From owner-ultra@caligari.Dartmouth.EDU Wed May 28 08:41:07 1997 Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 08:28:28 -0800 To: ius-l@american.edu, ultra@caligari.Dartmouth.EDU From: "Larry Gassan" Subject: BISHOP HIGH SIERRA 50/30: The Big Story [fwd] Marie Boyd, Race Director. Boyds@qnet.com Subject: BISHOP HIGH SIERRA 50/30 RACE RESULTS AND WRAP-UP God looked down kindly at the field of 106 runners lined up to start the 4th annual BHS50/30 and as requested, provided a sunny day, with temperatures hovering in the 90's by early afternoon, no snow or hurricane force winds, as in previous years. Runners had come from several western states, Indiana and Switzerland to try their luck on a demanding high altitude course, and they were not disappointed with the conditions She provided. The race, which is sponsored by the Northern Inyo Hospital Foundation, raised funds for "extras" in the Outpatient Chemotherapy Department and Pharmacy. The Hospital's Chief Pharmacist for many years, George Forbes, died after a lengthy illness, and a memorial fund was established in his memory. Over $3000 was raised from both races, and proceeds will be used towards the purchase of a comfortable armchair for Chemotherapy patients, and special equipment in Pharmacy to prepare Chemotherapy treatments. Ben Hian, returning record holder, was unable to break his old time, because of a short rest break at the 45 mile to check on Gabriel Flores, who was feeling the heat. Ben missed his old mark by 20 seconds! The winning time of 6:55:44 still reflects a superb effort on a demanding course. Gabriel joined him at the finish line in 7:06:34, shortly joined by Mark Marcelli in 7:41:12. Mark's time included a short overshooting of the Edison Loop, in which he took 4 other runners with him! The course was quickly re-marked more clearly by aid station crew, and no other runners had problems at that spot. Elaina McMahon, an Over The Hill Runner from Ridgcrest defended her 1996 win in 8:52:56. She looked strong at the finish, smiling and had really enjoyed the cooler temperatures at the high end of the course.Second woman finisher, Julie Duff, turned in 9:20:32, also looking strong and relaxed at the finish. As the day wore on, the remaining runners drifted in, hot, sweaty, out-of-breath, muttering incantations, praises, threats and dirty jokes to the Race Director! Most headed for the hose or the Millpond to cool down and wash off. A post-race picnic of soup, baked potatoes, salad, bread rolls, fruit, pastries, drinks and other snacks greeted the tired runners. The 41 entrants all finished the 30k "fun run". Winning times reflected an accurate re-measuring of the course, which is now 30.7k or 19.1 miles. Tracey Moreno from Mammoth Lakes once again was the outright winner in 2:47, followed closely by David Galbreath, also of Mammoth Lakes in 2:52. Most runners enjoyed the additional distance, which took them further up the 50mile course, to be greeted by Herm Spencer, the Northern Inyo Hospital Administrator,at the Buttermilk Rd Aid Station. Several rattle snakes were seen, including one which very aggressvely defended its' turf in the middle of the road. The two ladies who needed to pass by did so at record pace, and finished the 50 mile race in outstanding style! All runners were awestruck by the beauty of the Sierras in late Spring. Most have promised, or threatened, to return next year to try their luck on one of the toughest 50 mile courses in California, if not on the entire West coast. Chris Marti and his wife, Ursula joined the race from Zurich, Switzerland, having seen it advertised in Ultrarunning. Several e-mails back and forth, and we had the honor of their participation in the race, now an international event! The race provided superb training for several runners planning to attend Western States 100, Leadville 100, Vermont 100 and Angeles Crest 100, with its' combination of hills, 7200' of vertical gain, half of the course above 7000' elevation, and changeable weather. Runners were supported by 16 aid stations, Ham Radio communications, Search and Rescue, medical support, and the finest aid station crews to be found. A pleasant surprise was the appearance of Dave and Lane Cooper from Lafayette, Indiana. Lane is 8 years old, and by special agreement with Dad and the Race Director, was allowed to enter the race. This talented young runner will be seen at several races this season, and has many ultras to his credit already. Wisely, Dave and Lane opted for the 30k race, with Lane leading the way in 5:22, with Dad close behind in 5:26. All runners agreed the day had been an outstanding success - funds were raised, huge amounts of food and drinks were consumed and an exhausted Race Director, after waiting for the last three runners (on a 14 hour sprint) packed up the truck and headed for home. Already, thoughts of even more fun are being entertained - wonder if anyone would be interested in a 50k, with a turnaround at the Edison Loop (No - it would not include the actual loop!) Watch for further developments, see you all next year. Marie Boyd, Race Director. Boyds@qnet.com Larry Gassan l_gassan@beachnet.com Larry Gassan Art Direction SoCal UltraRunner's Grand Prix Series 7453 Oakwood Ave, LA CA 90036 213-655-8177 213-655-9532 fax ======Visit the Series home-page at:======