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We’re about 6.5 days away from Ultrarunning’s “Superbowl”.  We just witnessed the track meet, and it was awesome.  Let’s hope myself and a few other fast guys can entertain the world running around the San Juans.

The Top contenders:

Speedgoat Karl 2-1.  I give myself the nod as last year’s winner and clockwise record run.  I’ve had 3 bad things happen to me in the last 9 weeks.  A broken arm, bruised ribs, and currently I have a broken clavicle.  I haven’t missed any training with the broken shoulder, although it’s a bit annoying. As long as I don’t crash on my left side, I’ll be fine and I’ll be running for a 6th Hardrock win….and a 6-pack.

Scott Jaime 3-1.  Scott has had a great year, and has really turned on the jets over the past few months.  Scott just ran at the San Juan Solstice 50 miler two weeks ago.  Is he gonna be a little tired?  probably not, he’s got that autopilot button like I do.  Chances are he’ll be looking for Hardrock title #1.

John Anderson 4-1.  John is always in it when the races are tough.  Hardrock is tough.  I haven’t seen his name pop up lately, but if he’s fit, he’s easily fast enough to win this race in the 26 hour range, if that’s what it’ll take.  I think it’ll be faster, John ends up 3rd.  

Troy Howard 5-1.  Troy was second last year, but only gets 4th on this list….only because he ran at Western States last weekend.  He should be a little tired.  He excels well at 100s, no reason his autopilot won’t work.  He also acquired some valuable experience last year. 

Nick Pedatella 6-1.  Nick is as fast as the rest of the bunch, but a Hardrock rookie.  There’s no reason he can’t hang up front all day, but it’s gonna wear on him, can he last another 8 hours longer than normal?

Jared Campbell  7-1.  A Hardrock veteran, one who has all the tools to win…if the stars line up, look for Jared to run a PR in the 26+ range.  He’s due for a great race.

Ricky Denesik  10-1.  Ricky is a past winner just over 30 hours, that would put him right about here, in 7th.  Being a local and veteran of the area, he’ll just get it done, and go sleep in his own bed.  I hope he breaks 30 hours, he’ll be the only one over 50 to do so.  That would be cool.

Paul Sweeney  13-1.  If he can hang with the wife, he’ll crack top 10. :-) 

Brooks Williams 15-1. A Hardrock rookie, but he asked me for some advice on how to break 30 hours….so I assume he’s pretty quick.  Hardrock is no picnic and can sometimes be underestimated.

Look for Dave Coblentz and Roch Horton to round out the top 10.

And the ladies:

Diana Finkel 1-2.  yah, 1-2.  Diana ran 27 and change last year.  No girl was even close, nor will one be this year.  She won at Jemez without really running hard. If Hardrock goes well, she’ll probably come in at least top 5 overall.  Her mountaineering experience doesn’t hurt either.

Darcy Africa  3-1. Darcy is back, she’s been running lots and racing, and if Diana falters, Darcy will run away for the win.  She’s got the speed of Diana, but Diana’s 27+ scares me….

Betsy Nye  4-1.  She’s right in there again to pick up 3rd, maybe second.  She’s won it before, so if she’s close near the end, she knows how to put her head down and get it done.

Betsy Kalmeyer 8-1.  Betsy with her experience could certainly move here way up in the standings.  She’s a great hiker, and one of only 3 women to ever break 30 hours.  If she’s really fit, she’ll be strong at the end.

Diane Van Deren 12-1.  She’ll be tough as always, somewhere in the 38 hour range. 

That’s it for predictions.  Let’s hope the weather cooperates and makes it a fun one.  When this one’s over we can all focus on the Speedgoat 50k, it may even be a harder 31 miles than any 31 at Hardrock. 

Still looking for Hoka’s, you can find them here. 

Or find them over here in Park City, or locally over here.