No doubt this will be the toughest “odds” I’ve ever done. Picking the winners of this great race is certainly gambling. The heat plays a huge factor. A few WS rookies up front stand out as big overall favorites, but it’s a long way from Squaw to Auburn, and anything can happen. Some of the fast men and women will drop, that’s a given. Let’s hope it’s real close at the end..I call it the “Track Meet”, wouldn’t it be cool if the last 300 meters decided the race? I guess I’m dreaming. Good Luck to all!!
Bear with me as I’m working on my site!
This just heard through the grapevine…$2000 TO MALE/FEMALE WHO BREAKS THE FASTEST TIME!
Thanks Pearl Izumi for showing the race directors prize money should be handed out with that cool trophy! What makes this even better, is PI is not even a sponsor…..
1. Hal Koerner 3-1. Hal being the previous champ two years in a row, certainly gets the nod. He’s held off some of the best in the business before, why not again. His experience at WS should play a huge factor as many of the fast guys near the front haven’t felt what it’s like to run 100 miles when it’s 100 degrees. Look for Koerner to be fearless while he drags the others along at the front. 2. Geoff Roes 7-2. Although Geoff doesn’t have the heat experience as Hal, he does bring the most casual attitude to the start line. If Geoff doesn’t get involved with all the hype, runs his own race, and runs smarter than everyone else, he may be one of the rare WS virgins to take home that Cougar trophy, along with some other little prize. He could be the only undefeated 100 mile runner to reach 10 wins without a loss. I think WS would be 9, but he’s got Mt. Blanc later too. 3. Anton Krupicka 4-1. He’s had his best training ever, claims to be ready to rip. If he doesn’t think “record” and focuses on “winning instead”, he’ll be right there when the end is near. 4) Tsuyoshi Kaburaki 9-2. Smoked it last year, and coming back for a second chance means alot, he’s super fast, and although none of us really know how strong he is right now, chances are if he’s fit, he’ll run real smart too. 5) Jez Bragg 5-1. Jez ran 3rd last year, enough said. Like Kaburaki, we really don’t know, but experience is big here. He’ll be in it. 6) Nick Clark 6-1. Nick has been quick all year, was real fast at Jemez in a hot race. He’s kinda the sleeper here. If he plays it smart, he’ll do his best. He doesn’t quite have the 100 mile experience yet, but he can hang for a long time if he wants too….we’ll see. 7) Killian Jornet 7-1. If Killian pulls it off, well, his “quest” will be complete. I think he’ll come in strong, but not fast enough, due to his tour across the Pyrenees. Multi-day adventures make us slower, at least for a little while. Hopefully for us spectators, he’ll be in the mix when Auburn approaches. I just think he’ll have slow legs.
Josh Brimhall 10-1. Josh can hang, bottom line, he’s due to run a good, solid 100. He’ll have a little score to settle with the course, after last year’s stumble.
9) Erik Skaden 12-1. He know this one well, and as experience counts, thats in his back pocket. He just has to keep it together.
10) Rod Bien 14-1. Great race at Miwok, he gets the last spot for the following year. If he runs well from Green Gate in, he’ll move forward.
So those are my top 10.
The rest in the order I think they’ll finish:
11) Zach Miller
12) Gary Robbins
13) Andy Jones-Wilkins
14) Leigh Schmitt…Sleeper to win.
15) Troy Howard
16) Victor Ballesteros
17) Nick Lewis
18) Ian Torrence…sleeper for top 10
19) Phil Kochik
20) Andrew Henshaw
21) Dan Barger
22) Glen Redpath
23) Mike Arnstein
24) Todd Walker
25) Brian Vandenburg
And the ladies:
I believe Anita is out, she would be #1 if she were to start. The ladies race is gonna be a great one too, I’m sure a few will slip into the men’s top 20. This race will be close!
1) Nikki Kimball 2-1. Previous champ a few times, gets the nod and will be tough to beat if she’s fit. Hopefully she’s feeling good and is ready to race. 2) Meghan Arboghast 3-1. She’s been close, she’s been running well, this could be her year. Experience counts. 3) Joelle Vaught 4-1. Joelle always shows up and runs well, this year will be no exception. Definately fast enough to win it. If she stays in the mix late, it’ll be a classic 3 woman race. 4) Tracy Garneau 6-1. Canada (I think) has been tough this year, look for her to represent. 5) Devon Crosby-Helms 8-1. Better at shorter distances, but could surprise us all if she’s still running strong after Foresthill. She probably has more speed than most men…and women. 6) Annette Bednosky 10-1. The hope from the east, she generally dominates her region, and is certainly fast enough to hang….we’ll see. 7) Jenny Capel 12-1. She’s been there done that, she’ll crack top 10 with a little room to spare….did I say experience counts? Bev-Abbs 14-1. Did I say experience counts? top 10 no problem.
9) Becky Wheeler 15-1. She was pretty fast at the Speedgoat 50k, that’s enough for me to put her in the top 10. Hopefully her legs are speedy on the WS track.
10) Suzanna Bon 17-1. Kind of a sleeper, she’s a tough runner, but I think she’s better when terrain is tough, she’ll still slip in to the top 10.
11) Tamsin Anstay
12) Angela Shartel
13) Connie Gardner…she’s the overall sleeper
14) Caren Spore
15) Jill Perry
16) Julie Fingar
17) Liz Vitalis
Every one of these ladies could finish anywhere….so many variables.
After reading through all that mumbo jumbo about my predictions, read just a little more about what’s next for me:
I’m proud to announce that Krissy Moehl and Matt Hart will be crewing me for the entire run on the Pony Express Trail. It’s hard to beat a combination like that! The experience of these two will certainly help me make it to Missouri by the time the snow starts flying. I’ll be starting on or around September 15! 1840 miles on a mail route, my own route through the mountains. I’ll be on alot of dirt road, but plan on making a few diversions to hit some wilderness too, as long as I make the necessary stops. With the help of Ted Meyer on the “detail” end of things, it’s sure to be interesting to watch me run halfway across the US. Our tracking device is being created at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology! Something tells me it’s gonna work this time!!
The Corral is full at the Speedgoat 50k, plan on entering early next year to get in the toughest 50k on earth. Remember this year it closed early June! Please don’t ask to enter over our limit, but check back on July 12. On that date, I’ll announce if there are any spots available….be ready on the 12th! First come-first served, and there won’t be many spots.
Can’t find Hoka’s? The most comfy shoe ever! Available here online, until they’re sold out again!
