The U.S. Mountain Running Team

Relocating this blog to usmrt.com

2010-08-20T11:07:00.003-04:00

We've combined our website and blog together. If you regularly track this blog, please instead start following us at www.usmrt.com instead.

Brandy Erholtz wins Harakiri Run in Austria

2010-08-02T19:14:00.000-04:00

Mayrhofen-Austria, 1. August – The second “Harakiri Run” was also the second event of the WMRA Grand Prix 2010 circuit. Excellent conditions with sunny but not hot weather and dry course announced attack to the course record set at the first edition in 2009. Ahmet Arslan, 4-times European Champion was the winner in 50:39. Brandy Erholtz, USA, was the women's winner in 1:04:26, over four minutes ahead of her nearest competitor Michaela MERTOVA of the Czech Republic.

Great Northwest Mountain Run - Mt. Hood

2010-07-26T16:44:00.000-04:00

The second race in the 2010 La Sportiva / USATF-Oregon Mountain Running Series took place this past weekend at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. The 3rd Annual Great Northwest Mountain Run was put on by Kevin Foreman and his excellent XDog Events crew. Yassine Diboun (Portland, OR) won the overall race and collected the $100 cash prize from USATF-Oregon. Complete results will be available soon at: http://www.xdogevents.com/scheduleandresults.html.

The next race in the series will be the 33rd Annual Mt. Ashland Hillclimb on Saturday, August 7. Find race information here: http://www.mtashlandrun.com

Pikes Peak Ascent to host WMRA World Long Distance Challenge: Team USA announced

2010-07-23T17:59:00.000-04:00

The Pikes Peak Ascent will be held on Saturday, August 21. This year’s race is hosting the 7th WMRA World Long Distance Challenge, an event which brings together athletes from around the globe to compete for team and individual prizes. Last year’s Challenge was held in Austria. Previous hosts included Switzerland, France, and Great Britain. The U.S. also hosted in 2006 with the Pikes Peak Marathon. The event will be hosted in Slovenia in 2011.

Each country participating in the Challenge must designate their team members prior to race day. Teams can include up to five athletes with the top three to score. Team results will be calculated from the aggregate time of the best three athletes in each team. In the event of a tie, the team with the third runner nearest the winner will take precedence. Among the countries expected to compete are Slovenia, England, Scotland, USA, and Australia.

Representing Team USA on the men’s side will be Eric Blake, New Haven, Conn., Rickey Gates, Aspen, Colo., Zac Freundenburg, St. Louis, Mo., Tommy Manning, Colorado Springs, Colo, and Ryan Hafer, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Blake, Gates, and Manning (runner-up at last year’s Ascent) will be representing the U.S. at the World Mountain Running Championships this September in Slovenia. Both Blake and Gates are veterans of the World Mountain Running Championships having competed there four times previously, though neither has raced the Ascent. Freudenberg recently competed in the NACAC Mountain Running Championships for Team USA, is a past member of the U.S. Mountain Running Team (’08, ’09), and has competed in the Ascent with a best finish of fourth place. Even though Hafer has not yet represented USA on a mountain team, he is an accomplished mountain runner having won the Ascent in 2005 and the Barr Trail Mountain Race earlier this month.

The five women on Team USA are all from Colorado, each has been on a past, or is on the current U.S. Mountain Running Team, and all but two have raced the Pikes Peak Ascent.

Brandy Erholtz, Bailey, is a three-time mountain team member (’08, ’09, ’10) and a past winner on the Peak (2008). Megan Kimmel, Silverton, a two-time mountain team member (’08, ’09), and the defending champion at the Ascent, Lisa Goldsmith, Nederland, two-time mountain team member (’97, ’06) and a seven-time finisher at the Ascent including two wins. New on the Peak this year will be Laura Haefli, Del Norte, four-time mountain team member (’04, ’05, ’07, ’08) with a bronze individual medal in 2007, and Kelli Lusk, 2003 mountain team member. Both Haefeli and Lusk have raced and won the Barr Trail Mountain Race which is a precursor to the Ascent.

Nancy Hobbs

Gray, Erholtz win NACAC Mountain Running Titles

2010-07-13T11:35:00.005-04:00

Joseph Gray (pictured right) and Brandy Erholtz (pictured left), both of the USA, were victorious at the 7th North American Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Mountain Running Championships on July 9th, 2010. Canadians Taylor Murphy and Ivan Babikov rounded out the podium on the men's side.

American Megan Lund and Canadian Maria Zambrano were the second and third women respectively. The Canadian men narrowly edged out the USA to win the NACAC men's race, while the American women put in a commanding performance to win the NACAC women's race.

In the men's race, the American men led early with the Canadian men close behind. Joseph Gray established an early lead on the first ascent and never looked back, finishing nearly 30 seconds ahead of his closest competitors. The final ascent, the steepest and most demanding terrain on the course, proved decisive for the team finish, with Adrian Lambert passing Brandon Lord in the final 100m to ensure a Canadian victory over the Americans.

In the women's race, the USA team proved too strong for the Canadians, with three of the top four positions being filled by the American women.

The event was held at the Canmore Nordic Centre in Canmore, Alberta, after grizzly bear activity on the Nakiska Ski Resort forced the organizers to make a last-minute course change. The final course was approximately 7.5 km long, with 600m of ascent and 130m of descent.

Full results : http://www.mountainrunning.ca/news.php?id=41

Special thanks to Adrian Lambert (pictured center) from the Canadian Mountain Running Association for hosting the US Mountain Running Team.

2010 Team Member Eric Blake wins at Loon Mountain Race,

2010-07-09T14:37:00.001-04:00

Reprinted from the Running Around CT Blog

Mountain runner Eric Blake (recently named the Central CT women's coach) has a good story now for when people ask him, "What's the craziest thing that ever happened to you when you were running?"

Last weekend, Blake was running the second to last race in the New England Mountain Running Series, a 5.5-miler at Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. He was in the lead and close to the finish when he came upon a black bear.

Blake wasn't really paying attention at first; neither was the bear.

But then the two spotted each other. Blake, running in 95 degree heat up a punishing incline, just kept on running up the trail - toward the bear.

"It was so hot," he said. "I wasn't thinking straight. You normally would run away."

Instead the bear ran away.

And Blake, who is leading the series, won in 46:32. He has one more race in the series, at Ascutney in Vermont, this weekend.

First Timers Victorious at USA Mountain Running Championships

2010-06-25T00:46:00.000-04:00

Pinkham Notch, NH --- The 50^th running of the Mt. Washington Road Race saw two newcomers take top honors at the USA Mountain Running Championships. Chris Siemers, 29, Arvada, CO, crossed the finish line after 7.6 miles at an elevation of 6,288-feet above sea level in a time of 1:00:22. Kristen Price, 28, Raleigh, NC, was the top U.S. woman and USA Mountain Running Champion timed in 1:11:13. Price was outdistanced by 23-year old Ethiopian Shewarge Amars who raced to a course record of 1:08:21 breaking the previous mark of 1:10:08 set by Magdalena Thorsell, Sweden, in 1988.

With their wins, Siemers and Price made the 2010 U.S. Mountain Running Team slated to compete in Kamnik, Slovenia, at the 26^th World Mountain Running Championships on Sunday, September 5. Joining Siemers and Price will be Eric Blake, 31, New Britain, CT, who finished second in 1:00:40, Joseph Gray, 26, Lakewood, WA, third in 1:01:31, Rickey Gates, 29, Woody Creek, CO, fourth in 1:02:34, Max King, 30, Bend, OR, fifth in 1:03:18, and Tommy Manning, 34, Colorado Springs, CO, sixth in 1:03:27.

On the women’s side will be mountain team veterans Brandy Erholtz, 32, Bailey, CO, who finished as second American in 1:11:13. Erholtz represented the U.S. in 2008 and 2009. Nicole Hunt, 40, Deer Lodge, MT, finished as third American setting a new Master’s mark in 1:12:59. Hunt was on the 2006 gold-medal winning team. Megan Lund, 26, Basalt, CO, earned the final spot on the women’s team running 1:13:30.

For a complete list of results visit, www.mountwashingtonroadrace.com. USA Mountain Running Championships results will be available at www.usatf.org. To follow the U.S. Mountain Running Team visit www.twitter.com/USMRT and www.usmrt.com.

U.S. Mountain Running Team to be Selected at Mount Washington

2010-06-15T16:23:00.001-04:00

Colorado Springs, CO --- The 2010 U.S. Mountain Running Team will travel to Kamnik, Slovenia, to compete in the 26th World Mountain Running Championships on Sunday, September 5. This year’s open team – six men and four women – will be selected at the U.S. Mountain Running Championships to be held at the Mt. Washington Road Race on Saturday, June 19, starting at 10:00 a.m.

The increased support by the race’s primary sponsor, Northeast Delta Dental, was a contributing factor in choosing a single selection race for the team this year.

“The USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Running Council, when considering a host for our selection races, looks at the venue, the race management, and the support the event will provide for our athletes. Mount Washington not only offers a well-managed event with an incredible history (celebrating its 50th running in 2010), this year organizers and sponsors stepped up to increase the prize money and in doing so have amassed a field of competitors unmatched in U.S. mountain running history,” said USATF’s Mountain Ultra Trail Running Council Chairperson Nancy Hobbs. “Having a single selection race is something new for our program (typically there are 2-3 selection races for the team), and means the athletes have just one opportunity to earn a spot on the team. This opportunity will become a reality for 10 of America’s best on Saturday.”

The course will test runners’ strength and endurance for the entire 7.6 miles from the base of the Auto Road with an unrelenting 12 percent grade to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

The course provides elevation gains which closely mirror those found in Slovenia’s uphill-only route. In Slovenia, the men will run 12 kilometers with more than 4,300 feet of elevation gain, while the women will run 8.5 kilometers with 3,370 feet of elevation gain.

Among the top U.S. competitors on Saturday will be men's and women's defending champions, Coloradoans Rickey Gates of Boulder, and Brandy Erholtz, of Bailey. Gates is only the fifth man ever to break the one-hour barrier on Mt. Washington, having won last year in 59 minutes 58 seconds. Erholtz is looking for her third straight victory and has her sights set on chasing down the women's course record, 1:10:08, set in 1998 by Magdalena Thorsell of Sweden.

Gates, a four-time mountain running team member, is closely matched with at least two familiar rivals, two-time Mt. Washington champion Eric Blake, New Britain, CT who has also been on the mountain team four times, as well as Joe Gray, Lakewood, WA, who finished fourth here in 2008 and then third in 2009, just behind Gates and Blake. Gray has represented the U.S. twice at Worlds and is the 2009 USA Mountain Running Champion. They'll be joined by two-time mountain team members (’08, ’09) Matt Byrne, of Scranton, PA, who was sixth in 2008 and fourth last year at Mt. Washington and Zac Freudenburg, St. Louis, MO, seventh in 2008; Max King, Bend, OR, who won the USA Half Marathon Trail Championships on June 13; Jeffrey Eggleston, Flagstaff, AZ, who ran a 2:14:32 in his debut marathon this year in Phoenix; Malcolm Campbell, Marietta, GA, who won the 2008 Hogpen Hillclimb in Georgia; Timothy Parr, Gunnison, CO, a three-time mountain team member, and Ryan Hafer, Colorado Springs, CO, both past winners of the Pikes Peak Ascent; Luke Watson, State College, PA, a 2:15 marathoner; 2005 mountain team member Kevin Tilton, North Conway, NH; Kristopher Houghton, Albuquerque, NM, a sub-30 minute 10k runner and third at last year’s team selection race in Colorado. One of the newcomers attracting special attention is two-time U.S. Mountain Running junior team member, 19-year-old Zach Rivers, Victor, NY, who will attempt to break the oldest mark in the Mt. Washington books – the course record for runners 19 and under, 1:09:18, set by Sean Livingston in 1987.

Among the top women are four-time mountain team members Laura Haefeli, Del Norte, CO, who finished third at Mt. Washington in 2008 while setting the women's masters course record, and reigning U.S. Mountain Champion Christine Lundy, Sausalito, CA; two-time U.S. Mountain Running team member Megan Kimmel, Silverton, CO; Alison Bryant, Elkin, NC, who finished third in 2007, fifth in 2008 and fourth last year; Nicole Hunt, Deer Lodge, MT, who placed second in her last Mt. Washington appearance (2007 to win the U.S. Championships and earn a spot on the mountain running team) behind the Czech Republic’s Anna Pichrtova; three-time mountain team member Rachel Cuellar, Albuquerque, NM; Kristin Price, Raleigh, NC, who won the 2009 U.S. Women's Trail 10k National Championship; Megan Lund, Basalt, CO, the women's course record-holder in the Aspen (CO) Mountain Uphill, a 2008 U.S. Olympic marathon trials qualifier, and a member of last year’s mountain running team; Gina Lucrezi, Southborough, MA, leader in the USATF New England mountain running series; Amber Moran, a 1:17 half-marathoner from Arden, NC; and Rachel Cieslewicz, Salt Lake City, UT.

