Two great races this weekend!
The Massannutten 100.The rocks should prevail andwill be up in the air this weekend as no malerunner stands out to take the win. The women’s race should be handled by a local.
Men’s Odds Todd Walker 4-1. Todd has all the experience he needs to run over this rocky nightmare. It’s his turn to take home the win. His best time: 19:13 Sean Andrish 9-5. Sean has more speed than everyone else but this course is not all about speed. It’s about levitating. He also boasts a sub-20hr time here. Keith Knipling. 7-1. Scared the leader last year through 50 miles, and should scare the leaders again. It could be his day if it all comes together Mike Mason 8-1. He’s a mystery man and knows the course well. Occasionally runs very fast times, and at this course, it could be his time Serge Arbona 10-1. Rocks are not his specialty but runs fast nearly everywhere he races. Tom Nielsen 12-1. Looking to bring back that old speed and perseverance, he still has it in him on a good day. Women’s Race Amy Sproston 2-1. If she is feeling recovered from her spring performances, she’ll take it easily, also a good technical runner. Kerry Owens 7-1. Don’t think she’ll be close to Amy, but it’s a long race and experience plays a big part in this rockfest of a course. I can’t find anyone else I know that will compete for the win….any help? Follow the race online, race dayat: http://www.vhtrc.com/mmt/update.htm At theJemez 50 mile, the field is stiff, and it’ll be fast! Kyle Skaggs 7-2. He certainly is the man with the record, young fast legs, and no rookie on this course. While living at Altitude (9318′) he should have no problem running away with it. Nate McDowell 5-1. His local knowledge will put him in the mix if he’s ready to run fast, and he should be. Paul Dewitt 6-1. If he hangs early and has a good race, he’ll be in the mix, but has to keep his head in it too. Speedgoat Karl7-1.The three above me will have to have a bad day, as this run is a “training race” for me. I’m just going to cruise it and enjoy the new course. Ryan Burch 11-1. He could surprise some of us, he’s got the speed, but I don’t know how his mountain skills are. Larry O’neil 14-1. Likes to think he can hang with those top 4, but isn’t at his “peak” level now. Not to mention I think the last time he raced was in the “Dark Ages”. Jason Halladay and Harry Harcrow at 17-1. Both quick, but not quick enough. Rick Hessek, Ryan Cooper, Kirk Apt, and Roch Horton may even slip in for a top 10 finish. Womens Race Betsy Kalmeyer should run/hike away with it. Her Hardrock skills should prevail. Help me out if there are any other women who could give Betsy a run for it. Check out the Jemez website: www.highaltitudeathletics.org/jemezmts.htm
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Karl,
This might help on the women’s side: http://irunfar.blogspot.com/2008/05/2008-massanutten-100-womens-race.html
I, too, think Amy’s the fav, but in rugged 100 miler anything can happen. That why I picked Kerry Owens for second - no where near as fast as Amy at 50k or 50 miles, but steady and knows the MMT VERY well.
While I won’t pick the men’s race (I’m pacing) I did post a preview http://irunfar.blogspot.com/2008/05/2008-massanutten-100-mens-race-preview.html . Many picked Todd Walker as the favorite, though Nielsen and Adam Casseday also got love. I’d think that Tommy should figure prominently in the results.
-Bryon
Isn’t Matt Estes doing McNaughton?
I mean Massanutten..
Matt Estes is hurt and has removed himself from the race
Karl….I wouldn’t overlook Susan Brozik in the Jemez 50.
Good luck, I love that race!
Steve
Melissa Heggen from CO is pretty damn fast…she’ll be one to watch.
I think Mike Mason has a good shot of running near the front. He is in good shape and as Bryon points out, has ran some strong 100 milers in the past. Eva Rosvold should give Amy a decent challenge. Will be fun to watch (hear about) from the middle of the pack.
Same reason I pulled out very early on though. All better now.
I agree with Bedford. Eva Rosvold was looking strong and focused at the Bel Monte 50M this past March. I expect her to be a force. But not only do Amy and Kerry know the MMT terrain intimately, their C2M performances show they are ready to take lead positions this weekend. I’ll be out helping to mark the course, pace, and take in all the action!
I agree with Bedford in regard to Mike Mason. In fact, unless someone checks what I posted on Bryon’s irunfar blog, I won’t be contradicting myself by saying my money is on him.
I can’t believe I overlooked Mike Mason and Kerry Owens! They have been added to the list. I must be getting blind in my old age of 40….Oh yah, I’m a master now!
Young Kyle Skaggs all the way. The boy has no fear. Speedgoat Karl has bigger fish to fry come August. Go get ‘em.
Billy Gimp
MMT 100 - My pick is Todd W. for the men’s win; Tommy N. in 2nd; don’t know enough about the women’s field
I have Kyle by 30 minutes at Jemez. If Paul is on he’ll be 2nd. Also don’t know the women’s field here that well.
Walker and Sproston in MMT: http://www.vhtrc.org/mmt/update.htm#standings
Very nice Blue Jays information. I think Halladay will be a future hall-of-famer.
I hope to be in Toronto for a game this fall. I am visiting from Peru.