Tag Archive for 'Geoff Roes'

Tour Du Mont Blanc…..The Euro Superbowl!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on August 15, 2010
in Race Updates
. 40 Comments

Well, I’m off to Chamonix in about 2 hours….10 hours of flying, for 20 hours of running thru the most beautiful race course on earth.  2500 runners from around the world, and a highly competitive race.  This year the US has 4 guys that could win it.  Me being one of them on paper, although I don’t consider myself a contender for the cowbell.  I won’t do odds because there are too many European runners I don’t know.  The guys I do know are listed below and my two cents are included…

US Runners:

Geoff Roes.  He’s undefeated and beat Killian Jornet (the favorite) at Western States by an hour.  He’s the man to beat in my eyes.  Goeff is also a superior mountain runner and has no weaknesses.  His ability to run hard at the end has been unmatched at every race he’s run.

Scott Jurek.  He broke the american record at 24 hours about 2 months ago and I’m sure with this being his 4th UTMB, he’s ready to kill it.  He hasn’t had his best day there yet…he’s certainly due to nail one there.

Speedgoat Karl.  I am certainly due to have a good race.  My injuries are behind me, I’m not running with a brace on my arm anymore…because of confidence.  Ribs are good, shoulder is good, now it’s just a matter of execution.  You won’t see me near the front early, but I’ll hopefully still be cranking when I reach La Folly at mile 71 ish.  If I’m having a decent day, look for me to slowly reel runners in after the sun comes up.

Mike Wolfe.  He broke my record at Bighorn, has won the 50 mile national championship at White River a few years ago.  He’s one of those guys that noone will really give credit to, but he’s just as fast as the rest. 

Spain:

Killian Jornet.  He’s the defending champ and certainly the favorite, but this time he’s gonna have to race Goeff.  I’m sure he’s thinking about revenge after Western.  This time he better carry a waterbottle….

Japan:

Hiroki Ishikawa.  Japan’s popular running hero.  Sometimes he’s not on his game, but if he is, he’ll be in it too.

Toshiyo Kaburaki (sp?) I know that’s a wrong spelling, but I’m in a hurry to catch a flight.  Kaburaki is fast fast fast, he didn’t run WS because of an injury, but I bet he’s ready to rip one now.  Ran near the top last year at Mt Blanc I believe.

Other Europeans I don’t know:

I know Killian has a training partner that’s about as fast as he is…look for that guy to be up there, as well as a few from France of course.  And there has to be some suisse guy that’s fast.  With mountains like the Alps, we’re sure to see a few. 

Women:  Unfortunately I have no clue….

And I’ll be running in my Hokas……the french connection to comfort!

Western States…Speedgoat Odds 2010

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on June 18, 2010
in Pony Express Trail and Race Updates
. 149 Comments

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.
8) 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?
8) 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!


It’s been a slow start to 2010!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on January 30, 2010
in Race Updates and Speedgoat 50K
. 24 Comments

For me that is!  Performances continue to be stellar!

My 20 day hiatus from running in December had done me good!  My legs turned fresh again, and I was ready to roll.  I started back up and in two weeks, I was up to speed, feeling good and ready to have a decent run at the Moab 50k+ on February 13th.  I am still running Moab, but it’s starting to look like I’ll be in for just the fun of it,  as the past week I’ve logged a big 0 for miles.  Why?…You’ll have to ask me on the side, but things are improving and I should be back running in a few more days. 

The real question is:  Do I have that “autopilot” mode I know all too well?, or am I actually out of shape?  No Joe, I’m not sandbagging.  I’m by no means out of shape, but it’ll be interesting to see how I do with essentially very little miles under my belt over the  past 6-7 weeks.  Good thing it’s February.

On March 6th, the real test will come with the “autopilot” mode as I’ll be back at the big party in Ojai, California.  Something they call Dos Lunas.  A little bowling and some other entertaining events should make it fun no matter what happens. 

The cash has now been sent to Chamonix, so I’m committed to flying for 9 hours straight.  I’m not looking forward to flying for 9 hours to Geneva, but this one is worth every minute on that damn plane.   Geoff Roes and I plan on showing the great european runners that the US still has a couple fast 100 mile guys on the planet.   This time I’ll get my “unfinished business” in Chamonix taken care of.

No doubt the fast guys on the start line will be eyeing us this time…just like 2007.