Bev had knee surgery and is recovering. Pam Smith of AR50 2nd place will run for top 10 (low end of it). Jez Bragg is no start. Also, I’d give Victor more nods than where you put him. Surely higher than Josh (with all due respect). Man, I can’t wait to watch it!
I think you’re money good on this one.
Yah, Victor is a sleeper for sure….but just my picks.
I’m gonna leave my predictions just for the record, but bummer about Bev and Jez. I’ll fly over and take Jez’s spot. HMMM, wouldn’t that be fun.
Good stuff Karl - thanks for creating the cheat sheet for us. Well done. Only thing in the mountains that might be tougher to pick than this one is MW this weekend.
Karl,
Good stuff as always. Grapevine that I hear is that Kaburaki and Bragg will both be DNS, which is a shame.
-Jasper
Olga, is Elizabeth Howard still running and isn’t she ready for a top 5?
Weather is gonna be pretty nice…unless things go south real fast. Snow and course conditions will be a factor. Boats at the river…gonna be a good day. One new name on the womens side..rory boscio first 100 but very talented
Good picks for sure! A few more left off worth a mention.
Men: Chikara Omine and Oz Pearlman
Women: Nicole Gildersleeve and Elizabeth Vitalis(7th last year)
Scratch that. Note to self! Check and recheck before posting. Vatalis was not forgotten :).
Looks good Karl, can’t wait to watch the action unfold.
Regarding Hokas, how do you find the sizes run? Thanks!
Karl,
Entertaining and informative as always. I’ve never commented but have been popping onto your blog regularly for awhile.
I’ve trained with Craig several times on the Dance Floor this spring…he’s ready.
Two quick additions to the picks:
I’d put Craig Thornley somewhere in that “list in the order I think they’ll finish” for sure. Truthfully he’s got top 10 potential as well. He’s been there before and has the fastest ever time to seize the M10 spot(I forget which year, ‘05 maybe), not to mention he’s just slightly “obssessed” with States and has the course dialed at least as well as AJW, except maybe in the encyclopedic splits knowledge department
On the women’s side, I’d put Rory Bosio in the top 10, maybe even top 5. She’s won several times at the 50K and 50M distances but I’m fairly certain this is here first go at the 100s and as we all know, and I know all too well from personal experience :), that the success doesn’t necessarily translate upwards. With that said, however, she was with a group of us that ran from Robinson Flat to the river on Memorial Weekend…at least until we came out of the snow and hit dry land. Then she took off with Victor and was never seen again. She just may be the biggest sleeper of them all, men or women.
Best wishes with the injury recovery and racing this summer. With the rash of injury misfortune you’ve just experienced in a short period of time I feel sorry for your comp in the long term…you are bound to have a lot of good running karma on your side in the years to come!
Karl,
Not sure if you’re looking for or want occasional company on your PE adventure but, if you do, I might be able to get away for a day or two when you’re in the Silver State (Nevada). I’ll look for more details when your Pony Express website is up (you’ll have a specific website, correct?).
Darren
Reno, NV
i dont agree with multi days making you tired. quite the opposite. kilian will be in peak condition for this one. 1000km in his legs vs somone who runs 100 miles per week in training. i know who my money is on! is this course too fast for him though?
Ah Squeaky, you mis-read what I said about Killian. “slow legs” not “tired legs”..big difference. I’m sure he’ll feel strong, and 100 miles won’t feel far, but the course is a fast one. As we know, I can speak with experience on the AT. I felt strong, super strong, but not fast, my legs were slow for quite a while afterwards. Maybe you’ll make some extra cash!
Darren, we will have another site for the Pony Express, it’ll be up in due time, we’d love for you to come out and see us, very cool! We’ll have a frosty Red Bull for ya.
Chikara, Craig, Pearlman, Gildersleeve and Rory and others will slip into the top 25, or top 10 women. I think if I even get a couple of these places right, I’m master odds man. It’s such a tough field.
Hoka’s should be ordered a half size larger, they run a bit small.
Scott, I heard that Liz Howard is injured, otherwise she would DEF be up there.
I guess Bosio has some pressure. She grew up in the North Lake Tahoe area and has some xc-ski racing experience behind her. It’s her first 100 but she could get F5 or better.
Scott R: Liza won’t be making the trip. Talked to her 2 weeks ago about it. Big bummer since I’d like to see how she stacked up. Helluva runner!
I love this. Great predictions! You are right–it is tough to pick the odds on this one. I’m rooting for Annette and Jill (East Coast! Woop woop!).
Is Scott Jurek going to be there? If so I would put him in the top three with Anton and Hal.
Kiliam is a fast runner and he will be in form for this one. But the other runners too. We will see… my money for Leigh Schmitt!!!
There are fast guys everywhere, whats up with Bighorn?, not a mention about it. Mike
Word is that Skaden has had a stellar spring training.
M- Roes, Anton, Hal, Kilian, Skaden.
W- Nikki, Joelle, DCH.
it’s nitpicky of me to say, but shouldnt tsuyoshi’s odds be 9-2 instead of 9-5?
can’t wait for the race!!
Ah, the online virtual race-before-the-race… I love it.
Only pick I see being way off: Andy Henshaw. Been running with him a lot lately and am impressed by his base, and leg speed. This year he beat Tony’s Collegiate Peaks record (I realize it was one of his softer ones), AND was only a few minutes behind Geoff at American River. He’s also coming off a 100k win at Blue Canyon which had temps in excess of 103 degrees two weekends’ ago.
Obviously only a couple of 100’s under his belt, but maybe a big surprise at WS??
Brooks
Hi
beware Kilian. Not as slow as you may expect…
lo
Just to remember that Kilian won last year the mythic Sierre-Zinal. THe second was a marathonian scoring 2h12. The third Florent Troillet, the current world champion of ski alpinism.
best
lo
I talked to the RD a few months ago about his favorites, and his money’s on Kubaraki. Bummer if he’s a DNS.
Solarweasel: thanks, I stand corrected.
It’s Killian’s chance to prove himself in the US, we’ll see. I don’t know much about him other than he sounds like a “god” in Europe.
Henshaw: yah, he’s fast too….
Wow, if Kaburaki bails that means the only guy from last year’s top-5 who is running is Hal. Makes it even more interesting…
AJW
Lots of WS rookies expected to do magical things…..classic….here we go again
Karl,
Looks like a return to Bighorn might be in the future for you. Mike Wolfe (couldn’t be the same Mike that posted above, could it?) smoked the course in 18:43. We had a slight course alteration near Porcupine so I don’t know what the official ruling is on the status of your course record, but hats off to Mike on a great race. Good luck at Hardrock. You are right on about Nick Clark as the sleeper. We are pulling for him here in Fort Collins.
