Pacers or No PacersTHAT is the question!

June 11 2008, 3:14 pm

In this age of Ultrarunning, pacers play a large roll in motivating and assisting runners to finish the brutal 100 milerace. Is this really necessary? In France, pacers are not allowed, and the RD’s evendiscouragehaving a crew. The US is the opposite, why is that? Are the Europeans more purists? Are we weak in saying we need a pacer?, or have we just grown up knowing they are always allowed, so we take advantage of it? Someon the other side of the pond cut a few corners, maybe here in the US our form of cutting cornersis having a pacer/mule.

For the lead runners, pacers should not be allowed if one is running for the win. There is a distinct advantage to having a friend by your side when the going gets rough…even if the “pacer” is not carrying anything. A prime example would be during nighttime, the extra person with a light is muling….maybe not carrying, but the brighter trail means faster running.What is fair? For non-elite runners pacers are great to help those who just want to get er’ done.

It’s time to think about all the top runners at the WS track meet not having a pacer/mule, why not make it a fair fight. Crew only, pacers/mules stay on the wayside.

Just thought I would run this idea by all those elite runners heading to Squaw Valley on June28. No babysitters for the whiners. I like the idea!Remember this is all in goodfun!

Some great races this weekend, the big one in Vermont…the Pittsfield Peaks Challenge.

$2000 bucks to the sole winner, now that’s some prize money. I would be there in a heartbeat if the WS committee did not let me in. It’s on next year’s list!

Mens Race

Leigh Schmitt should lead the way amongst the men….he’ll get 5-2 odds as his local knowledge will take him to victory.

Courtney Guertin will follow as bridesmaid again….7-1

Tim Roy has a chance as a rookie to beat Courtney….8-1.

Both will have to look out for Nikki Kimball if they don’t want to get chicked!

Womens Race

Nikki Kimball won’t run away with the women’s title…she gets 3-1 if she races it before WS. She should race it, asthe Western Buckle ain’t worth 2000 bucks, and she has plenty of those silly buckles.

Deb Livingston is her competition, and will be on her heels, but might come up short unless a stellar day awaits…she gets 7-1 with Nikki in the field.

Robin Holleran will follow in 3rd but quite a ways back.

Laurel Highlands 70 mile this weekend too!

Todd Walker will go for another great trail win….7-2 if he’s fresh after Massannutten

Sean Andrish will go out hard….5-1, and if he hangs on has a good chance to beat Todd.

Randy Miller gets the third position with 9-1…New at this distance, he’s shown awesome improvement over the past 4 months, and could slip in there and surprise everyone if he takes his coach’s advice! Good luck Randy! It’s only 70 miles.

Only a few days left to register for the Speedgoat 50k before the price goes up ten bucks! Check out the webpage here