This is the last chance to gain entry into the Western States Track Meet.
So how about we throw some odds for this years race:
Mens Race: Dave Mackey 3-1. Mac Daddy doesn’t run too many ultras, but usually comes in ready to fly, perhaps he’s looking at the WS 100 in June? He said he’d never run another 100! Scott Jurek 4-1. Scott knows how to win, and if he’s ready, he’ll be on Dave’s heels from the start. Hal Koerner 7-1. If he’s fit, he’s in it for sure, he may have some issues now, so really he’s the mystery man, he may stay in Oregon at Rogue Valley Runners. Erik Skaden 7-1. Erik has certainly proven he’s ready to race with the big boys, he’s already in Western so the pressure is off of him, but I’d love to see him win it! Thomas Reiss 8-1. Flies under the radar, and on the trail too, he has a chance on a great day. John Olsen 9-1. Proved himself last year with a stellar 15:46 ish run at theRio Del Lago 100. Lewis Taylor 9-1. Not sure if he can hang for 62 miles, he’ll have to prove himself here. Guillermo Medina 12-1. Solid performances, but not quite fast enough to win it. Sean Meissner 12-1. Sometimes he’s on, sometimes not, we’d like to see him on. Mike Wolfe 14-1. Another guy with the talent, but doesn’t race enough. Ryne Melcher 15-1. Still waiting to bust one out! Mark Tanaka 17-1. Local Favorite. Others: Jeff Browning, Alan Abbs, Rob Evans, Jean Pommier, Paul Sweeney. I’m sure I missed a few, so any assistance would be great! Women’s Race Kami Semick 3-1. This is her kind of course, she’ll prevail unless she has a bad day. Beverly Anderson-Abbs 5-1. She’ll prevail if Kami has a bad day. She’ll have to nail it to beat Kami. It should be a two women race for the title, but here’s what I came up with for the rest: Helen Cospolich 8-1. Loves hills, Miwok is her friend in those regards. Caren Spore 12-1. When she’s on, she’ll surprise us. Betsy Nye 14-1. My sentimental favorite. Rena Schumann 15-1. Another strong woman in the field to round out the top 6. Chigaya Mase from Japan appears to be the mystery woman! Don’t forget the Speedgoat 50k on July 26th, 12,000′ of fabulous climbing on my home turf. And don’t forget to hit this link to my latest adventure along with other La Sportiva Ultrarunner Jared Campbell…thanks Jared! Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4N8LE66nSY
Click the goat for 15% off at Backcountry.com
Watch out for Gary Robbins from BC. Ran a 4:22 at Diez Vista last month.
Mike Wolfe is the two time defending US Trail 50 Mile Champion and you give him worse odds than a recent 2:48 marathoner. Show Montana some respect.
My money is on Mackey. More than likely he is fresh and ready. Could be a dog fight between him and Jurek, or Mackey could just be totally on and smoke it. I would also like to see Skaden win. I think his time is coming this year where it all falls together for him, particularly at States.
I give Mike Wolfe all the respect in the world, I raced him at Bighorn last year, and yes he is fast. He doesn’t race much, and this race is slightly different. I would put some $$ on him if I were you (helena) you could make the big payday! I’ve also heard Reiss and Meissner are not really gonna run hard so put Mike ahead of them!
Nice to see that I could add a little excitement to this post! You’re right Karl, Thomas and I are running together and definitely not going for broke…but if we’re feeling good in the second 1/2…
It’s all about the second half
Thanks for the video, Karl! I took pictures on my run around Bryce a few years ago and made a neat slide show - but I like your video concept! Keep having fun and make more of these!
New videos should be found roughly every week, as I tour around and make new stuff. They will be found at whereskarl.com, and sometimes here on this site. Enjoy!
Ah, Karl, the bets…
- Devon was 15th on the waiting list as of April 6, so maybe she will make it, which would change the odds on the gals side. And Kathy D’Onofio is 25th on the waiting list as well. Just heard that Rob (Evans) was still suffering from his WTC injury, so maybe there are others still on the entrants list who will free some spots.
- On the guy side, what about a few bucks on Simon (Mtui)? Instead of me… (thanks, but no thanks! ;-). Mark (Tanaka) is a second loser at WS but I doubt he can get a spot on this race with who is lining up.
Overall it promises to be a great race again, can’t wait…
Jean.
Farther Faster
Just to clarify, Mike Wolfe from Montana, is not running Miwok. There must be another MW out there. MW from Montana will be buried under a pile of books studying for finals while you fellas are out stomping dirt. I sure wish I was there though!
Ah Yes, Devon would definately be in it, we would put her somewhere near the top. Kathy would also be on the list!
Mike, sorry to make that mistake, we would love to have you down here for the speedgoat 50k. No finals during mid summer! Study hard!
There’s a couple of Wolfe’s out there!
Karl, I’m flattered and honored to even be given odds, especially from an elite runner of your caliber, but you should probably add 1 or 2 digits after the 17. My goals are more along the lines of age-group placement, within 1 hour after the 1st place guy, making a dinner party at 6:30, etc. Thanks, though!
Karl, as for women’s race, a Japanese runner is going to run from Japan. Her name is Chigaya Mase. Actually she is one of the best trail runners in Japan.
I think Shane Martin will place high if he’s having a good day.
last word from seattle crew is “Scott finished in 8:38 a PR.”.. and he was running 2nd behind mackey… with 20 min left to go - but no news on final placement yet.
final’s from jon olsen’s blog (http://rdljon.blogspot.com/)
Men
Dave Mackey (CR) 7:53 Has to be the performance of the year to date.
Jon Olsen (Great Guy) 8:20
Rob Cain 8:35
Scott Jurek 8:37
Lewis Taylor 8:42?
Eric Skaden 8:50
Topher Gaylord 8:50
Other notbable times Mark Lantz 9:10, Thomas Reiss 9:15?, Jean Pommier 9:45?, Mark Tanaka 9:52?
Women
Kami Semick
Beverely Anderson Abbs
Prudence L’Hereaux