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF ENTRANTS, sortable by name, by state, or by hometown, visit the Mt. Washington Road Race web site, www.mountwashingtonroadrace.com, and click on Lottery Results. The site also includes a photo gallery, a history of the race, results from previous years, and other information.

The U.S. Mountain Running Junior Team will be selected based on running resumes. For details visit www.usatf.org and www.usmrt.com.

Max King and Sopagna Eap win 1/2 Marathon Trail Champs

2010-06-14T11:23:00.003-04:00

Max King and Sopagna Eap win first ever USA Trail Half Marathon National Championships in Bend, Oregon

BEND – On a beautiful sunny day with temps in the 60s, hometown favorite Max King of Bend, and Sopagna Eap of Eugene, OR both set new course records at the 9^th annual Dirty Half half marathon, which served as the first ever USA Trail Half Marathon National Championships. USA Track & Field runners from across the country were competing for $3000 in prize money courtesy of Visit Bend (visitbend.com).

"The field was absolutely ripping fast this year. These times are truly incredible on a course like this", said race director "Super" Dave Thomason from Footzone Bend.

“The City of Bend, Visit Bend and the community of Bend where thrilled to host the 1^st ever USA Track & Field Trail Half Marathon. The Dirty Half trail half marathon is a hallmark event for Bend and it showed its true colors once again with unbelievable community support, a challenging course and superb race directing by Dave Thomason. The City of Bend and Visit Bend look forward to bringing more USA Track & Field Trail Running National Championships in future years.”

Early on in the race the lead pack of runners included Max King, Eric Bohn (Flagstaff, AZ), Mario Mendoza (Cambria, CA) and Carlos Trujillo and his twin brother Esteban (Eugene, OR). King finished in 1:11:03, followed by the Trujillo brothers, with Carlos coming in at 1:12:17 and Esteban in 1:14:02. Bohn came in 4^th (1:14:16) and Mendoza finished in 5^th (1:17:20). King earned $700 for the win, with Carlos receiving $400 for second and Esteban $300 for third. First Master and 6^th overall was Paul Parsons of Bend in a time of 1:21:36. Parsons took home $100 for being the top master.

King looks to carry his success to next weekend when he heads to Gorham, New Hampshire for the USA Mountain Running Championships at the 50^th Annual Mount Washington Road Race.

On the women’s side Eap battled with eventual second place finisher and US Olympic Cross Country Ski Team Member, Morgan Arritola (Ketchum, ID) for the first 9 miles until Sopagna surged ahead for the win. Rounding out the women’s top 3 and winning the female masters category was Bend’s very own Lisa Nye, a former winner at the Dirty Half. Eap took home $700 for first overall, with Arritola winning $400 and Nye winning $400 as well ($300 for 3^rd, $100 for 1^st Master).

“ I was really impressed with the trail centric atmosphere here in Bend today. The race had 800 entrants with great amenities. It’s clear to me that Dave and his crew here know what it takes to put on a quality event. As USATF continues its campaign to reach out to more runners in the Mountain, Ultra and Trail community across the country, it was really exciting to see such a great turnout here in Bend today,” noted Paul Kirsch, USATF Mountain/Ultra/Trail Championships Chair and race liason.

USATF will return to Bend on September 25^TH for the USA 50K Trail Championships, with a $3000 prize purse courtesy of Visit Bend.

OrthoLite Joins the American Trail Running Association as the Official Insole

2010-04-30T15:21:00.002-04:00

Colorado Springs, CO ----- OrthoLite recently signed on as the official insole of the American Trail Running Association (ATRA). OrthoLite is the world’s leading supplier of open cell foam insoles in the performance footwear category.

“We are thrilled to announce OrthoLite’s corporate sponsorship. OrthoLite has been a dedicated partner of ATRA for three years and this new level of involvement is greatly appreciated by our board of directors and will enable ATRA to further develop programs for our membership,” said Nancy Hobbs, executive director ATRA.

Some of ATRA’s programs include a comprehensive online calendar of national and international trail and mountain running events, a quarterly newsletter entitled Trail Times, e-blasts throughout the year announcing special events and products, and surveys which help ATRA gather demographic information on our sport.

“OrthoLite is excited to serve as the official insole for ATRA,” said Pam Gelsomini, President of OrthoLite. “We have a shared goal of providing an insole product that gives trail runners the comfort and durability they need on all types of terrain.”

OrthoLite headquarters are located in Amherst, MA and their website can be accessed at www.ortholite.com.

For additional information visit the websites listed below:

American Trail Running Association
www.trailrunner.com

OrthoLite
www.ortholite.com

OrthoLite Company Overview: OrthoLite, headquartered in Amherst, MA, is the world’s leading supplier of open cell foam insoles found in more than 100 million shoes each year including, Asics, New Balance, Merrell, Nike, Puma, Adidas, Vans and Timberland. OrthoLite combines polyurethane and recycled rubber to provide superior cushioning, comfort, breathability and durability. OrthoLite was originally founded in 1997 and is a product of O2 Partners LLC.

U.S. Team Announced for 2010 NACAC Mountain Running Championships

2010-04-22T20:25:00.005-04:00

Colorado Springs, CO --- Canada will host the seventh North American Central American Caribbean (NACAC) Mountain Running Championship in Canmore, Alberta on Friday, July 9. The Canmore Challenge uphill course at Nakiska Mountain includes approximately 3000 feet of vertical gain over a 12 kilometer route and will act as a tune-up for NACAC teams in preparation for the World Mountain Running Championships to be held in Kamnik, Slovenia, on September 5.

The U.S. hosted the NACAC event in 2004, 2005 & 2009, Mexico hosted in 2006 and 2008, and Canada hosted in 2007. Team USA won men’s and women’s gold medals the first two years, but didn’t compete in 2006. In 2007 Team USA was again victorious in both the men’s and women’s divisions. In 2008 Team Mexico won the men’s competition with Team USA finishing second and Team Canada finishing third. The U.S. women were victorious followed by Mexico and Canada. Team USA won both races in 2009.

“We are looking forward to the NACAC competition in Canada this July. The course at Nakiska will test the speed and strength of the athletes and with Team USA comprised of experienced mountain runners, most with international experience, we’re sure to be in the hunt for gold medals,” said USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Running Council Chairperson and USA Team manager Nancy Hobbs.

“This is certainly a strong squad that we’re bringing to Canada this year and represents the breadth of mountain running in the U.S. with athletes representing seven states. All but one athlete on our U.S. Team has World Championship experience at either the junior or senior level,” added Team Leader Richard Bolt.

The men’s team includes: (age on race date) Brandon Lord, 18, Hixson, TN, Zach Freudenburg, 32, St. Louis, MO, Joseph Gray, 26, Lakewood, WA and Tim Smith, 20, Roanoke, VA. The women’s team includes Christine Lundy, 39, Sausalito, CA, Sarah Wagner, 38, Flagstaff, AZ, Brandy Erholtz, 32, Bailey, CO, and Megan Lund, 26, Basalt, CO. The team was selected based on their finish at the World Mountain Running Championship in 2009. If an athlete declined their spot, members of the 2008 U.S. Team at NACAC were offered spots. Bios of the 2010 team are available upon request.

For additional information on the USA Mountain Running Program visit www.usmrt.com, www.trailrunner.com, and www.usatf.org.

Nancy Hobbs, Chairperson, USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Running Council: (719) 573-4133 trlrunner@aol.com

Joe Gray finishes 10th at Carlsbad 5000

2010-04-15T15:19:00.002-04:00

US Mountain Running Team member Joe Gray (Lakewood, WA) finished 10th in 14:38 and was the top American in the Carlsbad 5000 - dubbed the "world's fastest 5k" race.

ELITE MEN (gun times) -
1. Eliud Kipchoge, 25, KEN 13:11 DB $5000
2. Dejene Gebremeskel, 20, ETH 13:18 DB 3500
3. Bekana Daba, 21, ETH 13:24 2000
4. Markos Geneti, 25, ETH 13:35 1000
5. Simon Ndirangu, 24, KEN 13:41 800
6. Alistair Cragg, 29, IRL 13:44 700
7. Juan Luis Barrios, 26, MEX 13:53 500
8. Ali Abdosh, 22, ETH 13:53 400
9. Haron Lagat, 26, KEN 14:01 300
10. Joe Gray, 26, Lakewood, WA 14:38 200

Complete results can be found here:
http://results.active.com/pages/searchform.jsp?rsID=91016

Joe Gray featured in May issue of Running Times

2010-04-12T10:59:00.003-04:00

Mountain Runner of the Year and US Mountain Running Team member Joe Gray (Lakewood, WA) has been featured in the May 2010 issue of Running Times magazine. The article titled "Going Up" was written by trail runner Brian Metzler and talks about Joe's road from a 3000m steeplechaser (8:44) to fit but novice mountain runner to world class mountain runner. Joe finished 16th at the 2009 World Mountain Running Championships in Italy will be gunning for a podium finish at the 2010 World Champs to be held in Slovenia this coming September. The May issue of Running Times is on news stands now.

Team member Brandy Erholtz featured in recent news story

2010-04-07T18:51:00.002-04:00

Brandy Erholtz (Bailey, Colorado - pictured second from right) has been featured in a news story in the The Journal (International Falls, Minnesota). Brandy won the 2008 Mt. Washington Road Race (USA Mountain Running Championship) and finished 11th in the 2008 World Mountain Running Championships in Switzerland.

Mountain running with a smile on her face
By JIM JOHNSON, Sports Editor

"Brandy Erholtz traveled the rugged road to stardom — literally. A road that takes the shape of a rocky trail filled with large obstacles, sharp elevation changes and treacherous terrain. Altitudes at over 8,000 feet and a training regime that begins before the Boise Inc. overnight shift ends. A road where mountain lions effect training schedules and entire races travel uphill."

Read the complete story here.

Vail Hosts Trail Running Camp with Bart Yasso

2010-03-29T18:59:00.002-04:00

From Ellen Miller:

NEW SUMMER TRAIL RUNNING CAMP WITH BART YASSO COMES TO VAIL
- Camp takes place July 18-21, 2010
- Runners of all ages and ability levels invited to participate

VAIL, Colo.—March 30, 2010—Vail-based athlete and trainer, Ellen Miller, announces a new trail running camp for runners interested in learning and training in the spectacular location of Vail, Colorado. The Vail Trail Running Camp with Bart Yasso will take place July 18-21, 2010 and will be open to participants of all ages and ability levels.

This new trail running camp created by Miller is the newest addition to Vail’s line-up of summer activities designed to help participants take their passions to the next level. Participants will be running on a variety of trails and terrain on Vail Mountain, and will be divided into groups according to ability, interest level and speed. A variety of terrain conditions and distances will be offered for each day’s coached trail run.

Bart Yasso will serve as the special guest for the camp. Yasso is the Chief Running Officer of Runner's World magazine and the author of My Life on the Run. He has completed more than 1,000 races, triathlons, biathlons, and eco-challenges over the past 30 years. He has run a majority of American marathons and at least one on all seven continents. In 2007, he was inducted into the Running USA Hall of Champions in recognition of his contribution, impact and dedication to the sport.

The certified coaches for the Vail Trail Running Camp are Vail locals including two time Mount Everest summitter Ellen Miller; endurance coach and professional triathlete, Josiah Middaugh; coach and two-time member of the US Mountain Running Team, Lisa Isom; and Masters running coach Dawes Wilson.

Registration for the Vail Trail Running Camp with Bart Yasso includes:
- Three nights’ accommodation at the Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa
- Breakfast at Terra Bistro each day
- Welcome dinner
- Yoga for runners classes
- Nutrition/Mindful eating sessions
- A membership to ATRA (American Trail Running Association)
- Coached trail runs each day with certified coaches
- Educational sessions about topics such as heart rate monitor training, racing, gear, training programs, etc.

Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Trail Action Group (T.A.G.) in Vail, dedicated to preserving and maintaining the trails system in the area. The rate for the camp with accommodations at the Vail Mountain Lodge is $975. The rate for the camp only is $695. Single room lodging, family and group lodging is available.

Participants should possess a level of general fitness for beginning trail running. Participants should be able to run for a minimum of three miles at nine to 10-minute-per-mile pace on the road. During the three day camp, participants will gain the knowledge, technique, confidence and fitness to enjoy the adventure and benefits of trail running.

This camp is operated under a special-use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. For more information, please contact Ellen Miller, alpineellen@gmail.com or register for the camp at www.imathlete.com.

Qualifying Information for the 2010 US Mountain Running Team

2010-03-02T21:46:00.004-05:00

Looking to qualify for the 2010 US Mountain Running Team? Here's what you need to do:

For the first time in team history, all 10 spots for the US Men's & Women's Mountain running team will be chosen at a single race. That race is the 50th running of the Mount Washington Road Race in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire. The top 6 men and top 4 women at Mt. Washington will make up this year's team. All athletes looking to make the team must be US Citizens and a Member of USA Track & Field to be considered eligible for the team.

Elite athletes who are looking to make the team, should contact Race Director Bob Teschek to see if they can be considered for an elite bypass entry into the Mt. Washington Race. You must still enter the race lottery with an elite bypass to register. Contact Bob via the Mount Washington Race website to be considered for elite bypass.

PLEASE NOTE FOR ALL ELITE ATHLETES: IF YOU HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY BOB TESCHEK, YOU MUST STILL ENTER THE LOTTERY VIA ELITE BYPASS BETWEEN MARCH 1ST AND MARCH 15TH TO ENTER THE RACE.

The US team will then go on to compete at the World Mountain Running Championship in Kamnik, Slovenia on September 5th, 2010.

Junior Athletes: Junior athletes are encouraged to run at Mt. Washington as well. Although there is no guaranteed spot on the team via the race, the race is still an excellent measure of mountain running ability. Junior athletes looking to make the team are encouraged to send a running resume to Team Manager, Paul Kirsch at pkirsch@roadrunner.com

3rd Annual Vail Mountain Winter Uphill

2010-02-17T10:52:00.003-05:00

Press Release from Nancy Hobbs:

Vail, Colorado – This Saturday, February 20, runners, skiers, snowshoers, and outdoor enthusiasts will meet at the base of Vail Mountain at the Lionshead Gondola for the start of the third annual Vail Mountain Winter Uphill. At 7:00 a.m. participants will head up the race course which includes 2,000 feet of vertical gain from the 8,000 foot base to the summit of Vail Mountain at Eagle’s Nest at over 10,000 feet. The approximately two mile course is on groomed ski trails.

The event is organized by Vail Valley locals Ellen Miller and Hooker Lowe to honor the memory of Vail’s own Lyndon Ellefson who died in 1998. Ellefson was a foreman on the Eagle Bahn Gondola and was instrumental in starting the U.S. men’s mountain running program and was a member of the U.S. Mountain Running Team which is one of the beneficiaries of race proceeds. The event is also a fundraiser for the Vail Valley Charitable Fund “This is a great way for people to remember Lyndon while participating in an activity that was so special to him,” said co-race director Ellen Miller.

“Through this event, we call all reflect on happy times with Lyndon and keep his memory alive in our hearts,” said Nancy Hobbs, manager of the mountain team and Executive Director of the American Trail Running Association.

The uniqueness of the event is evident in the varied categories of participation. Athletes will “pick their grip” when registering for the event. The categories include Open – running shoes, stabilizers, or snowshoes are permitted; Track Skis – any light weight ski equipment; and Heavy Metal – heavy metal edged skis including telemark gear. Registrants receive a post race party with breakfast at Eagle’s Nest, awards, and prizes. Prizes will be awarded by overall place and category by gender age group including 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 plus.

Registration is available now Online at www.imathlete.com, or on race morning until 6:30 a.m. at the Chop House Restaurant located at the base of the Lionshead Gondola. Arrive early to sign the Vail Resorts event waiver in addition to the entry form waiver. Race entry is $35 through February 19 and $40 on race day. The first 100 registrants will receive a copy of the first edition of The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running, by Adam W. Chase and Nancy Hobbs.

Benefiting the Vail Valley Charitable Fund and the US Mountain Running Team

Contact: Ellen Miller, Vail Athletic Club, alpineellen@gmail.com

US Team coach Ellen Miller featured on Outside Magazine blog

2010-02-10T20:57:00.004-05:00

Ellen Miller (Vail, CO) has been the women's team coach for the US Mountain Running Team for the past several years. Most people don't know that Ellen is also an experienced mountaineer who has climbed to the summit of Mt. Everest. I caught a peek of Ellen most recently on the Discovery Channel show Everest: Beyond the Limit where she was greeting climbers returning from the summit. Ellen is a good friend of Russell Brice - the owner of Himex and "star" of Everest: Beyond the Limit. You can read more about Ellen on the Outside Magazine blog here. Above is a photo of Ellen and Dave Dunham at the 2009 World Mountain Running Championships.

Staff Named for 2010 U.S. Mountain Running Team

2009-12-07T19:26:00.002-05:00

The 2010 U.S. Mountain Running Team will travel to Kamnik, Slovenia, to compete in the 26th World Mountain Running Championships on September 5. A seasoned staff that collectively has more than 30 years experience in team management will accompany the team at next year’s events.

“We are pleased to announce our team staff that will be on hand to help our team members reach their goals and perform to the best of their abilities in Slovenia this September. For the first time our national team will receive financial support from our national governing body. We will work with Jim Estes and the National Office staff to develop additional funding sources with the goal of fully funding our U.S. National Team in 2010,” said USATF’s Mountain Ultra Trail Running Council Chairperson Nancy Hobbs.

Richard Bolt, Portland, OR, has been named Team Leader for the eighth consecutive year. Prior to 2003 Bolt was an athlete member of the team in 1999 and 2002. He was the third U.S. finisher at the 1999 World Trophy and at the 1999 Challenge Stellina Race in Susa, Italy. Bolt has been a top finisher in the USATF New England mountain running circuit from 1996 through 2005 as well a regular top ten finisher at the prestigious Mt. Washington Hill Climb. Bolt also competed in the 1992, 1994, and 1998 U.S. Olympic Trials and was an All-American Nordic skier. Bolt is a former member of USATF’s New England Board of Governors, and now represents Mountain Ultra Trail on the USATF Oregon long distance running committee and just received the 2008 USATF Scott Hamilton Award from the Men’s Long Distance Running Committee for his volunteer service. Bolt serves as the men’s mountain rep to the USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Council. “I'm very excited about joining the team staff again in 2010. With USATF at the core of the new team funding structure, we are poised to build on the medal-winning performances of the past several years,” said Bolt. richard.bolt@usmrt.com
Paul Kirsch, Madison, NH, has been named Team Manager of the Junior Team taking over the reins from Dave Dunham who has worked with the team the past four years. Kirsch was named the 2009 USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Running Contributor of the Year. He was the race director for NACAC/USA Mountain Running Championships where one of his duties was to coordinate housing and transportation for elite athletes (more than 30 in total from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico). Kirsch serves as the USATF-NE Mountain Ultra Trail Chairperson. He provides website design and maintenance for the US Mountain Running Team website & blog (usmrt.com). “I am really pleased to be managing the junior teams in 2010. Dave Dunham has done a tremendous job in recruiting athletes and providing them support the past few years. I look forward to taking up where Dave left off so we can continue the great success the junior athletes have experienced,” said Kirsch. pkirsch@roadrunner.com

Ellen Miller, Vail, CO, will be the women’s manager for the fifth year. She is an accomplished athlete and coach with an extensive background in high altitude mountaineering. Miller has successfully summitted Mt. Everest two times. She was named Colorado Sportswoman of the Year 2002. She competed on the Fila Skyrunning Team and qualified for events in Europe and Tibet and also competed internationally as a professional adventure racer. She was the 2005 USATF Masters Marathon Trail Running Champion, is a Level 2 USATF Coach, and founded the “Mountain Divas,” a women’s sports program in Vail which she presently directs. “I am very excited and honored to be working with the U.S. Women's Mountain Running Team for the fifth consecutive year. During the past few years, our women's team has proven that we belong on the podium at the World Championships. As our qualifying races continue to attract the top female mountain runners in the USA, I have high hopes that our team will once again be World Champions,” said Miller. alpineellen@gmail.com

The Mount Washington Road Race in Gorham, NH, boasting nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain over 7.6 miles, will host the selection race for the 2010 team on June 19. The event will serve as the 2010 USA Mountain Running Championships. For results from the 2009 World Mountain Running Championships, information on the 2010 mountain running selection race, and to follow the progress of our mountain running program visit the websites listed below:

US Mountain Running Team - www.usmrt.com
World Mountain Running Association - www.wmra.info
USA Track & Field - www.usatf.org
USA Mountain Running Championships - www.mountwashingtonroadrace.com
American Trail Running Association - www.trailrunner.com

2010 USA National Championships announced for Mountain, Ultra & Trail Running

2009-12-07T14:13:00.000-05:00

The USA Track & Field's Mountain, Ultra & Trail Running Sport Council awarded 2010 National Championships to the following races:

3/7/2010 - USA 50km Road Champs - Caumsett, Long Island, NY
4/7/2010 - USA 100km Road Champs - Madison, WI
6/12/2010 - USA 1/2 Marathon Trail Champs - Bend, OR
6/19/2010 - USA Mountain Champs - Gorham, NH
7/31/2010 - USA 100M Trail Champs - Burning River, OH
7/31/2010 - USA 50M Trail Champs - White River, WA
7/31/2010 - USA 15km Trail Champs - Spokane, WA
8/25/2010 - USA 10km Trail Champs - Laurel Springs, NC
9/25/2010 - USA 50km Trail Champs - Bend, OR
10/16/2010 - USA 50M Road Champs - State College/Boalsburg, PA
11/6/2010 - USA Marathon Trail Champs - Ashland, OR

New for 2010 there will be a USATF Trail Championship Grand Prix series made up of the four sub-ultra races: 10k, Half-Marathon, 15k and Marathon. Stay tuned for info on awards and how the series scoring will work.

2010 USA Mountain Running Championships Awarded

2009-12-06T22:23:00.002-05:00

The 50th Anniversary of the Mount Washington Road Race will also play host to the USA Mountain Running Championships. At the just ended USATF Annual Convention, the MUT Council awarded the 2010 Mountain Running Championships to Mt. Washington. In addition, all 10 members of the 2010 Mountain Running Team will be selected at Mt. Washington. The top 6 American Men who are USATF members, and the top 4 American women who are USATF members, will be awarded spots on the mountain running team that will compete in Slovenia in September 2010.

More details about the 2010 team and prize money at Mt. Washington to follow.

US Mountain Team member Joe Gray wins on the road

2009-09-28T21:51:00.002-04:00

2009 USA Mountain Running Champion Joe Gray won the 17" Annual Kensington 8k in Maryland this past weekend. Joe bested the field in a winning time of 25:27. Just 3 weeks ago Joe Gray was the 2nd American finisher at the Would Mountain Running Championships in Italy where he finished 16th. Read the full story at:
http://www.runwashington.com/news/1995/314/Mountain-Man-Peaks-in-Kensington.htm

All-time part 4 (final)

2009-09-22T14:00:00.001-04:00

Here are the rankings for the Senior squad based on percent behind the winner. This is a very interesting result for the women as all four finisher this year rank in the top five all-time. Whether this is due to a "weaker" women's winner or superior performances by the U.S. women is debatable (I think the latter to be true).