Rob
1. Killian!
A little off trail here, but thought I’d post it anyway. Who would of thought anyone would come close to Matt Carpenter’s SJS50 CR (7:59). 19 year old Dakota Jones runs a blistering 8:13. “19!” Wow!
no doubt Craig! I heard that from Matt Hart yesterday….sick run from Dakota! Certainly a top performance of 2010.
My record also went down at Bighorn, although I considered it somewhat soft, it was still solid. 18:43 (record was 19:04 I think)
Karl,
How about Scott J’s record? The top Three Males are really going to
have to smoke the course if they are even considering breaking Jurek’s record. Also, The top three females are going to have to do likewise for Ann Trason’s ? Comments Please !!!
Scott J’s record is safe cuz’ it’s a different course. I’ll look into that, but in all reality whatever time was run on this years route is a time they would have to beat for a “record”.
Trason’s record is safe….
Impossible to compare this year to Jurek’s record. Not only is it a different course this year (whether they use the “snow route” or not) but the volume of snow in the High Country pretty much makes a record attempt irrelevant.
thanks for confirmationon that AJW! See you at Hardrock! have a great race, preserve that M10!
Not sure if anyone can read this language, but I’m assuming the answer is 15-16hr finish time. From Killian Jornet’s website. He is answering a question on how he expects to finish at Western:
Person Asking Question (June 15, 2010):
“estevet: 100 milles en dos dies? Endavant!!!
Kilian Jornet:
Hola Estevet…la WS són 100 milles en unes 15-16h…es una cursa molt ràpida…
And, Killian seems to have an interesting approach to tapering. According to his FB he ran 35K in about 2:40 in San Francisco this morning!
This may seem like a dumb question. I have not been to Western, so I don’t know the answer on this. Like the Pikes Peak Marathon, which I ran in 2004, there are ways to cut the PPM course going ascending/descending. As in cutting switchbacks. Are there sections of the Western course that this could take place? I only ask this because one or two Spaniards were DQd or time was added to their finish time for cutting switchbacks at PPM, which ultimately gave Galen Burrel the win. Who would have won anyway in my opinion. If I’m not mistaken, some European runners do this and some of their races are set up to allow this. I know Western wouldn’t of course.
Craig,
Having run WS six times and having spent countless hours on the course I can assure you that there are many places where runners can cut switchbacks. In fact, on the two most significant climbs of the race (the climb to Devil’s Thumb and the climb to Michigan Bluff) there are over 50 “cuttable” switchbacks. Of course, the WS organizers are quite clear in stating that cutting the course is cause for an immediate DQ but hopefully someone will tell Killian about this rule if he does not know it. They’re pretty serious about their rules.
AJW
It would be classic if he cut switchbacks. From what I heard about last year…and please correct me if I’m wrong….is that he had a few penalty minutes at UTMB, not sure what for. Maybe the race organizers will have a meeting with him specifically and let him know about some “rules”. Kinda like when I was at UTMB in 2007. They told us the “rules” about cutting corners, then everyone did it anyway with no penalty…except Scott J, me and Hal…
AJW - That is good to know for future endeavors!
Well, I for one, even at my worst have never considered cutting a course to get an advantage. I highly doubt many runners have in this neck of the woods(USA). Anyway, Kilian will get the law laid down I’m sure from the likes of Koerner, Krupicka, Roes, etc. if it happens.
Kiliam doesn’t even need to think about cutting corners to win a race.
My money is on Gary Robbins! Go Gary!
How ’bout innocent until proven guilty. From what I can tell Killian is a very respectful person. I think he deserves the same from us.
Pedro,
Hopefully you (or Kilian for that matter) don’t misinterpret the blog entries here to be suggesting that folks think Kilian will cut corners. Rather, everyone is suggesting that he be informed of the rules at Western as they will surely disqualify anyone for breaking them. I for one would love to see Kilian crush the race. He is an unbelievable athlete and I have the utmost respect for him. I got to spend some time in Corsica on the GR20 this past April/May and consequently I have an amazing level of respect for him. The GR20 is a spectacular route! Classic, beautiful, rugged and damn hard! What he did recently in the Pyrenees is just mind boggling. Also, he seems to be the most versatile mountain athlete I’ve ever heard of. His accomplishments at Ski Mountaineering, holding the vertical kilometer speed record, all the way to multi-day trail running with HUGE vertical are so cool. He is amazing.
I’d really like to see what he would do at a race like Hardrock… Sub 22?
Best of luck to him!
Jared
Regarding this question from Craig Redfearn:
Person Asking Question (June 15, 2010):
“estevet: 100 milles en dos dies? Endavant!!!
Kilian Jornet:
Hola Estevet…la WS són 100 milles en unes 15-16h…es una cursa molt ràpida…
That’s Catalan, Kilian’s native language. The literal translation of Kilian’s answer is:
…the WS are 100 miles in approximately 15-16h… it’s a very fast race…
The bigger they are, the harder they fall (at least with the WS rookies). Same old story; Kilian needs to win some of the classic U.S. ultras first to get any real respect around here… then again WS would make one heck of a venue for that. Unfortunately history at WS has shown that fast rookies typically don’t fair well (exceptions sure), so we won’t be surprised if Kilian and other fast rookies flame out… Good Luck to all, I know I’ll be staying up late following the race online!
Just noticed Tracy Garneau is registered too. She will dominate the womens field! Go Tracy! Go Gary! Go Canada!!
I strongly agree with Brooks on Andy Henshaw. Broke Krupicka’s 50-mile record at Collegiate Peaks last month - no small feat. 4th at Leadville last year, and he’s running much, much faster this year. According to his blog, last week he ran Blue Canyon in the heat on no sleep - and won by nearly an hour. He has a very good shot at top 5, maybe top 3. He’s probably not one of the top 5 runners out there just yet, but some of them will drop as soon as they realize they can’t win. He strikes me as humble and hungry and savvy and soemone will go all the way.
There are tons of European races that are way harder than WS. Also, there are 1000 times more ultra runners in Europe than in America. The field is simply way deeper in the EU. To rise to the top in the EU field is huge. I think that any US runner who under estimates Killian even on his worst day is in for a BIG wake up call!!!
In the UK, fell races just involve going through various points and the course is the quickest way up or down. Europe is similar with many races, so Killian isn’t ‘cheating’ by going down a direct route. It’s just that only the better runners can run completely off piste, hell-for-leather. I’ll be amazed if he doesn’t win since he seems to be the real deal and the most talented trail ultra runner ever. A few more achievements will confirm this (he’s already done amazing stuff) but I can’t see how the rest of the field can touch him unless he’s tired from the Pyrenees. But he knows what he’s doing so I doubt that’ll slow him down.
