Gorge Waterfalls 50k Returns, 100k debuts March 29-30
Known for its gusty winds, epic waterfalls and miles of hiking trails, the Gorge will play host to hundreds of athletes registered for the Gorge Waterfalls 50k and 100k races this week.
More than 300 runners (175 men and 131 women) are registered for the sold-out 50k race on Saturday and 136 participants (95 men and 41 women) will attempt Sunday's 100k, both hosted by Rainshadow Running.
The 50k will return to Race Director James Varner's original vision of a point-to-point course after trail closures and construction forced the race into a slightly shortened out-an-back event in 2012 and 2013. The 2014 race will live up to its 50k distance title.
Now in its fourth year, the course winds past countless waterfalls along the base of the Cascade Mountains, offers scenic Columbia River views and touches on a section of the famed Pacific Crest Trail.
But it's not all wildflowers and waterfalls. Expect a bit of Beauty and the Beast.
Although the scenery will undoubtedly provide distraction from the challenging terrain, sections of the trail are technical, rocky and slick.
Varner's advice for first time Gorge Waterfalls runners: "Go slow, enjoy the views. The course is deceptively hard, he said. "Since it's so scenic you're gonna stop a lot to stare and take photos so it's definitely not a 'PR' course."
Rolling hills and a single big climb amount to 6,000 feet of total elevation. Finishers will be rewarded with a post-race party complete with local microbrews, handmade pizza and other tasty treats. Weather permitting, The Pine Hearts are scheduled to play at the finish. The celebration will continue Saturday night at McMenamin's Edgefield hotel in Troutdale.
A LOOK AT THE 50k FIELD:
Mario Mendoza is Varner’s favorite for the win (2013 USATF Trail Runner of the Year; first, 2013 Angels Staircase 60k) but, it won’t come easily.
Varner predicts Dominic Grossman (first, 2013 Angeles Crest 100 m; fifth, 2014 Sean O'Brien 50m) to join Mendoza on the podium. However, John Merrill (first 2013 S.O.B. 50m; first, 2012 Deception Pass 25k) could give Grossman a lower spot on the three person platform.
As with any race, anything can happen. Travis Macy (second, 2013 Leadville Trail Marathon and sixth, 2014 Moab Red Hot 55k), Jason Leman (third, 2014 Orcas Island 50k; fifth, 2013 Zane Grey 50m) and Chris Frazar (first, 2013 Cle Elum 50k; fourth, 2013 Deception Pass 25k) will keep the podium honest.
Runners likely to round out the top five mens' finishers include William Emerson, Jason Gulley and Adam Harris.
A talented cadre of women will battle for the top three 50k slots. Varner favors Team USA Mountain Runner Brandy Erholtz (third, 2014 Moab Red Hot 55k; seventh, 2012 SF North Face 50m) for first, followed by British Columbia's Stacey Clevland (first, 2013 Sun Mountain 50m; sixth 2012 Chuckanut 50k) for second.
Third place may end up being a close race between Alex Gillett (first, 2013 Angels Staircase 35k; fifth, 2013 Deception Pass 25k), Heather Pola (fourth, 2013 Angels Staircase 60k; fourth, 2013 White River 50m), Emily Kalenius (first, 2012 Mckenzie River 50k; third 2012 Flagline 50k) and Jaime Clark (second, 2013 Sun Mountain 50k; fourth, 2013 Orcas Island 25k)
MORE TRAIL, PLEASE:
For some long distance junkies, 50k just isn't enough of a challenge for one weekend. A total of 136 participants will tackle the 50k course twice on Sunday. Instead of running point-to-point they'll run out-and-back from the Benson State Recreation Area.
Double the distance makes for double the fun, amounting to 12,000 feet of total elevation gain on the 100k, which starts at 4 a.m. on Sunday, March 30 and will wrap up no later than 8 p.m. I only hope these die-hards requested a day off on Monday!
A LOOK AT THE 100k FIELD:
Varner expects Yassine Diboun (ninth, 2013 Western States 100m; first, 2013 Leona Divide 50k) and Rod Bien (second, 2013 Orcas Island 50k; third 2013 Wasatch 100) to duke it out for first and second.
Matt Cecill (first, 2013 Deception Pass 50k; third, 2013 Zion 100m), Micheal Standinsky (first, 2013 Flagline 50k; second, 2013 Tahoe Rim 100m) and Hayden Teachout (first, 2013 Yakima Skyline 25k; fourth, 2014 Orcas Island 50k) all have a promising shot at taking the last podium position.
Other strong runners in the field include Guillaume Calmettes, Matt Urbanski and Hozumi Nakai, who are each in the mix for a mens' top five finish.
Women to watch include first place finishing favorite Denise Bourassa (eighth, 2013 Western States 100m; third, 2014 Sean O'Brien 50m), as well as Rhea George (third, 2013 Angels Staircase 60k; first, 2011 Deception Pass 50k), Alicia Woodside (first, 2013 Deception Pass 50k; third, 2013 White River 50m) and Abi Moore (first, 2012 Sinister Seven 146k; third 2013 Meet Your Maker 50m).
Contenders for the top five finishers include Tara Berry, Janessa Taylor, Katie Desplinter, Jess Mullen, Van Phan and Jody Chase.
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Photo generously donated by Paul Neslon saying, "I just love people, running, and photography."
