased and I was super excited to test out my skills. Postpartum issues were pretty much no longer, and I felt strong. Although I felt these things, a few days before we left, I also felt like something was wrong. I have thyroid disease I inherited it from my dad (we found this out when I tanked at Rocky Raccoon 2014 before I got pregnant). I told myself 'whatever I needed to do to get on that starting line with a smile'. I figured it's too late to do anything about it now. Eventually, the extreme sleepiness I felt would take me out of the race. I was forced to have a "pacer" with me (in which I choose my hubby to run behind me, be quiet and make sure I didn't fall off a cliff :) I kept getting stopped at medical checks, so in order to speed up the process, I just kept my hubby with me. A day later when we returned to Colorado I saw my doc at Boulder Sports Medicine. Turns out my TPO anitbodies were in the 500's. They are supposed to be BELOW 9! Thus indicating a severe infection (my thyroid was destroying itself). A few other levels were off, too. I'm told that with levels that high, it typically means other autoimmune diseases are in play.

Preggers!        photo: Bomb 'chele

What is the situation with your health now?

My health would take a turn for the worst this past month. I had days were I couldn't even pick up my baby. The fatigue, depression, and weakness were almost unbearable. I was told anytime I step on the starting line, I would only have a 50/50 chance at performing. There is no cure for this disease, you can only try to manage it, but we would also have to take it a day at a time to see if I may have another disease or possibly cancer, too. Well, about a week ago I stared feeling better. I was able to get out of bed, and I am able to run some. So hoping for the best and still working with doctors.

We have seen a lot of athletes, particularly ultra runners, really suffer some detrimental health issues, even at the top of their careers (thinking of Geoff Roes, in particular). Do you think ultra running has something to do with this phenomenon? Running until your adrenal glands or kidneys give out or you become so dehydrated that your are negatively affecting your health is not exactly smart, right?

Yes, I think we push too hard sometimes or maybe just don't rest enough! I don't blame anyone--I love this sport and I think we all do and we have this uncontrollable passion when the trail are calling our names! My approach is to include cardio cross training and recovery days in my program so I know "this is the time I need to enjoy days off and this is the time I need to work hard." Although my adrenals were checked and they are working well for now! Yeah, it's just the infection and disease that needs to be managed.

So, you think there is a way to be more cautious about ultra training/racing with out causing
irreparable health issues? It can be done in training but a 100 mile race is still a 100 mile race?

Well, mine is inherited...however with the adrenal fatigue, etc., yes, I think structure in your training is a great idea. Build in recovery days and truly listen to your body. What is listening to your body? Do you have muscle tightness, soreness you don't normally? Yoga-roll out and ice bath. Are you sick- cold, sinus or respiratory infection? Don't work out!!! Rest!!! As I get older, I realize the importance of nutrition! Take care of yourself. What you put in is what you will get out!!!

You know when Michele is in the race, it is going to be fast.
photo: Dork Bros (hometown sponsors of Bomb 'chele)

Do you think running long distances so far into your pregnancy or so soon after giving birth contributed to where you are now? 

Nope, as far as the thyroid goes--yes it could have been birth that raised my levels so high but it doesn't have much to do with the sickness. Also, I feel as if I rested well in between and the hubby and I were a good team for my running comeback and taking care of Maya.

What would you do differently?

I don't think I would do anything differently at all. I really felt like I executed well. The only thing I think I would have to change is my mentality a bit. When I raced Black Canyon (2.5 months post-partum) I took a hard fall because my core stability just wasnt there yet. I needed to recognize that I can't eat/drink and run over technical terrain at the same time and if I am able to have another baby, I would do everything the same but take note on that only try to fuel when the terrain allows or stop and take care of myself then continue running.

What are your thoughts on Overtraining Syndrome?

Overtraining, geesh, it's such a tricky thing for some elites because we want to push that redline but not redline! So I think, again, if you build in recovery days to your program (and I believe you should have some structure, I know some people like to just go run trails every day, but again, that is where you aren't taking note of how much mileage you are putting in, nor are you resting enough, most likely). Everyone gets caught up from time to time in this awesome sport, it's learning from those mistakes and/or listening to your body that will keep your running life long.

What is the one race you want to run in your lifetime? 

I'd like to do UTMB, I was offered to this year but passed it up because Maya is still young, next year for sure if given the opportunity.

What are your thoughts on doping in ultra running? Do you think it is happening? There are "recreational drugs" going on (mainly Mary Jane: like in Half Baked: Jon Stewart Enhancement Smoker "Ever done an ultra? Ever done an ultra…ON WEED!?). Do you think that is the same thing?

I believe any race that is a national, world event or has prize money the runners should be tested! I do believe it's going on and I'm not sure about marajuana because I've never tried it but I know it's given to those who are in pain for medical purposes to ease the pain so if that is the case than I'd say it's cheating but again I'm not educated enough on that.

