Uphill Running LIVE at Orcas Island 50k
Orcas Island 50k is the first 50k of 2014 for Rainshadow Running, and the first event in 2014 for Uphill Running LIVE. Uphill Running LIVE will be providing race day coverage using Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Interviews, photos, and race day updates will be streaming during the entirety of the 50k trail race on Saturday, February 1st. *Orcas Island has about as much cell phone coverage as Colin Kaepernick has friends in Seattle, so please be patient with us on Saturday.
The Orcas Island 50k course, February 1st, will take runners on a scenic adventure through old growth forests, up some tough climbs that give way to views of surrounding islands, mountains, and the Puget Sound. Here’s the course as described by James Varner, “Beautiful, soft and well maintained single track trails through old growth forest with waterfalls, lakes, cascading creeks, and views of the Puget Sound, the surrounding islands, and on clear days the Cascade and Olympic Mountain Ranges, including Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier and Mt. St Helens. About 8400ft of elevation gain on the loop course.”
The race is in its ninth year, but has a few new surprises: The course's difficulty will rival some of the early course designs when the distance was closer to 55k. Two climbs have been added to the route, and there will be some new trails that racers will experience for the first time. The changes will revisit what Varner describes as “the old days”. Scenic spots like Cascade Falls, the “Powerline Climb”, trails around the lake, and the summit of Mt. Constitution will still be on course, but get ready for “Gnome Village”, a series of ups and downs reversed from early race day courses.
Taking a look at the race day entrants, the top-three for the men's field look to be Max “Woodpecker” Ferguson, Seth Swanson, and Hal Koerner. But there are two runners, David Laney and Mario Mendoza, that could disrupt the men’s top-three, if they show up to the starting line. Even if the two unknowns don’t show, be on the lookout for Adam Hewey, Ryan Burch, Chris Downie, Hayden Teachout, Andrew Miller, and Korey Konga to capitalize on any mistakes made by the predicted top-three.
On the women’s side, it’s Jodee Adams-Moore’s race to lose. The battle for the remaining podium spots, however, looks to be a race between Alex Gillett, Alicia Woodside, Denise Bourassa, Sara Carter, Megan Molnar, Alexis Braun, Audrey Squires, and Tia Gabalita.
Something to note about this year's race is Max "Woodpecker" Ferguson ('13), Seth Swanson ('12) and Jodee Adams-Moore are not only in a battle for the overall men's and women's title, but also to be the second person in the race's history to win it twice. A feat that has only been accomplished by Kyle Skaggs ('06, '07). This fact alone could be just the motivation the rest of the field needs to stifle their glory. Race day will have the final answer and it’s always possible that a previously unknown will make their mark.
Go Seahawks!
Follow @UphillRunning on Twitter , check out photos @UphillRunning on Instagram and 'Like' Uphill Running Live on Facebook to follow the action as it unfolds! Race day coverage will begin on February 1st. #Orcas50k
Article by Trey Bailey