Rank	% of leader	First	Last	Time	Place	Year	Type	Location
1	103.97	Brandy	Erholtz	0:45:23	10	2009	W	Campodolcino
2	104.66	Christine	Lundy	0:45:41	13	2009	W	Campodolcino
3	104.85	Megan	Kimmel	0:45:46	15	2009	W	Campodolcino
4	105.15	Anita	Ortiz	0:53:03	11	2004	W	Sauze d'Oulx
5	105.8	Megan	Lund	0:46:11	17	2009	W	Campodolcino
6	106.41	Laura	Haefeli	0:53:41	15	2004	W	Sauze d'Oulx
7	106.43	NicoleÂ	Hunt	0:50:13	9	2006	W	Bursa
8	106.72	Laura	Haefeli	0:41:49	3	2007	W	Ovronnaz
9	106.82	Rachael	Dobbs	0:50:24	10	2006	W	Bursa
10	108.17	Christine	Lundy	0:42:23	8	2007	W	Ovronnaz
11	108.42	Brandy	Erholtz	0:47:40	11	2008	W	Crans Montana
12	108.83	Chris	Lundy	0:51:21	16	2006	W	Bursa
13	108.89	Rachael	Cuellar	0:42:40	12	2007	W	Ovronnaz
14	108.96	Anita	Ortiz	0:56:57	11	2002	W	Innsbruck
15	109.01	Anita	Ortiz	0:42:33	8	2003	W	Girwood, Alaska
16	109.78	Erica	Larson	0:55:23	24	2004	W	Sauze d'Oulx
17	110	Laura	Haefeli	0:43:38	8	2005	W	Wellington
18	112.29	Lisa	Isom	0:56:39	31	2004	W	Sauze d'Oulx
19	112.69	Cindy	O'Neill	0:55:40	30	2000	W	Bergen
20	112.75	Karie	Distefano	0:42:53	21	2001	W	Arta Terme
21	112.89	Nikki	Kimball	0:44:04	24	2003	W	Girwood, Alaska
22	113.1	Lisa	Goldsmith	0:53:22	30	2006	W	Bursa
23	113.53	Anita	Ortiz	0:44:29	31	2007	W	Ovronnaz
24	113.7	Rene	Frazee	0:56:10	36	2000	W	Bergen
25	113.82	Chris	Lundy	0:45:09	18	2005	W	Wellington
26	113.84	Megan	Kimmel	0:50:03	33	2008	W	Crans Montana
27	114.82	Kirsten	Ames	0:52:49	29	1998	W	Reunion
28	114.98	Julie	Peterson	0:56:48	42	2000	W	Bergen
29	115.13	Rachel	Cuellar	0:50:37	38	2008	W	Crans Montana
30	115.38	Julie	Flynt-Bryan	0:43:53	28	2001	W	Arta Terme
31	115.91	Cassey	Bradley-Byrne	0:53:19	32	1998	W	Reunion
32	116.8	Mellisa	Johnson	0:43:16	44	1995	W	Edinburgh
33	117.06	Lisa	Goldsmith	0:47:21	41	1997	W	Upice
34	117.13	Danelle	Ballangee	0:44:33	31	2001	W	Arta Terme
35	117.15	Suzie	West	0:44:31	30	1999	W	Sabah
36	117.21	Laura	Haefeli	0:51:32	44	2008	W	Crans Montana
37	117.32	Danelle	Ballengee	0:44:35	32	1999	W	Sabah
38	117.75	Amber	Duncan	0:54:10	35	1998	W	Reunion
39	117.92	Julie	Bryan	1:01:38	34	2002	W	Innsbruck
40	118.06	Kelli	Lusk	0:46:05	39	2003	W	Girwood, Alaska
41	118.22	Suzy	West	0:58:24	46	2000	W	Bergen
42	118.42	Danelle	Ballangee	0:47:54	42	1997	W	Upice
43	118.65	Danelle	Ballengee	0:48:34	44	1996	W	Telfes
44	119.45	Kari	Distefano	1:02:26	37	2002	W	Innsbruck
45	119.64	Michelle	Blessing	0:44:16	53	1995	W	Edinburgh
46	119.66	Julie	Bryan	0:47:28	37	2005	W	Wellington
47	121.42	Kay	Graybill	0:49:42	47	1996	W	Telfes
48	122.63	Julie	Peterson	0:46:36	42	1999	W	Sabah
49	123.01	Laura	Bruess	0:56:35	47	1998	W	Reunion
50	123.65	Mia	Stockdale	0:50:01	49	1997	W	Upice
51	123.73	Cassy	Bradley-Byrne	0:47:01	45	1999	W	Sabah
52	124.03	Anita	Ortiz	0:49:12	45	2005	W	Wellington
53	124.93	Gina	Poncini	0:32:54	19	1985	W	San Vigilio
54	124.94	Laura	Bruess	0:50:32	51	1997	W	Upice
55	125.7	Kari	DiStefano	0:49:04	48	2003	W	Girwood, Alaska
56	126.31	Nikki	Kimball	1:06:01	56	2002	W	Innsbruck
57	129.56	Melissa	Johnson	0:53:02	61	1996	W	Telfes
58	136.85	Nancy	Hobbs	0:50:38	67	1995	W	Edinburgh
59	145.31	Jo	Gahtercole	0:55:16	81	2001	W	Arta Terme

Rank	% of leader	First	Last	Time	Place	Year	Type	Location
1	100	Jay	Johnson	1:11:42	1	1987	M	Lenzerheide-Valbella
2	100.16	Dave	Dunham	0:51:48	2	1993	M	Gap
3	103	Dave	Dunham	1:13:08	9	1992	M	Susa
4	103.22	Scott	Gall	0:56:42	5	1999	M	Sabah
5	103.9	Dave	Dunham	1:03:21	15	1994	M	Berchtesgaden
6	104.03	Rickey	Gates	0:57:17	12	2008	M	Crans Montana
7	104.11	Jay	Johnson	1:18:33	9	1990	M	Telfes
8	105.12	Joe	Gray	0:57:53	16	2008	M	Crans Montana
9	105.48	Simon	Gutierrez	0:59:21	10	2006	M	Bursa
10	105.69	Eric	Blake	0:59:28	11	2006	M	Bursa
11	105.99	Eric	Blake	0:58:22	23	2008	M	Crans Montana
12	106.02	Andrew	Benford	0:58:09	13	2009	M	Campodolcino
13	106.36	Simon	Gutierrez	0:58:34	25	2008	M	Crans Montana
14	106.37	Pablo	Vigil	1:16:16	9	1987	M	Lenzerheide-Valbella
15	106.86	Scott	Gall	0:57:54	27	1997	M	Upice
16	107.05	Joe	Gray	0:58:43	16	2009	M	Campodolcino
17	107.48	Matt	Byrne	0:59:11	34	2008	M	Crans Montana
18	107.6	Zac	Freudenberg	0:59:15	36	2008	M	Crans Montana
19	107.76	Paul	Low	0:54:24	15	2003	M	Girwood, Alaska
20	107.91	Ryan	Pauling	1:05:55	24	2001	M	Arta Terme
21	108	Jay	Johnson	1:16:41	24	1992	M	Susa
22	108.4	Simon	Gutierrez	0:52:53	17	2004	M	Sauze d'Oulx
23	108.49	Payton	Batliner	0:56:13	25	2007	M	Ovronnaz
24	108.6	Dave	Dunham	0:51:34	12	2000	M	Bergen
25	108.65	Rickey	Gates	1:01:08	25	2006	M	Bursa
26	108.71	Eric	Morse	0:58:54	37	1997	M	Upice
27	108.85	Paul	Low	0:53:06	19	2004	M	Sauze d'Oulx
28	109.07	Dan	Verrington	1:06:34	50	1994	M	Berchtesgaden
29	109.08	Dave	Dunham	1:01:28	19	1996	M	Telfes
30	109.37	Jay	Johnson	1:32:23	22	1991	M	Zermatt
31	109.45	Simon	Gutierrez	0:57:20	10	2005	M	Wellington
32	109.7	Eric	Blake	0:53:31	28	2004	M	Sauze d'Oulx
33	109.98	Richard	Shelley	1:33:50	31	1998	M	Reunion
34	110.28	Dave	Dunham	1:34:05	34	1998	M	Reunion
35	110.32	Shiloh	Mielke	0:57:10	37	2007	M	Ovronnaz
36	110.56	Bill	Raitter	0:55:49	29	2003	M	Girwood, Alaska
37	110.57	Matthew	Cull	0:57:11	56	1993	M	Gap
38	110.62	Brett	Burt	1:23:28	27	1990	M	Telfes
39	111.17	Richard	Shelley	1:00:14	53	1997	M	Upice
40	111.63	Dan	Verrington	1:00:29	56	1997	M	Upice
41	111.68	Eric	Blake	0:58:30	23	2005	M	Wellington
42	111.76	Dave	Dunham	0:57:19	46	1995	M	Edinburgh
43	112	Matt	Byrne	1:01:26	42	2009	M	Campodolcino
44	112.02	Dan	Verrington	0:57:27	48	1995	M	Edinburgh
45	112.09	Timothy	Parr	0:54:41	38	2004	M	Sauze d'Oulx
46	112.23	Paul	Low	1:03:48	32	2002	M	Innsbruck
47	112.25	Zac	Freudenberg	1:01:34	46	2009	M	Campodolcino
48	112.31	Rickey	Gates	1:01:36	47	2009	M	Campodolcino
49	112.37	Matt	levassiur	0:54:49	41	2004	M	Sauze d'Oulx
50	112.37	Tim	Parr	1:01:38	48	2009	M	Campodolcino
51	112.51	Mike	Casner	1:08:40	61	1994	M	Berchtesgaden
52	112.57	RichardÂ	Shelley	0:53:27	30	2000	M	Bergen
53	112.99	Paul	Low	1:02:04	42	1999	M	Sabah
54	113.02	Andy	Ames	0:55:08	47	2004	M	Sauze d'Oulx
55	113.08	Robb	Reece	1:09:01	69	1994	M	Berchtesgaden
56	113.32	Rickey	Gates	0:58:43	57	2007	M	Ovronnaz
57	113.32	Clint	Wells	0:58:43	58	2007	M	Ovronnaz
58	113.52	Mike	Casner	1:03:58	41	1996	M	Telfes
59	113.66	Dan	Verrington	1:36:58	50	1998	M	Reunion
60	113.69	Eric	Morse	0:53:59	37	2000	M	Bergen
61	113.7	Robb	Reece	0:58:49	70	1993	M	Gap
62	113.9	Simon	Gutierrez	0:59:04	65	2007	M	Ovronnaz
63	113.99	Dan	Verrington	1:04:14	45	1996	M	Telfes
64	114.09	Timothy	Parr	0:59:46	36	2005	M	Wellington
65	114.2	Eric	Morse	1:04:21	47	1996	M	Telfes
66	115.15	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:26:53	44	1990	M	Telfes
67	115.31	Tom	Sobal	1:21:52	56	1992	M	Susa
68	115.56	Mike	Casner	1:02:37	76	1997	M	Upice
69	115.75	Eric	Morse	0:58:26	60	2003	M	Girwood, Alaska
70	115.91	Peter	DeLaCerda	0:58:31	61	2003	M	Girwood, Alaska
71	116.02	Paul	Low	1:05:17	67	2006	M	Bursa
72	116.15	DanÂ	Verrington	1:10:57	79	2001	M	Arta Terme
73	116.15	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:00:04	82	1993	M	Gap
74	116.19	Paul	Low	1:00:52	50	2005	M	Wellington
75	116.78	Jeremy	Wright	1:11:20	85	2001	M	Arta Terme
76	116.96	Richard	Bolt	1:04:15	62	1999	M	Sabah
77	117.06	Richard	Shelley	1:06:33	68	2002	M	Innsbruck
78	117.44	Jeremy	Wright	1:40:12	63	1998	M	Reunion
79	117.59	Eric	Morse	1:06:51	74	2002	M	Innsbruck
80	117.69	Ryan	Pauling	1:01:39	59	2005	M	Wellington
81	117.83	Matt	Carpenter	0:55:57	63	2000	M	Bergen
82	118.66	Shiloh	Mielke	1:06:46	77	2006	M	Bursa
83	118.81	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:12:31	91	1994	M	Berchtesgaden
84	119.58	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:24:54	68	1992	M	Susa
85	119.63	Jeremy	Wright	1:05:43	73	1999	M	Sabah
86	119.64	Peter	Heck	1:07:25	72	1996	M	Telfes
87	120.08	Dan	Verrington	1:05:58	74	1999	M	Sabah
88	120.14	Dan	Verrington	1:08:18	88	2002	M	Innsbruck
89	120.4	Richard	Bolt	1:08:27	91	2002	M	Innsbruck
90	120.64	Matthew	Cull	1:01:52	85	1995	M	Edinburgh
91	120.71	Kevin	Tilton	1:03:14	71	2005	M	Wellington
92	120.92	Mike	Casner	1:43:10	77	1998	M	Reunion
93	121.09	Kevin	Tilton	1:08:08	87	2006	M	Bursa
94	121.61	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:02:22	88	1995	M	Edinburgh
95	121.86	Brad	Precosky	1:14:26	107	2001	M	Arta Terme
96	121.94	Paul	Low	0:57:54	81	2000	M	Bergen
97	122.57	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:43:32	56	1991	M	Zermatt
98	122.73	Scott	Gall	1:01:58	78	2003	M	Girwood, Alaska
99	122.86	Simon	Gutierrez	1:02:01	79	2003	M	Girwood, Alaska
100	122.92	Jeremy	Wright	1:06:36	97	1997	M	Upice
101	123.01	Craig	Fram	1:03:05	92	1995	M	Edinburgh
102	123.46	Stephen	Peterson	1:03:19	94	1995	M	Edinburgh
103	123.72	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:09:43	93	1996	M	Telfes
104	124.13	Andreas	Boesel	1:44:51	59	1991	M	Zermatt
105	124.67	Paul	Low	1:04:36	118	2007	M	Ovronnaz
106	124.91	Barney	Griffith	1:16:18	115	2001	M	Arta Terme
107	124.99	Scott	Gall	0:59:21	94	2000	M	Bergen
108	127.12	Simon	Gutierrez	1:12:16	121	2002	M	Innsbruck
109	130.07	Tom	Anderson	1:11:27	88	1999	M	Sabah
110	130.63	Bart	Yasso	1:51:27	106	1998	M	Reunion
111	136.01	Tom	Sobal	1:54:53	80	1991	M	Zermatt
112	143.17	Jeffrey	Adams	1:27:27	139	2001	M	Arta Terme

All-time part 3

2009-09-21T13:55:00.000-04:00

Today I've listed the all-time rankings based on percentage behind the winner. I find this an interesting number, sometimes more interesting than overall place. A deep field could knock someone well back in the finish ranking but not show how close he or she finished to the winner. Of course in contrast a "weak" or "strong" winner (whatever that might mean) could alter the results. I like the math and we also use this system to score the mountain series and the New England Trail Series. As you can see below, Brandon's % back ranks second (although he has the best place) and Megan ranks first all-time in the Junior women's category.