Word is that it’ll only hit the 80s this weekend. Looks like a plus for both Tony and Geoff. I’m still giving it to Tony.
hey coach would love to tell u whats been going on but that will have to wait until the moeben ultra. hopefully it will be my saving grace if there is any saving grace. good luck -no more running gods sticking it to u- u will prevail! and i really want to wish your wife the best for her big race- is she leaving u behind on the training runs yet considering ur recent handicaps- he he- well i just wanted to tell u m. barton is tearing it up this year with new crs at wild west and holcomb and she entered b-water! she looks leaner maybe older all i can say is this is her year. and yeah connie gardner is someone to never discount in any race. good wishes will be following ur trek across half the county. now go run hel
I’m curious about Mont Blanc (since Kilian seems to own that race and Geoff will be racing this year)… the profile doesn’t seem that crazy tough and at ‘only’ a 5k longer than WS100… how is the best time in the 20s and 21s @ MB?
this weekend… I have to go with Geoff for the win. This may be the first time ever but he’s won every 100 he’s ever run and I believe set course records on every 100 route he’s ever run. Hard to argue against that.
Ian Sharman ~ The rules are obviously different in Europe. If he gets caught cheating / “going directly down a route” here(US) then he will ultimately be DQd. We don’t put up with it.
“I’ll be amazed if he doesn’t win since he seems to be the real deal and the most talented trail ultra runner ever.”
-Wow! That is a monster statement to make not having raced against the likes of runners in this field and namely the guy whos blog we write on.
On 06/26 the action will begin and then we will see what this Kilian is all about. I know I’m excited about as are many more. Have fun out there. Break a Trail!!!!
Let’s remember to not accuse anyone of anything first. It’s really not fair to do that.
Killian will likely kill it, but here in the US, we just need validation…this is certainly his chance. Then Mt. Blanc will happen and Geoff, Scott and I will get to see it live.
@stack: WS100 is 18000 feet (5500m) climb, while UTMB is 29500 feet (9000m). On top of that, tracks are much more technical in Mont Blanc, there are no wide trails and some parts are not even runnable.
@Ian Sharman: It is so not true that all European races allow cutting corners. Don’t worry, Kilian will not cheat.
Just a remaninder, although MT Blanch’s profile doesn’t seem that crazy tough Kiliam is the only runner who as today runs, literaly runs, the whole course.
Best luck to you in France.
Karl, I know you don’t use pacers, but let the others know that they are not alowed in the old continent!
Pedro (Roses, Alt Emporda)
I’m not knocking Kilian at all. It’s just that anybody who’s been following Western States for a long time knows that, statistically, elite, fast, novices don’t fair well. Perhaps Kilian can be the exception? Also it’s pretty clear that Kilian is an exceptional Mountain racer; unfortunately WS is NOT a mountain race (not really), not compared to the likes of Wasatch Front, UTMB, Hardrock, etc… It’s practically a road race. So that takes a different skill set and we Yanks aren’t convinced that Kilian has that skill set. Prove us wrong, we’d love to see it!
WS100 it is practically a road race?
Just 1 question:
We are a group of people who perfectly knows the runner who is winning this race, so we would like to bet some money on him. Anybody knows a website where we could do it?
Thanks
WS100 is practically a road race comparatively (just as Leadville is). Anybody who has run WS100 and some of the more difficult mountain races would agree with me.
More succinctly, WS100 (and Leadville (among other US 100s) is not as “technically” challenging as a lot of the other mountain 100s including UTMB, Wasatch, Hardrock, etc… Because of that it opens the race field up quite a bit to faster runners who may not have the technical trail running skill set but who are fast on roads or other terrain. Technical trail running skills isn’t as big an asset at WS100.
Comparatively to NY marathon, Boston Marathon…? I agree that ws100 is a faster race, but nothing at all like practically a road race. Road races demand constant and very high intensity efforts, fast leg turn over and ultimatly they are run on the roads. Running on roads and on trails are different. Road races and WS 100 are very tough both in a very different way!!!
Roses, Alt Emporda.
That’s why I say “relatively.” Obviously it isn’t a literal “road race.” All I mean by that comment is that effectively, WS100 doesn’t require a special skill set like more difficult, technical courses. Because of that, the race field is much more open and competitive.For good and bad, because quite often the early blistering pace can cause havoc among the leaders leading to mass attrition. Perhaps it’s a colloquial issue, as one who enjoys running technical mountain terrain, I consider the trails used at WS100 and Leadville to be “practically roads”. Sorry for the miss communication.
Tronja: these silly odds are for entertaining purposes only. No bookies, no betting….all fun. Perhaps try Vegas, I would look there first.
WS is a very fast race, this is why we are hoping Killian proves us wrong that he’s only a mountain runner. We know he’s sick! and crazy fast,,,that’s easy. I think I’ll see what he’s really made of at UTMB. He’ll be way ahead of me, but if I have a good day, I’ll have a guage for future “odds”. I simply have no guage at all, I haven’t raced him.
Karl’s normally insightful odds elicited many comments, mainly because he uncharacteristically missed, placed Kilian 7th. Kilian is BY FAR the best runner in this field. Period. (Karl should know from UTMB!). Kilian has nothing to prove to anyone in this country; his record is outrageous and speaks for itself.
Whether he wins or not I don’t know: this is flattish and fast course, it’s hot, and he’s already had a big season (Karl is totally correct about multi-days slowing one down).
Jared makes an excellent point that organizers must inform him of the rules, as the assumptions are different here than in Europe, where open courses are assumed; if understood, he will be happy to honor them. As a previous commenter said, an unfortunate fiasco took place at Pikes Peak in 07, where visitors (coincidentally, other Spainards) cut switchbacks, some were DQ’d and some were not, tainting the win that Galen probably would have had outright.
Final note: unless you’ve done mountain races elsewhere (anywhere outside of NA), you don’t realize how slow we all are!
Karl,
I doubt he’ll be “way ahead”. Kilian ran 20:58 and 21:33 at UTMB compared to your 24:38 at Hardrock, which is at LEAST 3 hours slower. Hardrock has an extra 5000′ of climb and is run at a much higher elevation the entire way through. Running at over 11000′ average is a lot different from running at under 5000′ average. Hard Rock is much slower than UTMB and I expect that you, Geoff, and Scott will take the race away from everyone else.
Since the issue of cheating has been brought up, has it finally become time to drug test athletes in the large, marquee trail races such as WS100, UTMB etc… especially as more and more $$$ is being offered both in terms of finish placing and sponsorships? Obviously this is all already done in the IAAF, USATF sanctioned events is it not?