Enough about me……

This coming weekend the Rocky Raccoon 100 happens down in Texas.  It’s been snowing in northern Texas.  Although it’ll probably melt quick, who knows, maybe it’ll snow on them this year.  It’s been quite a year in the weather department.   Here’s how I see the race panning out:

The Ladies:

1. Jamie Donaldson….becoming a 100 mile legend
2. Connie Gardner….her type of terrain
3. Anita Ortiz….she’s a mountain girl, but who knows
4. Jenny Chow….not as fast, but she ran a bunch of 100s last year too, and pretty quick

The Men:

1. Greg Crowther….fastest guy, somewhat of a rookie, but hey, 5:50 at JFK puts him on top
2. Nick Coury….he’ll team up with his bro
3. Jamil Coury….ditto
4. Dink Taylor…..he told me he’d never run 100 after Leadville?  he’s addicted
5. Scott Eppelman….his neck of the woods
6. Paul Hopwood….just ran HURT, so we’ll see how he recovers
7. John Allen….Utah boy tapping into 100s.  He’s got some speed.
8. Jimmy Dean Freeman….if he eats enough sausage, he’ll have a great day

Speedgoat 50k filling fast, time to enter now and commit!

Backcountry.com still makes deals even this time of year.  Check em’ out here, or pay full price somewhere else.

Check out what I’ve been shoveling over the past 7 weeks here….real live fun…kid style!

I’m still shaking my head!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on January 17, 2010
in Uncategorized
. 34 Comments

It appears as though the HURT 100 mile record has gone down AGAIN.   Gary Robbins and Tracy Garneau appear to have both broken previous records.  Gary by just 16 minutes, Tracy by alot more than that.  What is this world coming too?   Or am I just getting old?   20:12 for Gary, 24:06 for Tracy.  Nuts!  Another performance of the year performance, and it’s only January 16.   I still need a confirmation as I’m dumbfounded. 

In a brief conversation with my dad about “Ultrarunner of the Year“, he mentioned to me how all the guys in the top 10 were quite a bit younger than I.  Me being 42 ( I was voted 2nd ) and most of the others in there early 30’s or 20’s.  Maybe I should move forward to the Masters Division?  I just can’t think that way, I feel alot younger than that, at least in my brain.

Congrats to all that have now finished and will be finishing in the next 14 hours.  Enjoy the stellar meal at the country club.  First class all the way. 

And now that you’ve finished ( or will be finishing the HURT 100 ) enjoy the rest,  it’s well deserved.  Now we can watch Mr. Greg Crowther see if he goes under the record at the Rocky Racccoon 100.  It wouldn’t surprise me, what are these guys doing……levitating? 

In a few days the drawing is held for the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.  Geoff Roes and I are both on the list to hopefully get in and give the Europeans another shot at kicking our american asses.  I think Geoff and I have other plans on that one.

Don’t forget the Speedgoat 50k is filling fast, click here to find all pertinent info on the toughest 50k in the US.  And now theres some prize money to entice you fast “young” guys out there. 

I better go run, cuz’ if I don’t start training hard now, I will be a master!

The final big dance of 2009…..The North Face 50 odds!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on December 2, 2009
in Race Updates and Speedgoat 50K
. 57 Comments

First off, this is a tough one.  There are so many solid runners in this race, it could go to any of the top 10 I have listed below.   I like to think experience will play a role in who takes home the cake!

The men:

Ulli Stiedl 5-2.   No doubt  Ulli is the fastest in the field when it comes to turnover.  The man runs like a gazelle.  He’s the only guy in the field this year that’s gone under 7 hours, won the innaugural and was a close second last year….he gets the nod from me again.
Dave Mackey 3-1.  Dave will take the place of Carpenter this year and stay right on Ulli’s heals if he’s not ahead of him to begin with.  Dave’s incredible 7:51 at Miwok this year tells all of us he’s got it down at Marin and won’t lose the trail.   He’s the man to dethrone Ulli, if Ulli is not on his game.   Dave will be on his game.
Tsuyoshi Kaburaki 4-1.  3rd last year and has to get the nod to place the same.  He ran super strong at WS.  What this tells me is he is a tough competitor and will dig deeper than anyone else if it comes down to a sprint up that last little hill nearing the finish line.
Geoff Roes 9-2.  What can we say about Geoff, he’s the “Ultrarunner of the Year” for 2009 (in my book) and after his Masochist performance, is probably not getting as much love on this list as he deserves.  He broke Mackey’s record by about 20 minutes at MM, so he’s got it in him to pay for his Alaskan flight if he’s still on fire.  My guess is that he’s still on fire.
MIke Wardian 5-1.  He’s kind of a mystery man to me, although I certainly know he’s capable of running up front….something will happen putting him 5th in the end.
Sal Bautista 6-1.  Sal won two NF 50 qualifiers, beating some tough comp,  so if he’s fit he’ll be one of those guys not everyone up front recognizes, and this is somewhat of his home turf.
Chikara Omina 7-1.  Super fast at Helen Klein and over the past few years has been running strong.  He’s the guy that might surprise us all if he has a good day.
Leigh Schmitt 8-1.  Another guy who ran well here last year, I think 5th.  So like Geoff doesn’t get as much love as he should on this list, but certainly one who’ll be in it for the cash.  He’s faltered a few times in races at the end, hopefully not at this one.
Hal Koerner 9-1.  Fresh off a 6:06 at JFK, so he’s got some speed, but his camera might slow him down.  He claims to be this year’s front running photographer.
Chris Lundstrom 10-1. I’ve been notified he’s a super fast guy form the upper midwest, but failed to get good google results when I looked, so he slips in the top 10.