Rank	% of leader	First	Last	Time	Place	Year	Type	Location
1	101.97	Tim	Smith	0:43:02	5	2008	JM	Crans Montana
2	103.69	Brandon	Lord	0:39:51	4	2009	JM	Campodolcino
3	104.27	Levi	Grandt	0:44:00	13	2008	JM	Crans Montana
4	108.18	Jon	Stevens	0:45:39	31	2008	JM	Crans Montana
5	109.13	Eduardo	Pasko	0:55:23	22	2002	JM	Innsbruck
6	112.6	Paul	Petersen	0:47:31	50	2008	JM	Crans Montana
7	112.74	Andrew	Benford	0:46:36	12	2006	JM	Bursa
8	113.36	Andrew	Payton	0:40:27	35	2003	JM	Girwood, Alaska
9	113.86	Eduardo	Pasko	0:40:38	38	2003	JM	Girwood, Alaska
10	114.96	Dan	Nafziger	0:44:11	39	2009	JM	Campodolcino
11	115.14	Christian	Thompson	0:38:25	17	2007	JM	Ovronnaz
12	115.48	Brian	Rooney	0:44:23	41	2009	JM	Campodolcino
13	115.53	Christian	Thompson	0:42:31	28	2005	JM	Wellington
14	116.8	Rory	Egelus	0:42:59	33	2005	JM	Wellington
15	117.05	Rory	Egelus	0:41:46	40	2003	JM	Girwood, Alaska
16	117.34	Trevor	Hanlin	0:59:33	42	2002	JM	Innsbruck
17	117.93	Matt	Winter	0:59:51	45	2002	JM	Innsbruck
18	119.24	Brett	Wilson	0:42:33	47	2003	JM	Girwood, Alaska
19	119.48	John	Ricardi	0:54:05	51	2004	JM	Sauze d'Oulx
20	119.93	Jonny	Stevens	0:41:19	44	2007	JM	Ovronnaz
21	120.12	Tim	Smith	0:46:10	55	2009	JM	Campodolcino
22	120.74	Jonny	Stevens	0:44:26	41	2005	JM	Wellington
23	121.83	Rory	Egelus	0:55:09	60	2004	JM	Sauze d'Oulx
24	123.87	JonÂ	Horn	0:45:35	47	2005	JM	Wellington
25	124.84	Zach	Rivers	0:51:36	43	2006	JM	Bursa
26	125.11	Alex	Jodidio	0:43:06	59	2007	JM	Ovronnaz
27	125.16	Rory	Egelus	0:51:44	47	2006	JM	Bursa
28	126.58	Todd	Skelton	0:57:18	67	2004	JM	Sauze d'Oulx
29	128.69	Zach	Rivers	0:44:20	63	2007	JM	Ovronnaz
30	129.31	Jon	Horn	0:53:27	57	2006	JM	Bursa
31	129.71	Andrew	Payton	0:58:43	68	2004	JM	Sauze d'Oulx


Rank	% of leader	First	Last	Time	Place	Year	Type	Location
1	101.27	MeganÂ	Morgan	0:22:35	2	2009	JW	Campodolcino
2	102.8	Anna	Lieb	0:21:23	4	2007	JW	Ovronnaz
3	104.36	Alex	Dunne	0:23:33	3	2008	JW	Crans Montana
4	104.8	Maria	Dalzot	0:21:48	8	2007	JW	Ovronnaz
5	114.18	Kathryn	Helmerick	0:23:45	30	2007	JW	Ovronnaz
6	115.02	Robyn	Arnold	0:25:39	23	2009	JW	Campodolcino
7	117.33	Kathryn	Helmerick	0:25:37	24	2005	JW	Wellington
8	117.7	Jessica	Pitzer	0:24:43	35	2002	JW	Innsbruck
9	117.86	Nicole	Hodgson	0:24:45	36	2002	JW	Innsbruck
10	122.38	Melissa	Marts	0:25:42	42	2002	JW	Innsbruck
11	122.63	Dominique	Colberg	0:32:42	19	2004	JW	Sauze d'Oulx
12	123.36	Maggie	McNanigal	0:21:28	30	2003	JW	Girwood, Alaska
13	123.49	Yasmine	White	0:27:52	38	2008	JW	Crans Montana
14	126.5	Caitlin	Zeigle	0:33:44	25	2004	JW	Sauze d'Oulx
15	127.49	Jessica	Pitzer	0:22:11	32	2003	JW	Girwood, Alaska
16	128.44	Jennifer	Hockman	0:34:15	26	2004	JW	Sauze d'Oulx
17	130.99	Mary	Hallissey	0:28:36	29	2005	JW	Wellington
18	180.97	Hilary	Verrington	0:39:47	33	1997	JW	Upice
19	181.96	Sarah	Verrington	0:40:00	34	1997	JW	Upice

All time part 2

2009-09-20T13:47:00.001-04:00

Today I've listed the Senior all-time rankings. The women were closely ranked with all of them falling between 6th and 16th all-time. Andrew Benford and Joe Gray both ranked in the top 15. In all 59 women and 112 men have competed for the U.S.

Rank	Place	First	Last	Time	Year	Type	% of leader	Location
1	3	Laura	Haefeli	0:41:49	2007	W	106.72	Ovronnaz
2t	8	Anita	Ortiz	0:42:33	2003	W	109.01	Girwood, Alaska
2t	8	Laura	Haefeli	0:43:38	2005	W	110	Wellington
2t	8	Christine	Lundy	0:42:23	2007	W	108.17	Ovronnaz
5	9	NicoleÂ	Hunt	0:50:13	2006	W	106.43	Bursa
6t	10	Rachael	Dobbs	0:50:24	2006	W	106.82	Bursa
6t	10	Brandy	Erholtz	0:45:23	2009	W	103.97	Campodolcino
8t	11	Anita	Ortiz	0:56:57	2002	W	108.96	Innsbruck
8t	11	Anita	Ortiz	0:53:03	2004	W	105.15	Sauze d'Oulx
8t	11	Brandy	Erholtz	0:47:40	2008	W	108.42	Crans Montana
11	12	Rachael	Cuellar	0:42:40	2007	W	108.89	Ovronnaz
12	13	ChristineÂ	Lundy	0:45:41	2009	W	104.66	Campodolcino
13t	15	Laura	Haefeli	0:53:41	2004	W	106.41	Sauze d'Oulx
13t	15	Megan	Kimmel	0:45:46	2009	W	104.85	Campodolcino
15	16	Chris	Lundy	0:51:21	2006	W	108.83	Bursa
16	17	Megan	Lund	0:46:11	2009	W	105.8	Campodolcino
17	18	Chris	Lundy	0:45:09	2005	W	113.82	Wellington
18	19	Gina	Poncini	0:32:54	1985	W	124.93	San Vigilio
19	21	Karie	Distefano	0:42:53	2001	W	112.75	Arta Terme
20t	24	Nikki	Kimball	0:44:04	2003	W	112.89	Girwood, Alaska
20t	24	Erica	Larson	0:55:23	2004	W	109.78	Sauze d'Oulx
22	28	Julie	Flynt-Bryan	0:43:53	2001	W	115.38	Arta Terme
23	29	Kirsten	Ames	0:52:49	1998	W	114.82	Reunion
24t	30	Suzie	West	0:44:31	1999	W	117.15	Sabah
24t	30	Cindy	O'Neill	0:55:40	2000	W	112.69	Bergen
24t	30	Lisa	Goldsmith	0:53:22	2006	W	113.1	Bursa
27t	31	Danelle	Ballangee	0:44:33	2001	W	117.13	Arta Terme
27t	31	Lisa	Isom	0:56:39	2004	W	112.29	Sauze d'Oulx
27t	31	Anita	Ortiz	0:44:29	2007	W	113.53	Ovronnaz
30t	32	Cassey	Bradley-Byrne	0:53:19	1998	W	115.91	Reunion
30t	32	Danelle	Ballengee	0:44:35	1999	W	117.32	Sabah
32	33	Megan	Kimmel	0:50:03	2008	W	113.84	Crans Montana
33	34	Julie	Bryan	1:01:38	2002	W	117.92	Innsbruck
34	35	Amber	Duncan	0:54:10	1998	W	117.75	Reunion
35	36	Rene	Frazee	0:56:10	2000	W	113.7	Bergen
36t	37	Kari	Distefano	1:02:26	2002	W	119.45	Innsbruck
36t	37	Julie	Bryan	0:47:28	2005	W	119.66	Wellington
38	38	Rachel	Cuellar	0:50:37	2008	W	115.13	Crans Montana
39	39	Kelli	Lusk	0:46:05	2003	W	118.06	Girwood, Alaska
40	41	Lisa	Goldsmith	0:47:21	1997	W	117.06	Upice
41t	42	Danelle	Ballangee	0:47:54	1997	W	118.42	Upice
41t	42	Julie	Peterson	0:46:36	1999	W	122.63	Sabah
41t	42	Julie	Peterson	0:56:48	2000	W	114.98	Bergen
44t	44	Mellisa	Johnson	0:43:16	1995	W	116.8	Edinburgh
44t	44	Danelle	Ballengee	0:48:34	1996	W	118.65	Telfes
44t	44	Laura	Haefeli	0:51:32	2008	W	117.21	Crans Montana
47t	45	Cassy	Bradley-Byrne	0:47:01	1999	W	123.73	Sabah
47t	45	Anita	Ortiz	0:49:12	2005	W	124.03	Wellington
49	46	Suzy	West	0:58:24	2000	W	118.22	Bergen
50t	47	Kay	Graybill	0:49:42	1996	W	121.42	Telfes
50t	47	Laura	Bruess	0:56:35	1998	W	123.01	Reunion
52	48	Kari	DiStefano	0:49:04	2003	W	125.7	Girwood, Alaska
53	49	Mia	Stockdale	0:50:01	1997	W	123.65	Upice
54	51	Laura	Bruess	0:50:32	1997	W	124.94	Upice
55	53	Michelle	Blessing	0:44:16	1995	W	119.64	Edinburgh
56	56	Nikki	Kimball	1:06:01	2002	W	126.31	Innsbruck
57	61	Melissa	Johnson	0:53:02	1996	W	129.56	Telfes
58	67	Nancy	Hobbs	0:50:38	1995	W	136.85	Edinburgh
59	81	Jo	Gahtercole	0:55:16	2001	W	145.31	Arta Terme

