Subject: Bridle Trails 50 Km, Results and Article From: "Ron Nicholl" Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2002 07:10:08 -0900 Bridle Trails Twilight 50Km Kirkland, WA January 12, 2002 Horse Riding Trails 2,100 Feet of Elevation Gain 1. Jim O'Brien 4:46:48 2. Georgia Daniels(F) 5:03:29 3. Tony Phillippi 5:03:29 4. Mark Hartinger 5:13:52 5. James Gifford 5:15:18 6. Dom Repta 5:15:51 7. Patrick Hinds, B.C. 5:16:14 8. Pete Hansen 5:18:38 9. John Robinson 5:23:05 10. Rob Smith, B.C. 5:25:21 11. Eb Engelmann 5:32:15 12. Wade Repta 5:37:06 13. Dave Dutton 5:50:34 14. Tony Andrews 5:53:36 15. Jerel Frauenheim 5:55:11 16. Karen King(F) 5:56:13 17. Dimitri Kieffer 5:56:55 18. Tony Covarrubias 5:57:16 19. Rob Hollister 6:09:02 20. Janet Stadshaug(F) 6:09:09 21. Jamshid Khajavi 6:15:31 22. Robert Lynes 6:26:03 23. Steve Frederickson 6:32:57 24. Fred Stafford 6:32:57 25. Cheri Gillis(F) 6:33:57 26. Lynne Werner(F) 7:00:52 27. Janine Duplessis(F) 7:02:04 28. John Wagner 7:02:04 29. Lary Webster 7:11:18 30. John Pierce 7:41:47 31. Dori Robertson(F) 7:41:49 32. Jay Yancey 7:44:40 33. Don Funk 7:53:55 34. Linda White(F) 7:53:55 35. Ron Nicholl 8:01:42 36. Tom Ripley 8:06:04 Course Sweep 37. Chris Ralph(F) 8:06:04 Course Sweep 52 Starters Jim O'Brien and Georgia Daniels won their respective divisions in this seventh annual Bridle Trails Twilight 50 Km. Records were not threatened due to this years trail conditions. Jim finished with a 17 minute lead over Tony Phillippi and Georgia, who tied for second overall. Mark Hartinger and Jamie Gifford followed them for the top five. This twilight run is most unique in the Northwest. The first lap was the only one run in the twilight as darkness quickly arrived for the next five laps of the 50 kilometers. The dark threatening skies even caused some to use flashlights on the first loop this year. The recent heavy rains also made the trail very muddy as portions that are normally dry joined the mud sections. The race, originated by race directors Chris Ralph and Tom Ripley as a trainer for other races, is mostly wide and open trail, designed for horses. However, the horse hoof is more oblivious to the mud and other trail complements than the running shoe. The course is relatively flat and would be very fast if not for the mud and darkness. All of which contributes to the challenge and ultrarunning "fun." In review, the question is how many ways can mud be described? The first year of the race there was standing water over a long section of the northeast corner of the park. That prompted Ray Gruenewald to ponder the true meaning of "Roe vs. Wade." We didn't have that much water this year but we did have lots of mud that turned into ooze with the passage of runners. There were several instances where the situation could be compared to slogging through a construction site with 6" of freshly poured concrete. No stopping, just maintain momentum and move through before it set up. The race's popularity goes beyond the challenge of the running conditions or the twilight start but to the camaraderie. The passing or getting passed by other runners is like a 24 hour race. Everyone has a chance to see everyone else. Sometimes, even identifying who is coming by the splashing sound coming from behind. Often, running alone with just the mud and glow sticks, it was easy to occasionally think that one was being overtaken, only to step aside and discover that it was the light of a stationary glow stick just passed, not an overtaking flashlight. The lighted oasis aid station set up by the large horse ring was a welcome sight at the completion of each lap. All runners were greeted to the excellent food and hot soup that has become synonymous with the Bride Trails 50Km. Thanks to Linda Ripley and her able staff. Al Schuehle had set up a great timing program and the results, including splits, were e-mailed to all runners, even before some were home from the late night finish. Thanks to Al and his helpers. Mary Wellborne, Park Ranger for the Bridle Trails State Park was once again on hand to help ensure the success of the race. Last but not least a big thanks to Chris and Tom for making a loop ahead of us to mark the trail and then sweeping down the glow sticks after the last runner. The Bridle Trails Twilight 50Km was once again a huge success. Mud or no mud, the race is undoubtedly the most unique in the Northwest. The sell out aspect of the race attests to that. Ron Nicholl ============== Ron Nicholl ronn@wolfenet.com 907-830-4437