Other men looking to run well, but won’t make any money: Maybe they’ll win some shorts for the size of elephants in a age division category! :-)

Sam Thompson, MIke Wolfe, Chris Rennaker, Sean Meissner, Dakota Jones, AJW only gets mentioned here cuz’ of his 5:14 mile recently. :-)
Don’t forget I stumbled upon two other Japanese runners….Hidefumi Kimura, and Minehiro Yokoyama, who knows, they might be fast too.  If they are wearing a billboard like Kaburaki, you can count on them being quick.
 

The Ladies:

Kami Semick 3-2.  It’s her home turf, she’s the previous champion and is likely the “Ultrarunner of the Year” again.  She’s fast, but will have lots of pressure on her, especially from the two listed below.   She may end up being the richest NF athete in town when it’s all over.  
Caitlin Smith 3-1.  Caitlin has what it takes to win this thing if the stars line up for her, but it’s hard to put her ahead of the other two.  She ran well at Miwok, but was beaten by Kami.  She’ll earn some cash.
Joelle Vaught 4-1.  Joelle is my sleeper to perform well here.  Most won’t be watching her, and on a good day can run with the best of em’.   She’ll look to squeeze out $1000 bucks for third.
Lizzy Hawker 5-1.  Fast girl that hasnt’ proved herself to me yet on this track, but like Joelle, she’s quick and could surprise the few girls ahead of her.
Helen Cospolich 6-1.  Helen doesn’t give herself enough credit and with 10,000′ of climbing here, it works with her strength.  If she holds together the whole day, she’ll be thinking about $1000 bucks too.
Chris Lundy 8-1.  Don’t know much about her, so I give her some love on the list, we’ll see what happens.  Anton mentions she’s just run a 2:40 marathon at Twin Cities.  And beat Kami and Susannah there.  I guess on Anton’s recommendation look for her to be the sleeper.  Still, it’s 50 miles, not 26.2……..very different in my opinion.  But that’s only worth a penny. 

Just my two cents, worth about a penny!

Check out this flyover of the course, brought to you by “run scout”

Don’t forget the real mountain race, the Speedgoat 50k applications go online on January 1st.  We know I”ll keep mentioning it.  My prize money is no $10,000, but I”m working on $500 for the winners.  It’s a mountain race with real vertical!

After this one, I won’t promise odds for the last 100 of the year….the Chimera 100 in Southern California.  My last race and thankfully my last 100 of the year.  This year was slim for me, only 7 100s. Next year we may almost double that….we’ll see. 

 

Records get ruined at the Wasatch 100!!!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on September 13, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 15 Comments

All predictions aside, I think I nailed this one!

Geoff Roes and Betsy Nye both came out victorious in the end.  I wasn’t kidding when I said it was gonna be a burner!