Buzz - with all due respect, if Killian has nothing to prove then why is he coming? I have no doubt he is as talented as billed but “BY FAR the best runner in this field”? If that’s true he should win… even on a flat course. The “true and best” runner will win not matter the course or terrain.
All of this talk about Killian reminds me of Ivan Drago in Rocky 4.
So what happened when the hyped up foreigner came to our soil to fight??? The Carl Weathers got killed. End of story.
Not sure if this applies but it was a fantastic movie.
You seem to have as many neurons as rocky has!!!
Glad I could get some good responses from my question… in all seriousness Karl… do you not think one of you ‘Yanks’ going to UTMB could break course records? If its as technical as they say with as much mt running… I’d have to put some serious money on Geoff (especially if there is some snow running involved). It only helps that the race is slightly longer too since it seems like he only starts getting warmed up around mile 70.
As soon as WS finishes I think you should start an early UTMB odds blog since we’ll have a comparison w/ Kilian and some of the established NA runners. No matter what happens at WS100 its going to get people talking even more about UTMB!
I think we all know in the back of our minds that tony k is going to lay a smack down.
I really don’t consider myself as a fast guy at UTMB. But I will say that UTMB is not really technical in my eyes. If you’ve run Hardrock….or Zane Grey, those are technical. Generally the race around Mt. Blanc is a well worn path. I like to think it takes me 50 miles to warmup like Geoff, I’m just looking to finish strong as always. If I do that, I’ll be fine.
Geoff is certainly the “yank” who has the best chance there. Not me, never thought I did have a chance to beat the Spaniard.
Buzz: Western is hot, pretty much the reason Killian gets 7th. I realize he’s the man in Europe, and his Tahoe Rim loop record is only compared to Tim Twietmeyer. No offense to Tim, but he has noone to compare to there. If he proves to be the man at WS, more power to him. We’ll see, hopefully Killian is reading this mumbo jumbo and feeling at least a little pressure. I look back at Mt. Blanc with his two previous wins…who did he beat?
All good stuff. No odds on Mt. Blanc now, it’ll get lost, you’ll have to wait.
Kiliam,
si estas llegin el blog, que pemses? Qui creus que seran els competidors mes forts al WS 100 i al UTMB (Americans i Europeus)? Bona sort!
(Kiliam, if you are reading the blog, what do you think? Who you think will be the strongest runners at WS 100 and UTMB? Good Luck!
thanks for saying what I (and others) were thinking Karl… I won’t pretend to know that much about the sport in Europe but looking @ UTMB and the guys in the races i was thinking the same thing about who Kilian had to beat. Also looking @ the fact that the race is so new. A win by an American would be great but I really won’t be all that surprised if an American also goes sub 20 or even sub 19 somehow. stranger stuff has happened (and on well more established races). And yeah… I’m thinking of a certain someone who crushed records @ Wasatch and Bear but there’s no reason a few might not be able to beat the record.
Sorry to take away from WS100 though… I’m really amped to follow along online this weekend and excited to see how it turns out.
Everyone,
This is going to be an incredible event to follow. Let’s
here it for all runners. Especially the Girls and Guys
ending up at Placer High School in 30Hrs. assembled.
By the way in 2008 it was 39C during the UTMB on the Swiss side and Killian won.
Heat -no problem.
Good stuff.
Personally, I’d like to see Tony throw it down; he’s got it in him. I love it when the Euros get beat (see current World Cup for a good dose of that
Tony left here a few days ago in unusually fine shape, although probably overly adjusted to our steep and rocky lunch time routes.
In the same vein however, Scott moved here a few weeks ago, to get his technical legs back, specifically to prep for UTMB. So there’s a hot little tip for your upcoming UTMB odds!
Good luck to all this w/e. I’m going with Geof for purely objective reasons; he is a Deadhead and a Met fan.
Is Buzz saying Scott J is running UTMB? What great representatives the USA would then have!!
Jurek is running in France! yes we are represented well, hopefully I can represent much better than last time. I’m quite sure of it though, it’s only 100+ miles.
Karl,
Do you think Nikki has another first place finish in Her. she
mentioned in a recent interview that Her speed was down a tad and
Her age was creeping up with performance level. She does have more course experience then Devon, However, Ms.Helms has rockets under Her shoes, What do you think?
Looks like we will see fast, fast legs!!
http://www.irunfar.com/2010/06/kilian-jornet-pre-western-states-100-interview.html?sms_ss=twitter
I think Nikki can win only because of experience. She knows what she’s doing way more than anyone else, that means alot in 100s. Look at me, I’m not fast, but I win alot of 100s, only cuz’ I can keep running late in the game. Enough about me, but Nikki knows how to run late in the game. Devon is faster, Nikki will probably say that, but Devon doesn’t have as much experience. That’s my two cents….
Post time: 10 hrs, 50 min….
After watching the interview with Killian, he seems very humble. No need to pick a favorite. Simply- may the best man win!
I agree that Killian does seem very humble about his accomplishments. He has done some amazing things at only 22 years old. I am biased because I know Geoff from high school. His pain tolerance back then was amazing and it has helped him significantly in ultra running. So I am pulling for Geoff to have a day. The race looks right now (after 34) to be unfolding into a guts out race between Anton, Geoff and Killian. I think we all expected this. Hal has the nagging injury that may be exposed today and he has been beaten by these guys before, so it looks to be shaking out as expected. Looking beyond today, I want to wish Geoff, Karl and Scott all the best in France-Lets go under 20 and show them what the USA is all about!!!!
Wow, What a race Tony and Geoff are representing U.S.A. like it
ought to be. What incredible talent. I am amazed !!!! Tony was
3 minutes ahead of Geoff at 85 miles.
Amazing race to follow, congrats to all! What’s the word on eligibility of course record on this “snow” route? Seems to me that the route probably was not too different overall.
sick freakin’ race, the outcome doesn’t surprise me. Geoff is the strongest finisher again. He ran a perfect race not being in front. He knew where Tony and Killian were all day, Killian and Tony could only guess after each aid station.
The smartest strategy wins again.
Buzz: so you still think us Americans are “slow”
Killian ran awesome, but was beaten by an hour. Of course it’s Geoff and Tony, but he’s not considered now as the best runner BY FAR, at least at 100 miles. We’ll see what pans out in Europe. Geoff is a great mountain runner too…now we just need to fund Tony to get him there too, so they can all kick my old ass.