Rank	Place	First	Last	Time	Year	Type	% of leader	Location
1	1	Jay	Johnson	1:11:42	1987	M	100	Lenzerheide-Valbella
2	2	Dave	Dunham	0:51:48	1993	M	100.16	Gap
3	5	Scott	Gall	0:56:42	1999	M	103.22	Sabah
4t	9	Pablo	Vigil	1:16:16	1987	M	106.37	Lenzerheide-Valbella
4t	9	Jay	Johnson	1:18:33	1990	M	104.11	Telfes
4t	9	Dave	Dunham	1:13:08	1992	M	103	Susa
7t	10	Simon	Gutierrez	0:57:20	2005	M	109.45	Wellington
7t	10	Simon	Gutierrez	0:59:21	2006	M	105.48	Bursa
9	11	Eric	Blake	0:59:28	2006	M	105.69	Bursa
10t	12	Dave	Dunham	0:51:34	2000	M	108.6	Bergen
10t	12	Rickey	Gates	0:57:17	2008	M	104.03	Crans Montana
12	13	Andrew	Benford	0:58:09	2009	M	106.02	Campodolcino
13t	15	Dave	Dunham	1:03:21	1994	M	103.9	Berchtesgaden
13t	15	Paul	Low	0:54:24	2003	M	107.76	Girwood, Alaska
15t	16	Joe	Gray	0:57:53	2008	M	105.12	Crans Montana
15t	16	Joe	Gray	0:58:43	2009	M	107.05	Campodolcino
17	17	Simon	Gutierrez	0:52:53	2004	M	108.4	Sauze d'Oulx
18t	19	Dave	Dunham	1:01:28	1996	M	109.08	Telfes
18t	19	Paul	Low	0:53:06	2004	M	108.85	Sauze d'Oulx
20	22	Jay	Johnson	1:32:23	1991	M	109.37	Zermatt
21t	23	Eric	Blake	0:58:30	2005	M	111.68	Wellington
21t	23	Eric	Blake	0:58:22	2008	M	105.99	Crans Montana
23t	24	Jay	Johnson	1:16:41	1992	M	108	Susa
23t	24	Ryan	Pauling	1:05:55	2001	M	107.91	Arta Terme
25t	25	Rickey	Gates	1:01:08	2006	M	108.65	Bursa
25t	25	Payton	Batliner	0:56:13	2007	M	108.49	Ovronnaz
25t	25	Simon	Gutierrez	0:58:34	2008	M	106.36	Crans Montana
28t	27	Brett	Burt	1:23:28	1990	M	110.62	Telfes
28t	27	Scott	Gall	0:57:54	1997	M	106.86	Upice
30	28	Eric	Blake	0:53:31	2004	M	109.7	Sauze d'Oulx
31	29	Bill	Raitter	0:55:49	2003	M	110.56	Girwood, Alaska
32	30	RichardÂ	Shelley	0:53:27	2000	M	112.57	Bergen
33	31	Richard	Shelley	1:33:50	1998	M	109.98	Reunion
34	32	Paul	Low	1:03:48	2002	M	112.23	Innsbruck
35t	34	Dave	Dunham	1:34:05	1998	M	110.28	Reunion
35t	34	Matt	Byrne	0:59:11	2008	M	107.48	Crans Montana
37	36	Timothy	Parr	0:59:46	2005	M	114.09	Wellington
38	36	Zac	Freudenberg	0:59:15	2008	M	107.6	Crans Montana
39t	37	Eric	Morse	0:58:54	1997	M	108.71	Upice
39t	37	Eric	Morse	0:53:59	2000	M	113.69	Bergen
39t	37	Shiloh	Mielke	0:57:10	2007	M	110.32	Ovronnaz
42	38	Timothy	Parr	0:54:41	2004	M	112.09	Sauze d'Oulx
43t	41	Mike	Casner	1:03:58	1996	M	113.52	Telfes
43t	41	Matt	levassiur	0:54:49	2004	M	112.37	Sauze d'Oulx
45t	42	Paul	Low	1:02:04	1999	M	112.99	Sabah
45t	42	Matt	Byrne	1:01:26	2009	M	112	Campodolcino
47	44	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:26:53	1990	M	115.15	Telfes
48	45	Dan	Verrington	1:04:14	1996	M	113.99	Telfes
49t	46	Dave	Dunham	0:57:19	1995	M	111.76	Edinburgh
49t	46	Zac	Freudenberg	1:01:34	2009	M	112.25	Campodolcino
51t	47	Eric	Morse	1:04:21	1996	M	114.2	Telfes
51t	47	Andy	Ames	0:55:08	2004	M	113.02	Sauze d'Oulx
51t	47	Rickey	Gates	1:01:36	2009	M	112.31	Campodolcino
54t	48	Dan	Verrington	0:57:27	1995	M	112.02	Edinburgh
54t	48	Tim	Parr	1:01:38	2009	M	112.37	Campodolcino
56t	50	Dan	Verrington	1:06:34	1994	M	109.07	Berchtesgaden
56t	50	Dan	Verrington	1:36:58	1998	M	113.66	Reunion
56t	50	Paul	Low	1:00:52	2005	M	116.19	Wellington
59	53	Richard	Shelley	1:00:14	1997	M	111.17	Upice
60t	56	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:43:32	1991	M	122.57	Zermatt
60t	56	Tom	Sobal	1:21:52	1992	M	115.31	Susa
60t	56	Matthew	Cull	0:57:11	1993	M	110.57	Gap
63	56	Dan	Verrington	1:00:29	1997	M	111.63	Upice
64	57	Rickey	Gates	0:58:43	2007	M	113.32	Ovronnaz
65	58	Clint	Wells	0:58:43	2007	M	113.32	Ovronnaz
66t	59	Andreas	Boesel	1:44:51	1991	M	124.13	Zermatt
66t	59	Ryan	Pauling	1:01:39	2005	M	117.69	Wellington
68	60	Eric	Morse	0:58:26	2003	M	115.75	Girwood, Alaska
69t	61	Mike	Casner	1:08:40	1994	M	112.51	Berchtesgaden
69t	61	Peter	DeLaCerda	0:58:31	2003	M	115.91	Girwood, Alaska
71	62	Richard	Bolt	1:04:15	1999	M	116.96	Sabah
72t	63	Jeremy	Wright	1:40:12	1998	M	117.44	Reunion
72t	63	Matt	Carpenter	0:55:57	2000	M	117.83	Bergen
74	65	Simon	Gutierrez	0:59:04	2007	M	113.99	Ovronnaz
75	67	Paul	Low	1:05:17	2006	M	116.02	Bursa
76t	68	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:24:54	1992	M	119.58	Susa
76t	68	Richard	Shelley	1:06:33	2002	M	117.06	Innsbruck
78	69	Robb	Reece	1:09:01	1994	M	113.08	Berchtesgaden
79	70	Robb	Reece	0:58:49	1993	M	113.7	Gap
80	71	Kevin	Tilton	1:03:14	2005	M	120.71	Wellington
81	72	Peter	Heck	1:07:25	1996	M	119.64	Telfes
82	73	Jeremy	Wright	1:05:43	1999	M	119.63	Sabah
83	74	Dan	Verrington	1:05:58	1999	M	120.08	Sabah
84	74	Eric	Morse	1:06:51	2002	M	117.59	Innsbruck
85	76	Mike	Casner	1:02:37	1997	M	115.56	Upice
86t	77	Mike	Casner	1:43:10	1998	M	120.92	Reunion
86t	77	Shiloh	Mielke	1:06:46	2006	M	118.66	Bursa
88	78	Scott	Gall	1:01:58	2003	M	122.73	Girwood, Alaska
89t	79	DanÂ	Verrington	1:10:57	2001	M	116.15	Arta Terme
89t	79	Simon	Gutierrez	1:02:01	2003	M	122.86	Girwood, Alaska
91	80	Tom	Sobal	1:54:53	1991	M	136.01	Zermatt
92	81	Paul	Low	0:57:54	2000	M	121.94	Bergen
93	82	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:00:04	1993	M	116.15	Gap
94	85	Matthew	Cull	1:01:52	1995	M	120.64	Edinburgh
95	85	Jeremy	Wright	1:11:20	2001	M	116.78	Arta Terme
96	87	Kevin	Tilton	1:08:08	2006	M	121.09	Bursa
97t	88	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:02:22	1995	M	121.61	Edinburgh
97t	88	Tom	Anderson	1:11:27	1999	M	130.07	Sabah
97t	88	Dan	Verrington	1:08:18	2002	M	120.14	Innsbruck
100t	91	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:12:31	1994	M	118.81	Berchtesgaden
100t	91	Richard	Bolt	1:08:27	2002	M	120.4	Innsbruck
102	92	Craig	Fram	1:03:05	1995	M	123.01	Edinburgh
103	93	Lyndon	Ellefson	1:09:43	1996	M	123.72	Telfes
104t	94	Stephen	Peterson	1:03:19	1995	M	123.46	Edinburgh
104t	94	Scott	Gall	0:59:21	2000	M	124.99	Bergen
106	97	Jeremy	Wright	1:06:36	1997	M	122.92	Upice
107	106	Bart	Yasso	1:51:27	1998	M	130.63	Reunion
108	107	Brad	Precosky	1:14:26	2001	M	121.86	Arta Terme
109	115	Barney	Griffith	1:16:18	2001	M	124.91	Arta Terme
110	118	Paul	Low	1:04:36	2007	M	124.67	Ovronnaz
111	121	Simon	Gutierrez	1:12:16	2002	M	127.12	Innsbruck
112	139	Jeffrey	Adams	1:27:27	2001	M	143.17	Arta Terme

All-time list

2009-09-19T13:35:00.001-04:00

I've broken the all-time lists up into four posts. Today you'll see the Junior's listed in place order. This just shows the rankings based on each individuals place at the championship. Tomorrow I'll post the same for the Senior's.

As noted previously both Brandon Lord and Megan Morgan now top their respective lists. I've highlighted the performances from this year. In all 31 boys and 19 girls have competed for the U.S. on the junior squad.

Rank	Place	First	Last	Time	Year	Type	% of leader	Location	Country
1	4	Brandon	Lord	0:39:51	2009	JM	103.69	Campodolcino	Italy
2	5	Tim	Smith	0:43:02	2008	JM	101.97	Crans Montana	Switzerland
3	12	Andrew	Benford	0:46:36	2006	JM	112.74	Bursa	Turkey
4	13	Levi	Grandt	0:44:00	2008	JM	104.27	Crans Montana	Switzerland
5	17	Christian	Thompson	0:38:25	2007	JM	115.14	Ovronnaz	Switzerland
6	22	Eduardo	Pasko	0:55:23	2002	JM	109.13	Innsbruck	Austria
7	28	Christian	Thompson	0:42:31	2005	JM	115.53	Wellington	NZL
8	31	Jon	Stevens	0:45:39	2008	JM	108.18	Crans Montana	Switzerland
9	33	Rory	Egelus	0:42:59	2005	JM	116.8	Wellington	NZL
10	35	Andrew	Payton	0:40:27	2003	JM	113.36	Girwood, Alaska	USA
11	38	Eduardo	Pasko	0:40:38	2003	JM	113.86	Girwood, Alaska	USA
12	39	Dan	Nafziger	0:44:11	2009	JM	114.96	Campodolcino	Italy
13	40	Rory	Egelus	0:41:46	2003	JM	117.05	Girwood, Alaska	USA
14t	41	Jonny	Stevens	0:44:26	2005	JM	120.74	Wellington	NZL
14t	41	Brian	Rooney	0:44:23	2009	JM	115.48	Campodolcino	Italy
16	42	Trevor	Hanlin	0:59:33	2002	JM	117.34	Innsbruck	Austria
17	43	Zach	Rivers	0:51:36	2006	JM	124.84	Bursa	Turkey
18	44	Jonny	Stevens	0:41:19	2007	JM	119.93	Ovronnaz	Switzerland
19	45	Matt	Winter	0:59:51	2002	JM	117.93	Innsbruck	Austria
20t	47	Rory	Egelus	0:51:44	2006	JM	125.16	Bursa	Turkey
20t	47	JonÂ	Horn	0:45:35	2005	JM	123.87	Wellington	NZL
20t	47	Brett	Wilson	0:42:33	2003	JM	119.24	Girwood, Alaska	USA
23	50	Paul	Petersen	0:47:31	2008	JM	112.6	Crans Montana	Switzerland
24	51	John	Ricardi	0:54:05	2004	JM	119.48	Sauze d'Oulx	Italy
25	55	Tim	Smith	0:46:10	2009	JM	120.12	Campodolcino	Italy
26	57	Jon	Horn	0:53:27	2006	JM	129.31	Bursa	Turkey
27	59	Alex	Jodidio	0:43:06	2007	JM	125.11	Ovronnaz	Switzerland
28	60	Rory	Egelus	0:55:09	2004	JM	121.83	Sauze d'Oulx	Italy
29	63	Zach	Rivers	0:44:20	2007	JM	128.68	Ovronnaz	Switzerland
30	67	Todd	Skelton	0:57:18	2004	JM	126.58	Sauze d'Oulx	Italy
31	68	Andrew	Payton	0:58:43	2004	JM	129.71	Sauze d'Oulx	Italy


