March 15th on Chuckanut Mountain 350 runners toe the line for the fast, flat start, then will enjoy trail for 19 miles. The final 6 are a fast flat finish! Mens Race Scott Jurek 3-1. His fast Way Too Cool time tells us he’s in shape even with only one week recovery Brian Morrison 7-2. Right on Scott’s heels, and still has the power to squeak by Scott if he has a good day. Ryne Melcher 7-1. Fast times all around in the past and should hang close behind Matt Simms, Josh Mulkey, Bryan Dayton and Sam Thompson should round out the top 7! These Four guys’ odds are all 12-1 Womens Race Devon Crosby-Helms 2-1. Hands down the fastest in the field, should prevail with ease Kathleen Harri 5-1.Previous winner has her hands full but won’t be far behind Alison Hanks 10-1. Local Speedster, and should be challenged by [...]

We were missing a few of the mens’top seeds on the starting line, but nonetheless the competition was fierce at the front. Without Carpenter and Burell, Erik Skaggs led the odds list when the line was toed, but Todd Braje was the first to toe the finish line with a 3:32.12! Six runners finished under 3:40, making it one of the most exciting WTC races ever. I may have not predicted the mens winner, but, Susannah Beck kept my race predictions honest…and breaking the legendary Ann Trason’s record by almost 4 minutes! Susannah has made here mark on the Ultra scene with her second win in a few weeks. Only 24 men avoided getting “chicked” with Susannnah’s time of 3:55.22! Bev Abbs and Joelle Vaught both had stellar performances as well running 4:07.08 and 4:10.14 respectively. Results: http://www.capitalroadrace.com/results/08_WTC_OVL.HTM

This race will hands down be the most competitive 50k so far this year with at least 4 runners with the ability to go under 3:30 on the rolling singletrack. Ulli Steidl’s record will remain safe at 3:18+, (in my opinion) but the Cool Champion will be close. I predict a 3:24.20 for the men! And a slick 4:01.18 for the women, narrowly missing Ann Trason’s record.Trason’s 3:59 could be in danger! Mens Race Matt Carpenter 5-2. He is the man, but his hands are full Galen Burrell 4-1. Sub 4 at Pikes Peak Multiple times Erik Skaggs4-1. 50k is his distance, and has the speed to compete Rich Hanna 5-1. Former WTC record holder at 3:31 ish,fast marathoner Bradley Mongold 7-1.Narrowly missed record last month at Holiday Lake Lewis Taylor 8-1. Won it last year in 3:41 Scott Jurek 8-1. 3:30 potential but not a focus race Eric Grossman [...]