123 sub 24 hour when the previous best was 107? Is everybody truly getting faster or is it possible the course was possibly a bit short? No disrespect to Roes and others, they could only run the course that was laid out right?
Geof did a expectacular race. A show of true endurance.
Now to the old continent.
What happen to Leigh? anybody knows?
Leigh dropped at Green Gate.
My guess is the course was not short, but faster than the previous regular course. Also note that Scott J’s record was not on the regular course, but also a “faster” one.
Awesome race by everyone!!! Two AOY performances in one race!
As far as course comparison goes, Scott in 2004 got to Robinson Flats in 3:42h, this year’s leaders in 4:11h. So the leaders were 29 minutes behind record pace at this time. For the last 76 miles, which as far as I can tell are the same as the trails Scott ran, Geoff averaged 45 seconds per mile faster.
Rob Fl: + 29
Lst Chance: - 9
Dev Thumb: - 13
Mich Bl: - 23
For Hill: - 25
River Cr: - 33
AL Trails: - 33
Hwy 49: - 28
Finish: - 29
(Those time differences were for the leaders, and Geoff was up to 15 minutes behind at times…)
Anyways, looks like the stretch from Robinson Flat to Mich Bluff was run by the lead pack like it was a 50 miler. Incredibly fast compared to Scott’s time.
I can’t imagine Tony wearing all that stuff required at UTMB. That would be a sight.
Nice comparison Ulli, very cool, was it the same course Scott ran?
It would be tough for Tony to carry stuff, but believe me, if you do it right, it’s not that big of a deal. Inside knowledge of “compulsory” requirements is important. At least I have some advantage…until I tell Geoff….Scott’s been there, done that, he knows.
Nice comparison between record efforts. Very interesting. Still must have been something in the water with all the fast times across the board. Think they’ll bottle the stuff and sell it?
Great race; really nice to see the young guns throw down, ignoring previous highly esteemed pacing charts and records. Geoff marked them perfectly, running a beautiful race.
(Karl) Buzz: so you still think us Americans are “slow”?
Very! We’re a nation of joggers. Fortunately, young guys like Tony and Geoff - both of whom have a background in actual running - are changing ultrarunning in this country. No longer will a person be able win a major event by jogging very methodically.
States is an excellent event, and has become the touchstone event in this country, but in the overall scheme of things, it is very minor. Sierre-Zinal? World Mountain Running Long Distance Challenge? WMRA Trophy Race? Sky Running World Series? WMRA Grand Prix? Even the Kepler Challenge. These are FAR more competitive races with far more history. And only two Americans have ever won a single race of the hundreds just listed above (see if you can name them
We invented the niche sport of the 100 mile trail race. A strange distance, revered by a few people here, ignored elsewhere. Now others are paying some attention; there’s a smattering of 100 milers elsewhere, and Kilian became the first top non-American to show. Due to the heat, uncommonly moderate course, and restrictive entrance procedure, it’s unclear if others will follow.
So again, instead of discussing it, just show up at any mountain race anywhere else in the world! See how it goes. Fun stuff!
Uli, I believe that in Scotts record year, the race was on the Star Fire course and Robinson Flat was something like 24 miles. In last years race the lead runner came into Robinson Flat at 4:34 and this year there were 20 runners who met or beat that time.
I don’t think the course was shorter and what I heard being at the race yesterday is that miles 9-22 were fast.
My take is that both Geoff and Anton would have broken the old CR yesterday on the standard course but not by 30 minutes.
We will hear more from the runners in short time.
Europeans? Americans? no, no… we don’t race against each other but we run all together, this is trail/mountain/ultra running, a lifestyle. All fun, a lot of discipline and everyday sacrife= humility.
I don’t think Anton or Geoff have “real” running backgrounds. If by that you mean fast track or road marathon times.
World mountain running Long distance challenge has not been very competitive since its inception several years ago, unless it was held at a race that is competitive anyway, like Jungfrau marathon.
WMRA Grand Prix? Give me a break. This Grand prix takes several races and gives them “Grand Prix” designation, but doesn’t really enhance each event.
Jay Johnson won the WMRA World Trophy back in 87. Btw, the WMRA world trophy, since last year, has become the IAAF world mountain running championships.
WMRA world trophy has been held for the first time in ‘85. How is that “far more history” that WS 100?
And the WMRA long distance challenge has been around for less than 10 years….
Buzzkill. My take on it.-
USA threw a Smackdown at WS100 this year, with the Best Europe had to offer as competition. (sais them). Killian is Sick, but we are better. I dont buy into your armchair racing opinions. The facts were laid down yesterday. We are the best at long distance mountain running. Next month, we test that mettle again on Their turf. All in good fun, but we are the Best. Taking all comers in France, and Karl and Scott will be there too.
The course this year wasn’t short. It did have a new route after about mile 9. It included a long 8M downhill on a dirt road, and then about a mile of steep and technical ascent. It also helped to avoid most of the snow in high country, so total mileage of snow was less than 2005 (last significant snow year). The reason for this was not to make it easier for the runners, but because the AS’s couldn’t make it to usual spots. That said, the temps throughout the first day (the day top boys and girls ran it) were not that hot either which helped. Killian’s blow, by my humble opinion (we watched the race from mile 4, 35, 55 and the end, also chatting with each pacer) was due to dehydration - he runs without bottles or food, just eating/drinking at the AS’s (he did have a small bottle at some stretches). According to Tony and Geoff, he also had blown his quads early (which surprises, since he is a mountain backcountry skier world class). Either case, it was beautiful to see all of them battle. Hal had a serious foot injury he downplayed, and then got parallel overcompensating injury to deal with. Bummer. Girls race was fun too. Meghan is simply stunning! While no records were broken, don’t leave this woman unmentioned. She ran as smart of a race as Geoff did. A few more miles, and who knows…
p.s. to Buzz: it’s easier to say “come to Europe and play”. It gets a bit expensive for the travel, wouldn’t you think so? To just come and play, time and money might be an issue for more than a few.
So, Does anyone know if Geoff officially broke Scott’s record? I would venture to guess that Geoff set a new record on the “Snow Route.” Someone please clarify
Following all of the lead runners in this event was just amazing. Anton and Killian pushed each other very hard for most of the race, perhaps backing off a bit on the throttle may have led to a very different outcome for Anton or Killian? Geoff mentioned that feeling unwell at around mile 40 slowed him down some and may have been a blessing in disguise.
Karl you mentioned the fact that Killian’s crossing of the Pyrenees may have had an impact on his speed. I’m sure that his quads may have been quite tired because of it. Killian also mentioned that he ran something like 40 kilometers I think at fairly good clip last Monday during his tapering period. No excuses of course, but from your observation what are your thoughts on a well rested Killian going into this event.