Rank	Place	First	Last	Time	Year	Type	% of leader	Location	Country
1	2	MeganÂ	Morgan	0:22:35	2009	JW	101.27	Campodolcino	Italy
2	3	Alex	Dunne	0:23:33	2008	JW	104.36	Crans Montana	Switzerland
3	4	Anna	Lieb	0:21:23	2007	JW	102.8	Ovronnaz	Switzerland
4	8	Maria	Dalzot	0:21:48	2007	JW	104.8	Ovronnaz	Switzerland
5	19	Dominique	Colberg	0:32:42	2004	JW	122.63	Sauze d'Oulx	Italy
6	23	Robyn	Arnold	0:25:39	2009	JW	115.02	Campodolcino	Italy
7	24	Kathryn	Helmerick	0:25:37	2005	JW	117.33	Wellington	NZL
8	25	Caitlin	Zeigle	0:33:44	2004	JW	126.5	Sauze d'Oulx	Italy
9	26	Jennifer	Hockman	0:34:15	2004	JW	128.44	Sauze d'Oulx	Italy
10	29	Mary	Hallissey	0:28:36	2005	JW	130.99	Wellington	NZL
11t	30	Maggie	McNanigal	0:21:28	2003	JW	123.36	Girwood, Alaska	USA
11t	30	Kathryn	Helmerick	0:23:45	2007	JW	114.18	Ovronnaz	Switzerland
13	32	Jessica	Pitzer	0:22:11	2003	JW	127.49	Girwood, Alaska	USA
14	33	Hilary	Verrington	0:39:47	1997	JW	180.97	Upice	Czech Republic
15	34	Sarah	Verrington	0:40:00	1997	JW	181.96	Upice	Czech Republic
16	35	Jessica	Pitzer	0:24:43	2002	JW	117.7	Innsbruck	Austria
17	36	Nicole	Hodgson	0:24:45	2002	JW	117.86	Innsbruck	Austria
18	38	Yasmine	White	0:27:52	2008	JW	123.49	Crans Montana	Switzerland
19	42	Melissa	Marts	0:25:42	2002	JW	122.38	Innsbruck	Austria

Nominations open for 2009 Runner of the Year awards

2009-09-17T14:39:00.002-04:00

Nominations open for 2009

USATF Mountain Runners of the Year – Open and Masters
USATF Ultra Runners of the Year – Open and Masters
USATF Mountain/Ultra/Trail Contributor of the Year

The Mountain/Ultra/Trail running (MUT) council of long distance running will select the 2009 USATF Mountain Runners of the year and Ultra Runners of the Year based on nominations received from interested athletes, coaches, and administrators involved in the sport. The following is the selection criteria for the 2009 USATF Mountain and Ultra Runners of the Year:

1) Nominated athlete must show top results in US mountain/trail competitions for 2009 (November 1, 2008 through October 31, 2009) - this will include mountain races (these may be on paved/gravel surfaces as long as there is significant elevation loss or gain) and trail races of varying lengths below the ultra distance. USATF ultra runners of the year results on trail and ultra road courses above the marathon distance in both national and international competition.
2) The nomination window includes the period: Nov 1, 2008 through Oct 31, 2009.
3) Show top results in international competitions for 2009
4) Be an ambassador for the sport - athlete promotes and supports mountain running
5) Be a USATF member for 2009 - athlete MUST have a current USATF membership
6) To be considered for the masters category, athlete must be a minimum of 40 years of age.

To nominate an athlete, send BY NOVEMBER 10, 2009, the following information to trlrunner@aol.com and dave.dunham@comcast.net.

Nominated athlete's name, age or birth date (if you know it), athlete contact information, brief bio, reason for nomination in 2009. Anyone and everyone is welcome to nominate an athlete (or in the case of COY – an individual, company, etc.). An athlete may also nominate himself/herself.

Nominations received by November 10 will be considered in the selection process. After all nominations are compiled, the MUT council will vote (by November 20) for the mountain runner and ultra runners of the year from nominations received. The USATF Mountain and Ultra Runners of the Year will be honored at the annual convention in Indianapolis, IN, on Saturday, December 5. Should you have any questions about the procedure, please contact: Dave Dunham at dave.dunham@comcast.net

We also will accept nominations for contributor of the year for mountain, ultra, trail. Past Contributor of the Year recipients have been: American Ultra Running Association, Teva, La Sportiva, North Texas Trail Runners, the Mad City 100 km, the White Mountain Milers, and Sccott McCoubrey.

Mountain championships pictures

2009-09-08T05:01:00.004-04:00

I've posted over 200 pictures here at shutterfly:

2009 Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team Wins Silver and Bronze in Italy

2009-09-07T11:38:00.001-04:00

2009 Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team Wins Silver and Bronze in Italy
Account by Dave Dunham with edits and additional quotes by Nancy Hobbs

Madesimo, Italy--- The 25^th running of the World Mountain Running Championships were held under clear and crisp blue skies with temperatures in the upper 50s for the start of the competition. The venue was in the winter ski village of Madesimo, Italy, located three hours by bus from Milan. The course was lined with fans not only from the host country, but with worldwide fans. The sound of ringing cowbells and pulsating air horns filled the air. A total of thirty-five countries were represented in the four races.

The junior women started the day with a single lap of the 4.3 km course. The runners were tested with steep climbs and some rocky sections on the descents. The terrain was a mixture of grass, packed dirt trail, and grassy sections with some rocks and roots to keep the athletes focused on their footing. In order to run well the athletes would have to be strong climbers, fearless descenders and able to transition between the various grades.

Megan Morgan, 17, Del Mar, CA, was the first U.S. athlete of the day to cross the finish line, earning a silver medal – the best individual junior finish following last year’s bronze medal by Californian Alex Dunne. Turkey’s Can Yasemin won the gold medal with a time of 22:18 with Morgan just 17 seconds in arrears. Angelica Mach of Poland was the bronze medalist in 22:56. Robyn Arnold, 16, Redlands, CA, rounded out the U.S. scoring taking 23^rd in 25:39. Alex Dent, 17, Scott Dep ot, WV, was unable to finish after taking a spill on a road crossing approximately two miles into the race. In all 42 juniors (at least 16 in the year of competition and not yet 20) completed the course. Turkey captured the team title with five points (the top two finishers on the team count in the scoring). Romania placed second with 13 points and Poland finished in bronze-medal position with 20 points. The next three teams were all separated by just one point. Team USA finished in seventh position with 25 points. A total of 14 full teams competed in the junior women’s division. This was the second best finish for the junior girls trailing only the 2007 team which finished second.

Following the race, Robyn Arnold said, “I started out maybe a little bit too fast, dropped places, but was happy with my result. I learned a lot and hope to apply what I learned this year to next year if I make the team.”

Megan Morgan was beaming when she accepted her award at the post-race flower ceremony immediately following her finish, “We got our medals and then when we left the podium they took them back from us. I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t see my medal again, and then I then realized we’d get them back at the awards ceremony in the evening.” Morgan told her Mom, who accompanied her to Italy, that the race was one of the best she’d ever done.

The junior men were up next, with two circuits and 8.6 km’s to complete. The teams from Turkey and Italy had a close battle with Italian Xavier Chevier taking a decisive victory, crossing the line in 38:26 nearly a minute up on his closest challenger. Turkish team mates Mzaffer Bayram and Alper Demir, took second and third respectively in 39:22 and 39:32. Nineteen seconds later Brandon Lord, 17, Hixson, TN, crossed the line after running a controlled and very20regulated race starting in ninth position and moving to eighth after the first loop and picked off other competitors to move up in the standings. Lord bettered Tim Smith’s fifth place from 2008 and is now the all-time top placing junior man. This is all the more impressive as this was Brandon’s first mountain race. Dan Nafziger, 18, Harrisonburg, VA, and Brian Rooney, 19, Arlington, VA, were the next two U.S. finishers closing out the team scoring in 39^th and 41^st places respectively. They finished 12 seconds apart in 44:11 and 44:23. Tim Smith, 19, Roanoke, VA, took 55^th place in 46:10 in the field of 68 finishers. Turkey was the top team with 14 points (three runners score) with Italy a mere two points back. Great Britain took home the bronze with 52 points. The U.S. team finished 8^th among the 17 countries. The 8^th place finish ties the second best (2006) all-time.

Nafziger, although not pleased with his finish felt that he learned so much from the experience, “I thought my cross country training would be enough, but it wasn’t. There were Italians and others walking on some of the steeper sections and then cruising the really fast sections of the course. I was pushing my climbs and didn’t have enough at the top of the hills to take advantage of the descents like I wanted to. I hope to come back next year and really train more specifically for the event.”

The senior women were the third to compete over two loops of the course which featured 1,800’ of climb and descent. Average grades on the climb were 20% and 10% on the descent. The U.S. women ran packed tightly together passing through the first lap with the four athletes each in the top 20. That grouping would not cha nge by the finish with all four crossing within 48 seconds. Elisa Desco (43:39), Valentina Belotti (44:04), and Maria Grazia Roberti (44:23) all used their “home field advantage” to lead Italy to a total domination of the team scoring (three runners score) with a perfect score of 6 points. Brandy Erholtz, 32, Bailey, CO, led the way for the USA finishing tenth in 45:23. Christine Lundy, 39, Sausalito, CA, (45:41) 13^th, Megan Kimmel, 29, Silverton, CO, (45:46) 15^th, and Megan Lund, 25, Basalt, CO, (46:11) 17^th were able to grab the bronze medal with 38 points. They finished 16 points behind the silver medal squad from Great Britain. The third place finish trails only the two gold medal finishes of 2006 & 2007. In all there were 69 finishers representing 14 countries.

The final race of the day was the senior men’s three grueling circuits of the course, all between 5,000’ and 6 ,300.’ The African teams moved to the front in the early going. Geoffrey Kusoro of Uganda forged a 54 second lead by the end, crossing the line in 54:51. Azerya Teklag Weldemariam of Eritrea placed 2^nd in 55:45. The final medal was taken by James Kibet (Uganda) in 55:54. The U.S. team was led by former junior team member (12^th place 2006) Andrew Benford, 21, Roanoke, VA. He moved into the top 15 and passed teammate Joe Gray, 25, Lakewood, WA, with approximately a mile to go. Benford placed 13^th in 58:09 with Gray finishing 16^th in 58:43. The final four team members all finished in a tight pack in places 42, 46, 47, and 48, with only 12 seconds separating them. Matt Byrne, 34, Scranton, PA, and Zac Freudenberg, 31, St. Louis, MO, were the scoring members in 1:01:26 and 1:01:34 in a field that featured 138 finishers. Rickey Gates, 28, Boulder, CO, and Tim Parr, 27, Gunnison, CO, crossed seconds later in 1:01:36 and 1:01:38. The team competition was won by Eritrea with 24 points with Italy second with 39 points and Turkey rounding out the medals with 75 pints. USA finished in sixth with 117 points.

Team manager Nancy Hobbs, Colorado Springs, CO, team leader Richard Bolt, Portland, Oregon, team manager for the juniors Dave Dunham, Bradford, MA, and women’s team manager Ellen Miller, Vail, CO, accompanied the team to Italy.

At the USATF annual convention in Reno, NV, on December 6, the Mountain Ultra Trail Running (MUT) Council chose two races from which automatic qualifiers to the U.S. team will be selected. The USA Mountain Running Championships were hosted at Mt. Cranmore (11km) on June 28 in North Conway, NH. The top three U.S. men – Gray, Freudenberg, and Byrne – and the top U.S. woman finisher – Lundy – earned automatic berths on the team.

The Cheyenne Canon Mountain Race in Colorado Springs, CO, was the site of the second and final selection race on July 26 (approximately 8km for women and juniors and 12km for men) where the top two U.S. men – Parr and Benford – and the top two U.S. women – Kimmel and Lund – earned automatic berths.

After the final selection race, the remaining members of the senior squad, (one male - Gates, one female - Erholtz), were chosen by the Mountain Ultra Trail Council with input from the team staff based on results at the selection races, past World Trophy events, national and international racing experience including mountain, road, cross country, and track.

