The Massannutten 100 and the Jemez Mountains 50 Mile

May 14 2008, 2:50 pm

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