As well it was interesting to see how Nikki slowely made inroads on the lead women..great race.
I also agree with Pedro about the whole running community…very well said!
All of the lead runners and some of the methodical joggers as well are remarkable athletes.
Nice, Pedro.
As to the course. Miles 4 - 9 were pretty much all snow running, but once we got onto the re-route it was super fast, starting out with a steep, somewhat loose jeep track descent, followed by a well groomed mountain road that mostly descended at a mellow grade. There were ten of us in the lead pack here and we running at what I thought was a ridiculously fast pace. 6:20s or so according to splits from the webcast. There was probably 5 or 6 miles of this, followed by a nice rolling section of singletrack along French Meadows Reservoir plus a very rough, recently cut trail to Duncan. The same from as usual from Duncan. There was some annoying snow up at Robinson as well for a mile or so.
Chatting with AJW after the race, he figured the net time differential versus the usual course was 20 minutes faster, despite the snow. Course, according to the RD, was exactly the same in distance.
Definitely a legit CR in my book.
Hey Karl. A couple things:
- what’s up with you running glove-less in the new pic at the top of your site? Out of the many zillion pictures I’ve seen of you over the years, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without gloves. They’re your trademark. Are the gloves gone for good? Inquiring minds want to know.
That from a man who ran the course just minutes behind Roes. I’ll take that as the word over speculation. Rock solid run, Nick!
Nick,
Thank You for the clarification. Wow I bet You and the pack’s adrenaline was just cranking. Also, You must have had a high level
of beta endorphins. I know when I completed my first 50k I was in another world. Great job !! Get plenty of rest for the next one.
Yes amazing run by you Nick. You would have won the race with your time in all but a handful of years. Another top Rookie run!
I hope you come back again next year and knock geoff off.
Sorry Diablo, menace to society?….you don’t get it.
Dave was daydreaming. I spoke with him. Shoes don’t make us fall, it’s operator error.
The shot on the top here is a photo shoot at Antelope Island, I actually forgot my gloves that day.
It’s gonna get changed again though, cuz’ it’s quality is not good. Stay tuned, I’ll make sure my gloves are on, when I scope my archives and find a better one, and yah, I’ll be wearing my Hokas this time, cuz’ they rock!
Well, Killian did not have slow legs, if that was slow for him, he would have been right there with Geoff and Tony.
Killian is the man in Europe, no doubt, it’ll be an honor to stand on the starting line with him at Mt. Blanc. Then he’ll be gone. I hope Geoff stays with him, I bet Scott and I will just run out own race…at least I’m gonna, and if I have a good day, my results will be somewhat like Nick Clarks’…a good strong finish. Congrats Nick, great run there too!
Olga you are very right, who has the cash to race in Europe all summer? Sure we’d all like to go there and see what happens, but none of the faster US guys will ever get a chance to really go find out…HMMM, why? Cuz’ there’s no money in the sport. Sponsors don’t pay top athletes enough, nor do races have any significant prize money to offset costs. We are supported with lots of schwag…great, but schwag doesn’t get us over the pond. We have to work to save, to shell out AT LEAST 3 grand to go “play” for a week in Europe. Why don’t the Europeans come to the US to race?…probably costs alot to travel west. I’ve been one of the fortunate ones to travel to Europe and at least run Mt. Blanc, same with Scott J. We are lucky ultrarunners, live life on the edge….and love every minute of it. If we have to stay in the US to float our boat…so be it.
And the real kicker is (at least at Mt. Blanc) the prize is a cowbell. You’d think with over 4000 runners shelling out 175 bucks each, the committee could throw down at least 10% of that to cash prizes….but no, it’s a run for a cowbell and a drug test. Pretty funny really. It is an incredible event, but there should be prize money too. My two cents on that.
Hopefully I’ll “methodically jog” for 25 hours or so in the San Juans….at a whopping 4.5 miles per hour…damn that’s slow.
Nick’s comments re correct. I did think this year’s course was approx 20 min faster than last year’s but not that much faster than the 2005 course. That year there was also snow (about as much as this year) but the race entirely bypassed Duncan Canyon and did not go to Pucker Point.
The best way to put Geoff’s and Scott’s performances side-by-side is to look at the times they race from Lat Chance (Mile 43) to the Finish. That section was identical and Geoff was 20+ mins faster on that stretch. Hence, the organizers consider Geoff’s run the CR. And, by the way, Tony was faster as well.
Congrats to all at Western States and, in particular, Geoff Roes who is NOW $2000 richer! Thanks Pearl Izumi for stepping up and rewarding such an amazing performance!
Also, PI-Smith teammate Nick Clark - rookie in the race but ran like a veteran! Perfect race Nick! Congrats man!
I found Jeff Heasley’s comment above to be very low class…and close minded.
I think you have to understand that Buzz simply stated that Killian was BY FAR the best runner in the field. I think we know he kills it, but he just got smoked by an hour. Although k’s time was awesome…he got beaten by an hour, by two slow methodical americans….I don’t think Geoff and Tony are slow.
Killian will get his chance at redemption in Chamonix. I really feel Killian is a super cool dude. Although I don’t know him, I’m sure I’ll at least get in a few words with him while I’m there. I look forward to meeting the next generation.
Sorry. I meant no disrespect. Killian is a hell of a runner, happens to be from Spain. Seems humble, friendly, and will continue to be an asset to the sport. He will likely return with a vengance. I was just beefing with Buzz with his comments on Killian (Euros in general) as being the BEST, we in the USA are slow, etc. I should just keep quiet, but im and American, and proud of what took place at WS100 this year. Sorry if i offended you, or anyone else.
Eddy,
don’t worry, he doesn’t get it. First of all he is Catalan! Second he didn’t came to the US to smack down Americans. He can do it in Europe although he doesn’t have that mentality. Third, he is not impressed by Geof’s time, it is within his capabilities. He is probably really impressed with how well Geof ran the race, his pace ,his nutrition…his splits!!! but not only Geof’s splits, Nick Clark’s splits and a few others that came behind him, a pattern of solid strong running (methodical running) from start to finish. He is going to take this experience to Europe and become a better runner. He just did a 100 miler internship with the very best runners of the world at that distance and he is going to apply all the lesson he learned in the future in Europe, USA and elsewhere. And if he is reading this blog he just realized what Euope and USA has in common: in Europe we do have fruit cakes like Jeff as well. Unfortunately they are all over! once in a while you see one no matter where you are. And last, we Catalans don’t judge people by their nationalities or by how fit they are. We judge the person it self.