Fair enough. Don't do drugs, kids!

Thanks Michele! We hope for the best with your health and can't want to see you out there again, wrecking havoc on the trails! 

Michele, ready to get back to work!                                   photo: Bomb 'chele

Andy "Flying Kick" Wacker 7 min late the the start of the Barr Trail Mountain Race…No Problem!

Flying Kick flies down the Barr Trail en route to the most exciting finish in BTMR history!  pic: Tim Bergsten/PikesPeakSports.us

"Yeah, I was late, you should try it some time!"

With all the attention about Barr Trail Mountain Race recently, I figure I'd like to write why everyone should run next year.


1) Post Race - Free pulled pork (or veggie) from Front Range Barbecue, Pineapp-Ale Wheat beer from Manitou Brewing Co. Not hungry? How about free massage to work out the kinks from the downhill. I was literally walked on by a masseuse!


2) Organization - Coming from someone who started 7 minutes late and still had flawless packet pickup, this is scary efficient. Plus a mustachioed race director in cheetah board shorts. (Go #TeamColorado)


3) Pike's Peak and Barr Trail - This is an amazing course, like nothing else it the world (and I've been around!).


4) Charity - The aid stations are operated by local high school cross country and track teams that compete for funding. Hard to choose between Minions, Jurassic Park and kids in tee-shirt tuxedos handing you Gatorade!


So next year, race it, and don't be late or Runner's World might embarrass you!


Andy "Flying Kick" Wacker 

Barr Trail Mountain Race

The 2015 BTMR top 5 men (and some guy is cheetah shorts, a mustache and a lot of red!)

Team Colorado Makes History at the 55th Mt. Washington Road Race, Monopolizes Podiums, Has Fun Doing It

Team Colorado takes the whole enchilada!       photo: Joe Viger (unofficial official Team Colorado photographer)

Team Colorado makes history at the 55th Mt. Washington Road Race this past weekend with some impressive performances. This 7.6 mile course starts on the Mt. Washington Road in Pinkham Notch, NH and climbs over 4,500 ft to the summit at 6,288 ft, with an average grade of 12%, some extended 18% grades and a big slap in the face with the finishing 22% grade at the very end lovingly named the "Wall".

Brandy "Mile-a-Minute" Erholtz conquers the dreaded 22% "Wall"                                        photo: Joe Viger 

New to Team Colorado--but no newbie--Summer Intern #1 Andy "Flying Kick" Wacker finished 2nd in 1:00:59, Zach "Banana Boy" Miller loaded up on bananas and beets to take 3rd in 1:03:15, Peter "The Prez" Maksimow broke into the top 5 (finally) with his 5th place in 1:03:55, 3X winner and masters champion, Simon "Gute" Gutierrez, was close on The Prez's tail (yes, he has a tail) with his 6th place 1:04:02, and 2X winner, Sub-1 hour Club and our favorite nomad, Rickey "Heavenly" Gates rounded out the 5 Team Coloradans with his 7th place in 1:05:25. That's right, we took 5 of the top 7 spots! The men's combined time was 5:17:36, the 2nd fastest team time behind our own 2012 team course record time of 5:12:28. We celebrated the Men's Open Team Championship by drinking out of Wacker's silver bowl trophy! 

Eric "Quadzilla" Blake looks on as Andy puts his bowl to good use. Heal up Eric, we missed you out there! photo: Le Prez

Above shots by Gianina Lindsey/SNAPacidotic

Team Colorado men (minus Heavenly) say "we live at this finishing altitude, why was that so difficult!     photo: Joe Viger

The performance of the weekend has to go to the Team Colorado Ladies as they swept all the top spots and set a NEW WOMEN'S OPEN TEAM RECORD of 3:44:13. Kim "Queen of Uphill" Dobson reigns once again with her overall win in 1:11:39, Brandy "Mile-a-Minute" Erholtz followed in 2nd  1:15:34 (a past Mt. Washington Champ), Laura "Honey Bee" Haefeli completed the trifecta with her 3rd place finish in 1:17:00 (also, a Mt. W Champ, seeing the pattern here?), and Donna "Gar-Gute" Gutierrez holding the team together with her 52nd place, 1:40:33. 

Laura "Honey Bee" Haefeli rounds out the top 3 Team Coloradans in 3rd Overall     photo: Joe Viger

Truly, the Queen of Uphill             photo: Joe Viger

Donna "Gar-Gute" Gutierrez puts steepness into perspective.    Photo: Gute

Huge congrats to the ladies for their New Team Record! Rewriting the record books one race at a time! They are also nurturing future Team Coloradans!

Congratulatory remarks also to 95 year old finisher, George Etzweiler, and new American Record holder, Joe Gray, clocking a 58:15 and all who were conquered the Hill, were on the other side of a camera lens or were there to support. This is what mountain running is all about! And then there was celebration and beer….