Sun Mountain 50-mile and 50k, May 18
The flowers are in full bloom this weekend in the Methow and with lows in the 30’s and highs in the upper 60’s you can expect full smiles from Rainshadow Running racers at the Sun Mountain 50k (#Sun50k) and 50mi (#Sun50M).
The Sun Mountain 50 miler will send runners out at 7 AM on Sunday, May 18th followed closely by the Sun Mountain 50 k start at 10 AM. The course is littered with a mix of climbs from gradual to steep, and the descents have been described as mix of “screaming and meandering”. Combine the terrain with mountain vistas, and open sagebrush hillsides and the result is an unforgettable experience.
Via James Varner, Rainshadow Running’s Head Honcho, “For the most part, the trails are well-maintained, not very technical, and quite fast. Most of the climbs are gradual, with a few steep ones thrown in to make sure you're paying attention. For the 50-mile, there'll be about 7500 feet of gain, making it a relatively fast mountain trail 50-mile. The 50k has about 5000 feet of gain, but given the smooth trails, is still a relatively fast course.”
Sun Mountain 50-mile racers will have 13 hours to complete the trail run, and with 6 aid stations along the route there will be plenty of refueling opportunities as well as plenty of good spirit to keep runners moving safely toward the finish.
Sun Mountain 50-kilometer racers will have an 8 hour cut-off time and will be supported via three aid stations along the route: Mile 8.6, Mile 17.0, and Mile 25.2
For more information: http://www.rainshadowrunning.com/sun-mountain-50m--50k.html
A LOOK AT THE 50mi FIELD:
Varner is predicting Max “Woodpecker” Ferguson and Oliver Utting are two of the top racers that John Merril will look to take down. Woodpecker and Utting are both sub-4 hour Chuckanut 50k finishers. Adam Hewey and Nick Triolo will likely round out the Top-5.
For the women, Varner says that Deb Russell is the favorite, but will have Rachel Bucklin at her heels.
A LOOK AT THE 50K FIELD:
Varner has his bets placed on Justin Yates. That being said, Yates is likely to be tested with the arrival of several speedy performers with very little ultra experience. Marcell McArthur is the favorite to give Yates a run for the top spot. Shane Ruljanich, Brandon Sullivan, Chris Morlan, Brendan Thompson, Jon Mark Smith.
For the ladies, Varner believes Sarah Carter is the race favorite. Sherry Cote, Susan Shalanski, and Alex Gillett will easily contend for the remaining podium spots.
RACE DAY COVERAGE:
Uphill Running will be providing as much possible coverage for the 50-mile (#Sun50M) and 50k (#Sun50k) trail race on Twitter @UphillRunning, Instagram @UphillRunning and on Facebook @UphillRunningLive starting on Sunday around 7:00 AM.