@ Jeff: Maybe a little of travel and meet other cultures will serve you as a good experience.
Roses (Alt Emporda)
Killian might be a cool dude, but what was he wearing? Hot pants?
Also,
we Catalans enjoy reading Geof’s mom coments in Geof’s blog. We now understand why he is such a strong runner, he must have had a solid education.
This was written by Geof’s Mom in his blog:
To Anton and Kilian - good race - glad it ended the way it did but you guys were awesome and it was an extreme effort on your part.
To Geof, Karl, scott… Full steam in UTMB
Grae…
“Killian might be a cool dude, but what was he wearing? Hot pants?” This was a 100 mile run race, not a fashion show that is judged by you and your ‘letsrun.com’ attitude. Karl wears gloves, Tony doesn’t wear a shirt, Geoff wears a visor… big deal.
Tim, for sure, it is not a fashion show. Well maybe for Solomon. It just makes me kind of laugh. But I won’t be laughing after he distroys UTMB or comes back to States and probably lowers the record!Then we will probably see people wearing more hot pants for their “magical” powers!
..and I’m unfamiliar with the “letsrun.com “attitude”? Other then the fact that it’s a top notch site that Bryon has done an excellent job with and provided some of the most comprehensive information on ultra running around.
AJW,
I wanted to congratulate You on another top ten. Also, My bassett
hound and I witnessed You and Ian Torrence cruising down Goat Camp
trail in the inaugural Mesquite canyon 50k. What did You think of that course? I know for a fact that it will work an accomplished hiker over.
Please comment
Classic comment by Kilian in his irunfar interview:
“This race is different to Europe, it is very very flat”
Incredible race. Roes nailed it, but you have to think that if it hadn’t been for Krupicka and Killian hammering the pace in lead all day that Roes record might not be as low as it is now. I hope that Roes had a chance to buy Krupicka and Killian a beer for their efforts in the CR bonus $
The other big thing about the outcome is that it makes you wonder if things may have played out a little differently if Killian had hydrated properly. I’m not saying he would have necessarily won, but I’m sure he would have run much faster. It would have been interesting. I expect that was the biggest thing he took from the race experience. It just blew my mind that he wasn’t hydrating regularly (ie. continuously).
Killian’s mistake was not hydration choices. It was clearly facial hair. Apparently to do well at this game, you gots to sports the beards.
Ha, love it George. Note to self…throw away the razor.
grae-
You are thinking of irunfar. Letsrun is lame and has always had an anti ultrarunning theme.
Maybe you were joking with your comment.
@grae-I’m with you. No, it’s not a fashion show, but see-thru white spandex with bright red bikini bottoms underneath? Really? I was there, I saw him 3 times on the course, and each time, his “junk” was a topic of conversation.
Great run, all, perhaps it was a secret Catalan strategy?
Karl move on to the real mtn. run that happens July 9th.
If I’m not mistaken, the Spaniard can out run all our A$$es. So, who gives a rip what he wears on the course. Are we now going to rip on Eric Clifton for wearing skirts or anyone for that matter for wearing whatever their personality suits. Give the guy a break. He proved his metal. Heck, even Roes & Krupicka gave him his due after the race. Time to move on indeed.
@Eric
we don’t care your reasons to go to watch races, if you like junks is you problem but please keep it to yourselve!
Hey, I’m not bashing the guy. It’s simply the first time I’d seen a trail runner run in something…like…that. We all had a good laugh, shook our heads in amazement at his performance, and moved on.
Does anyone know where the next Roes/Krupicka showdown will be? Northface?
Sparthalon with Scott Jurek LOL
I think it’s time to move on…thank’s mike, I just needed a push.
Check back tomorrow sometime, but first I’m gonna run.
I’ll move on!
Tony at PPM? Is the Lung (with respect)still injured? Changing of the Gaurd? Killian @ Mount Washington w Roes & J. Wyeth? Killian @ PPM? W/O Matt, I think Tony would clearly be a favorite for PPM but what do I know? How about TK running the PPM & PA for (fun)?
And of course, will the one armed goat break 24:00 @ HR. So much to be interested in with Ultrarunning!!
The one armed goat won’t break 24 at Hardrock….but he’s gonna try and win his 6th title. That I can say for sure.
Killian would have a great chance at PPM, although Tony I think would have alot more local knowledge. And Pikes being so brutal that would help.
We’re moving on…
Karl,
God Bless You at Hardrock!! I hung out with You at the 44 mile aid station and We talked about my parents meeting You in Winchester, VA
on Your appalation trail assault. We were going to hike the last 10K of the zane grey 50 before the medics decided that You should get to
the hospital. Anyway, It was a pleasure meeting You and please
have a wonderfull and blessed journey in the San Juan Mountains.
Mistaken wrote: Letsrun is lame and has always had an anti ultrarunning theme.
That’s my favorite website…
Here’s what the brojos wrote in their week in running:
Man Of The Week - Geoff Roes
The course record at the Western States 100.2 Mile ultra went down last week, as Geoff Roes destroyed it by more than 29 minutes. The crazy thing is he had to come from behind to just get the win, as he was 15 minutes behind with 22 miles to go (admittedly, that’s almost a marathon). With the win, Roes remains undefeated in 100 mile races for his life - a perfect seven for seven.
For those of you unfamiliar with Western States, it’s a real beast, as it features difficult trails, high altitude and more than 40,000 total feet of climbing and descending (18,000 up and 22,000 down).
Hopefully, ultra guys start getting some more respect. Maybe the fact that two-time Olympic marathon medallist Eric Wainaina ran and won an ultra last week will help.
Read more: http://www.letsrun.com/2010/weekthatwas0628.php#ixzz0sQgLJmKI
If Killian is billed to be a “mountain runner” why did he go to Western States 100 in the first place? I understand it’s probably the grandest stage of trail 100s in the U.S., but why not play to your strengths and aim for something more like Wasatch or Hardrock? Next year perhaps?
Rob, Killian ran at Western for the competition, not cuz’ it’s a hard 100. Actually pretty cool to see if he can hang on a track….which he can. Hardrock is too tough to get in on the first try, so I’m sure he was thinking of that too. Wasatch is in Utah…enough said on that…
Kinda like us going to Mt. Blanc, I can honestly say I don’t know off hand of other 165k races in Europe I’d want to run, but I’m sure…very sure there are lots of great ones.
“Wasatch is in Utah…enough said on that…”
So the Wasatch course doesn’t have hard enough terrain? He must be hard core.
Wasatch has hard enough terrain…..but it’s in Utah…..The land of Zion.
Hahahaha @ the whole Utah thing. Sad but true.