Yakima Skyline Rim 50k, April 20
A reputation built around sunshine and hills, Yakima Valley will be the hopping grounds for just over 130 runners on Easter Sunday. In its fourth year, the Yakima Skyline Rim 50k will send trail runners screaming up and down the hills at 8:00 AM.
Race Director James Varner has eliminated the two ridge top aid stations which took volunteers almost 2 hours to get there from the start line and were nearly impassible if conditions were muddy. For the 2014 race, the aid station in Roza Creek Valley will serve racers. The location is much safer and easier to access despite having to ferry volunteers and supplies across the Yakima River.
The aid station change will give the runners a 500 ft. break in vertical gain. Previously the course boasted 10,000 ft. of gain, but this year the runners will only earn 9,500 ft. along the 50k course. Varner hopes to find away to get the 500 ft. back in a future course.
The Yakima Skyline Rim course is unlike any other in the Pac-Northwest. The course includes four steep climbs along primitive trails littered with loose rock. The course gets so steep and narrow at points that some racers actually choose to dry-land glissade down the route. Whether the racer chooses to slide or not, the two hills are aptly named Buttslide and the Plunge for good reason.
Elevation gain is one consideration for racers to train for; however, it’s the heat that will get most racers. The course has no trees, and with no trees the only shade you’ll find is below the soles of your feet. A lack of tall foliage has its advantages when it comes to views. On clear days Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, the Stuart Range, and countless other mountains fill the open horizon as racers snake themselves alongside the Yakima River.
For your best results, Varner says to wear shoes that can handle a very rocky trail and don’t forget about hydration and electrolytes.
A LOOK AT THE 50k FIELD:
Since taking third in the 50k at the event last year, Alicia Woodside, has been on fire (third,2013 White River 50m; first. 2013 Deception Pass 50k; first, 2014 Gorge Waterfalls 100k). Woodside’s knowledge of the course will makr her the day’s favorite.
An equally accomplished Abi Moore (third, 2013 Meet your Maker 50m; first, 2012 Sinister 7 146k; first, 2013 Spokane River 50k) will make for an interesting challenge and force a strategic battle for the top spot.
Look for Gwen Preston, Deb Russell, Megan Molnar and Kathy McKay to battle for the last remaining podium place.
In the men’s fleet, Matt Hart has come close a few times (fourth, 2012 Yakima Skyline Rim 50k; second, 2013 Yakima Skyline Rim 50k) so look for him to be hungry for the win. Justin Yates (third, 2013 Angels Staircase 60k; fifth, 2013 Speedgoat 50k) will give Hart a serious run for the top spot.
The remaining seat on the podium will be contested by two time winner Adam Hewey, local road speedster Jeff Hashimoto, a man not afraid of technical trail Hozumi Nakai, and one of the best trail runners from Tennessee Charlie Duke. Jesse Lang, Justin Nicholas, and Anthony Skierkiewicz all have a shot for a top spot, too, if any of the other contenders isn’t feeling in top form.
Darkhorse Alert: 59-year-old Billy Simpson is coming from Memphis with his 8 Hardrock 100 Finishes to show folks how steep mountain races are really run he's got his eyes set on the 50-59 age group record and could easily put himself in the top-10.
RACE DAY COVERAGE:
The Yakima Valley has few trees, and cell service is spotty, but Uphill Running will be providing as much possible coverage of the 50k trail race on Twitter @UphillRunning and on Facebook @UphillRunningLive starting on Easter Sunday around 7:45 AM.
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