While hanging out last weekend with Hal and Geoff talking about this year’s race, the three of us knew it would probably take a record to win it.  We also knew it would probably be one of the three of us.  Well, we were right.  Two of us went under the old “fast” record of Kyle Skaggs (19:35).  Geoff took it to another level breaking the record by only 65 minutes!, leaving the front of the field early at “Charlie’s Corner” at about mile 20.  It was the last I saw of Geoff all day.   Hal did not have his best day but still managed to squeak out 6th place.  I managed to be the “chaser” all day coming in strong at 19:12.  19:12 isn’t so fast compared to 18:30!  The closest I came to Geoff was in the heat at Lambs Canyon (mile 53) only 9 minutes back.  I was encouraged, but Geoff soon recovered from a brief episode of a bad stomach and regained his 15 minute lead he held back at Big Mountain Pass (mile 39). Although I felt I was moving slow, I still stayed within reach at Brighton 21 minutes behind.  Geoff left a comment at Brighton (mile 73.5) with my crew, Catherine Mataisz…”tell Karl I’m just warming up”.  I laughed, but at the same time I was thinking the same thing.  The race starts at Brighton…so here we go!   

Geoff’s lead was still 21 minutes at the Ant Knolls aid station, (mile 78).  I was holding my own to this point.  I started to feel even better running into Pole line (81). I gained only 2 minutes, but still was actually gaining ground slowly.  I didn’t expect to catch Geoff, but wanted to keep the throttle down and give it all I had.  I felt great and really wanted to rally.

Soon after Pole Line a knife was inserted into my right ankle joint, from a previous rolling of that very ankle at about mile 10.  I wasn’t catching Geoff no matter what, cuz’ he was on fire, but I think I could even have been under 19 hours as well without this little blade twisting around in my foot……..I dealt with it and still ran in slowly in 19:12.

The real race for the win was in the women’s field.  Although I can’t say I was in the middle of it and have a close account of how it went down, but we got words at the finish that the two leading ladies (Betsy Nye and Mandy Hosford) were duking it out for the win at mile 81.  Betsy was only planning on breaking 24 hours.  At least that was her plan, and she was sticking to it according to her pacer Roch Horton.  Mandy pulled ahead briefly after Pole LIne, only to realize it was time for her belly to go a little sour.  Betsy decided to put the hammer down and ran away slowly to win by only 10 minutes at the end….sick race! 

The synopsis:

Geoff Roes now has the “Performance of the Year” hands down.  18:30 on this course is sickly fast and one for the archives.  I was psyched to stay close and push Geoff to run this kind of time.  It helped me go 23 minutes under the previous record as well…..I guess we nailed it sitting at the BBQ saying it was gonna take a record to win it……but only one guy gets the “Golden Skull”.

Betsy Nye notched her 6th or 7th win at Wasatch.   It’s so many I’m not even sure if that’s right.  It seems when we run our own race, good things happen.   Let’s not take anything away from Mandy Hosford either, she put a great fight and she, as well, went a few minutes below the old record of 23:29.28.

4 RECORDS, TWO WINNERS, SICKLY FAST ON A HOT DAY! 

Check full results for the Wasatch 100 here

The most competitive Wasatch 100 ever!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on September 6, 2009
in Race Updates
. 23 Comments

This year’s Wasatch 100 is lined up to be a burner.  Not only will it be warm, ( at this point ) but the heat, dust, and dry overgrown conditions should make it an interesting race to watch, and more interesting to run up front.  It’s a tough one to pick. The way I look at it there are 5 guys who could run away.  More than likely it’ll be one of the 5 guys on the top of the odds list.  It’s fair to say it may take a record to win this year.  Kyle Skaggs is hanging on to the record at 19:35 and change.   This could be the race that decides the “Speedgoat of the Year”. 

The Men:

Geoff Roes  7-2.  Returning champion with a 20:01 to his credit on his first run here.  He’s focused, he’s been sleeping high in Colorado for two weeks, and is now sleeping high here.  He looks fit and ready to run sub 20….at least!  
Speedgoat Karl  4-1.  This is my chance to shine right?  Well it won’t be easy.  I’ve been a little erratic in training because of a foot issue, but it’s gone now and if I can take my normal attitude…”100 miles isn’t really that far” all the way to the finish, I see a sub 20 in me easily.  But I’m gonna have to nail it and run hard, cuz’ looking over my shoulder I may just see that light coming at me.   This is my 100th ultra and shooting for the 50th ultra win of my career.  Needless to say, I have some incentive.   Any way you look at it, I’m in it to win it!
Hal Koerner  9-5.  Mr. Western schooled everyone at the Squaw Track Meet.  This race is a little hillier and far more technical.  If Hal runs smart and efficient, he may run away, but Geoff and Karl will be right on his tail.  He likes to start fast, so watch for that.  Geoff and I will probably be chasers from Francis Sheds.
Josh Brimhall  5-1.   Josh has what it takes to run 20 hours, he just has to tell himself that.  He might beat us all at 50k, but this is 100.  He’s run one great 100 at San Diego a few years back.  He’s also got the heat issue down as he’s from the Vegas area and trains daily with 100 degree temps. 
Allen Bellshaw  6-1.  Allen has run here a few times but hasn’t really nailed it yet.  If he does, he’ll slip into the top 3, but this year that’ll have to be sub 21.  From the Steamboat area, he’s been sleeping at altitude as well and should be ready to compete for the win, or at least a podium spot….if there was a podium.
John Anderson  6-1.  Another guy who can certainly run hard.  He missed out on Bighorn and is probably hungry to run a good race.  Another acclimatized guy too, so look out as he’s the sleeper to win it if we all crack ahead of him.
Erik Storheim  7-1.  Speedgoat 50k champ and no rookie on technical terrain.  If he keeps his game-face on, he’ll run sub 22 and will compete for top 5.
Jared Campbell 8-1.  He ran real well at Hardrock and it’s time for him to throw one down at Wasatch.  If he runs like he does on our occasional training runs, I’d put him top 5 easy.  
Topher Gaylord  9-1.  Former Alta-Snowbird Local who knows the course well and is one of those guys who is often a mystery.  He’ll be under 23 for sure, but could also move up if he uses his supreme experience.  He’s coming off of UTMB, so may be a bit tired.
Corbin Talley  12-1.  Wasatch Running Center’s top dog,  Corbin is a SLC local and a fast road marathoner ( 2:20 range ).  He was in the top 5 a few years back when Roch Horton and I passed him sitting on a rock after Brighton.  Chances are he won’t be sitting on a rock this time.  He’s got great speed but needs to keep his stomach happy.
Brandon Sybrowsky  14-1.  If Brandon is in good race shape, he’s easily in top 5.  He’s run this thing over 10 times and could go blindfolded if he wanted to.  I hope he’s up front with us so we can talk Hong Kong and the Trailwalker 100k experience we had a few years back in 2002 and 2004.

That’s it for the men.  Others to watch for a sub 24 finish:  Jay Aldous, David Hayes, Dave Hunt, Scott Kunz and a few others I’ve probably missed.

The women:

Always a little easier to pick, but this year we have 6 women that could win it.  Some faster and more experienced than others, but nonetheless it’ll be competitive to the end.

Betsy Nye  4-1.  We have to give her the nod here as she’s won this thing a bunch of times.  She does not hold the record but will run it textbook style.  And with Roch Horton at her side trying to get her that silly Cheetah Buckle she’s got a chance at breaking 24.  Around 24 hours should win it.
Mandy Hosford  5-1.  Mandy brings a great Speedgoat 50k run to the table, but lacks some 100 mile experience.  If she nails it though, she’ll surprise lots of folks and run away.  She’s got speed, a good coach and determination to go for it.
Sarah Evans  6-1.  Sarah also has a good coach :-)  and if she sticks with a good race strategy, she should run strong to the finish.  She has to stay smart though, and not let others dictate her race.  She’s as fast as the other two ahead of her if she wants to be. 
Prudence L’Heureux  8-1.  I’ve picked Prudence many times to run up front, but she hasn’t really done it yet.  I’m thinking this may be her time to shine.  She’s got it in her if she nails it.
Jane Larkindale  9-1.  Jane ran second at the San Diego 100 in June with a solid 21:40ish time.  This is her chance to run with the top ladies and prove she’s one to reckon with.  The “sleeper” in my book.
Darla Askew  10-1.  She’s got a veteran pacer ( Krissy Moehl ).  If Krissy can keep her moving well later in the race, like she does, she’ll move up late and surprise a few.

That’s the ladies, and there are probably a few I missed, but this time I think I have it right!

Don’t forget to keep tuning in as I am working on a project for next year…once again.  But it’s a secret for now, the details are coming soon.

For those out there who can help the needy.  Consider donating a few bucks for a good cause.  A client of mine, Kieth Kohler, is running the North Country 50 mile run in a few weeks. This charity helps an orphanage in Sri Lanka, a place where real cash is needed to help save these kids’ lives.  Check out the website here,  and let ultrarunning assist the kids in need! 

On another good note, Erik Skaggs is now turning the corner and improving, check out the good words at Rogue Valley Runners.

And don’t forget to click the “Goatman” in the upper right corner for deals at Backcountry.com.  It’s time to gear up for winter soon, as another 700″ is ready to fall on the mighty Wasatch Front.

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