The junior team members were selected based on their running resumes and required a letter of support from a coach, parent, or mentor. To see hour-by-hour coverage of the World Mountain Running Championships from team leader Richard Bolt, you can go to: http://twitter.com/usmrt. For a complete list of results visit www.wmrc2009.org.

&n bsp; Slovenia is slated to host the 26^th World Mountain Running Championships in early September 2010 on an uphill only course. Selection races for the U.S. team will be determined at the USATF Annual Meeting in December 2009.

Sponsors of the 2009 Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team include title sponsor Teva, the official footwear of the team since 2002, SportHill is the official apparel sponsor providing team uniforms, OrthoLite Insoles, the world’s leading supplier of open cell foam insoles in the performance and footwear category is the official insole, Fleet Feet Sports Boulder, the official specialty running store, Windermere of Teton Valley, the official real estate company, Wicked Fast Sports Nutrition, the official dietary supplements for pre-exercise energy/endurance (Energ-Ease) and post-exercise recovery (Recover-Ease), and product sponsors ALCiS topical pain relief cream, ground bags and duffels, Tech 4o watches, KINeSYS performance sunscreen, CW-X conditioning tights, FuelBelt, Inc., hydratio n products, Costa Del Mar performance sunglasses, and Youth Runner magazine.

For additional information visit the websites listed below:

World Mountain Running Association www.wmra.info

World Mountain Running Championships www.wmrc2009.org

USA Track & Field www.usatf.org

American Trail Running Association www.trailrunner.com

USA Mountain Running Championships www.whitemountainmilers.com

Tech4o www.tech4o.com

Teva &nbs p; www.teva.com

SportHill Clothing www.sporthill.com

KINeSYS, Inc. www.kinesys.com

CW-X Conditioning Wear www .cw-x.com

ALCiS www.alcis.com

Costa Del Mar www.costadelmar.com

Windermere & nbsp; www.juliebryan.mywindermere.com

Fleet Feet Sports-Boulder www.fleetfeetboulder.com

Wicked Fast Sports Nutrition www.recover-ease.com

OrthoLite www.ortholitefoam.com

FuelBelt www.fuelbelt.com

groundÔ www.groundwear.com

Youth Runner &nbs p; www.youthrunner.com

Preliminary results from Italy

2009-09-06T10:23:00.002-04:00

From Nancy Hobbs:

World Champs results -- senior men: Andrew Benford 13; Joe Gray 16: Matt Byrne 42, Zac Freudenberg 46; Rickey Gates 47; Tim Parr 48. 6th place out of 23 teams. Team score 117...Eritrea first with 24 points, Italy second with 29 points, Turk...ey 3 with 75 points.

USA Senior women bronze; individual bronze junior -- silver medal.

Top Junior man was Brandon Lord in 4th. More results coming.

Live twitter posts for the World Championships

2009-09-06T05:39:00.001-04:00

Go to http://www.twitter.com/usmrt to see live posts from today's Mountain Champs. If you are reading our blog at the blog site and not via rss feed, you can also see it on the right hand side of the page.

Former Team Member Paul Low previews the men's race

2009-09-04T07:58:00.001-04:00

Paul Low has a great preview of the men's race as his blog. Here's the link:

http://thelowplace.blogspot.com/2009/09/brief-preview-for-senior-mens-team-race.html

Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team Set to Depart for World Championships

2009-09-01T23:09:00.002-04:00

Colorado Springs, CO --- The Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team will compete in the 25^th World Mountain Running Championships in Campodolcino, Italy, on Sunday, September 6, 2009. Campodolcino is located in the province of Sondrio in the Lombardy region located approximately 100 kilometers north of Milan. This year’s team will arrive at the race venue in Italy on Thursday, September 3 and includes the following athletes: (*Ages are listed at time of World Championships)

Senior Men: Joseph Gray, 25, Lakewood, WA; Zac Freudenberg, 31, St. Louis, MO; Matt Byrne, 34, Scranton, PA; Tim Parr, 27, Gunnison, CO, Andrew Benford, 22, Ravenswood, VA, and Rickey Gates, 28, Boulder, CO.

Senior Women: Christine Lundy, 39, Sausalito, CA, Megan Kimmel, 29, Silverton, CO, Megan Lund, 25, Basalt, CO, and Brandy Erholtz, 32, Bailey, CO.

Junior Men: Tim Smith, 19, Roanoke, VA; Brandon Lord, 17, Hixson, TN; Dan Nafziger, 18, Harrisonburg, VA; Brian Rooney, 19, Arlington, VA

Junior Women: Megan Morgan, 17, Del Mar, CA; Alex Dent, 16, Scott Depot, WV; and Robyn Arnold, 16, Redlands, CA.

This year’s races are held on an up/down loop course (as opposed to even-numbered years when the events are held on uphill-only courses) with the senior men running approximately 13.02 km, the senior women and junior men running a distance slightly over 8.68 km, while the junior women run approximately 4.34 km.

The women’s team includes four athletes with the top three finishers scoring for the team. Six athletes will represent the men’s team with the top four finishers scoring. The junior men’s team includes four athletes with the top three scoring while the junior women’s team is comprised of three athletes with the top two scoring. Team manager Nancy Hobbs, Colorado Springs, CO, team leader Richard Bolt, Portland, Oregon, team manager for the juniors Dave Dunham, Bradford, MA, and women’s team manager Ellen Miller, Vail, CO will accompany the team to Italy.

The junior team members were selected based on their running resumes and required a letter of support from a coach, parent, or mentor. Junior athletes must be at least 16 and not yet 20 in the year of competition.

To see how the team is doing at the World Mountain Running Championships you can follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/usmrt

Sponsors of the 2009 Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team include title sponsor Teva, the official footwear of the team since 2002, SportHill is the official apparel sponsor providing team uniforms, OrthoLite Insoles, the world’s leading supplier of open cell foam insoles in the performance and footwear category is the official insole, Fleet Feet Sports Boulder, the official specialty running store, Windermere of Teton Valley, the official real estate company, Wicked Fast Sports Nutrition, the official dietary supplements for pre-exercise energy/endurance (Energ-Ease) and post-exercise recovery (Recover-Ease), and product sponsors ALCiS topical pain relief cream, ground bags and duffels, Tech 4o watches, KINeSYS performance sunscreen, CW-X conditioning tights, FuelBelt, Inc., hydration products, Costa Del Mar performance sunglasses, and Youth Runner magazine.

Italia

2009-08-30T09:17:00.004-04:00

Ciao,

Simon G., Rickey G., and I (Joe G.) raced up north in the Piemonte region of Italy in a small town known as Susa. For Rickey and I, it was the last tune up before the big one next week. Simon came across the Atlantic for Susa's historic race, which has been around since 1989!

The race featured a good field with runners from Ethiopia, Japan, USA, New Zealand, Kenya, France, and of course some strong Italians. Many of them with superb road times. The race went out fast as usual. The partenza (start) changed from last year. There had been some construction going on...for a few years. So, finally this year I was able to run the original start of the course. However, an avalanche ruined any hopes of comparing times from the year as the route from 7k on was modified. Approaching the 2k mark, you could see a pack of Ethiopians and Kenyans with Simon and Jono hanging in there as well. A few kilometers later the pack thinned out and I found myself in the mix. Simon was right there as well with Rickey lurking a few seconds back. Jono blew the race open and the ranks stayed pretty much the same nearing 10k. The fog near the top also limited any changing of places being that you if you had someone 10 seconds ahead, they became invisible. In the end I placed 5th, Simon ended up 8th right in front of Rickey at 9th.

At the finish with our friend from Japan

At the prize ceremony. One of the longest waits for a ceremony you will ever experience. First a remembrance of the Partigiani (battle that eventually liberated Italy in 1945) is carried out, moments later a church service along with some singing goes on for a bit. After service, following the Catholic tradition, Communion takes place. Then, after a few hours of hunger, the prize ceremony goes on simultaneously with lunch

During the week of the race a cultural celebration takes place in Susa. After some traditional dances and music from Mexico, Slovakia, and Italy the race directors announced the elite field with the locals in attendance. Its amazing how excited the town is for the runners, for such a small town they had more enthusiasm about mountain running than many of the races I have been to in America

Post-race quote from GU (Who is no longer allowed to say he is old, since he keeps running fast and beating all the young guys)

Simon G.

"It's good to be back in Europe racing, had a solid run and looking forward to supporting the US team at Worlds next week!"

Well hope to see the rest of the team next week, safe travels......Spero che abbiate un buon viaggio!!!

The Mountain Team is on Twitter

2009-08-28T09:09:00.003-04:00

You can now follow the happenings of the Mountain Team on Twitter.

http://www.twitter.com/usmrt

Members of the team will be posting there over the next 2 weeks as they get to Italy for the Mountain Champs on September 6th.

2009 USMRT Junior Team - Bios

2009-08-17T10:13:00.007-04:00

Athlete Bios- Junior Team

Juniors must be at least 16 in the year of competition and not yet 20

Junior Women’s team

Robyn Arnold, Redlands, CA – Age 16*
Robyn attends Redlands High School in Redlands, CA she will enter her junior year in the fall. She has quite a range of accomplishments across various distances including a remarkable fifth place overall and first place junior finish in the Mt Baldy Run to the Top. Her coach stated “Robyn is a very impressive athlete with a pure passion for running.”

Robyn says “I love the challenges that come with mountain running and I'm very excited to be a part of this USA team." Her personal bests include 18:02 for 5km (XC).

Alexandria Dent, Scott Depot, WV -Age 17*
Alexandria will be entering her senior year at Hurricane High School in Scott Depot, WV. She
ranks in the top 10 all-time in the state of WV in the 3200m and 1600m. Her high school coach notes that “she has no fear when it comes to racing.” Alex feels that “Being picked as a junior member of the U.S. Mountain Running Team has been a surprise and an honor. I've never dreamed of being given such an opportunity! I'm most looking forward, while in Italy, to meeting new people, running in new places and seeing new things.” Her personal bests include 5:08 for 1600m, 11:08 for 3200m and 18:42 for 5km.

Megan Morgan, Del Mar, CA – Age 17 Megan attends Torrey Pines High School in Del Mar, CA. She will enter her senior year this fall. She has been racing track and cross country for five years and for the last three years has been attending high altitude camps. Megan has placed fourth at the CA state XC championships, fifth at the Footlocker Western Regional championships, 24th at the Footlocker XC national championships, and 12th place at the USA XC championships. Her coach notes that she “has it all, intelligence, engaging personality, incredible athletic talent, old-fashioned work ethic, and a pure passion for running.” Her personal bests include 5:00 for the mile, 10:31 for two miles, and 17:46 for 5km.

2009 Teva U.S. Mountain running team – Junior Men’s team

Brandon Lord, Hixson, TN – Age 17
Brandon will be entering his senior year at Baylor High School in Chattanooga, TN. During his
junior year, Brandon captured 2nd place in both the 1600 & 3200m at the TN state meet and won the Emerging Elite 2 mile at the Nike Outdoor Nationals. He notes that “over half of my training takes place on hills, I love trail running and for that reason really enjoy running on the mountains locally.” Brandon’s coach feels that he “is an emerging and virtually untapped talent. He comes from a deep swimming background, providing a strong aerobic base. He thinks tactically whilst in the midst of a race, gauges his effort, and plans his attacks accordingly.” His personal bests include: 4:16-1600m, 9:15-3200m, and 15:19 for 5km.

Dan Nafziger, Harrisonburg, VA – Age 18
Dan will be entering his freshman year at George Mason University, VA. He was injured for part of his senior year at Harrisonburg High School, VA. Injuries curtailed his XC season, however he bounced back and was named team MVP and was Captain of his track team. His accomplishments include 10 times being a VA state selection, winning both the mile and two-mile at the Region III championships, and finishing 15th at the VHSL state cross country championships during his junior year. His coach feels that his “background experiences, including adversity; have made Dan both fitter and hungrier to train hard and smart.” Dan notes "I'm really excited to represent the U.S. and work with my teammates to compete against the rest of the world. Being selected for the team makes all of the hard training I'm doing all the more worthwhile." His personal bests include: 1600m-4:23, 3200m-9:29, and 5km (XC) – 15:57.

Brian Rooney, Arlington, VA – Age 19
Brian recently completed his freshman year at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. While in high school (St. Albans) he was IAC conference champion in cross country and track and was named All-District in XC and track three times. While at Johns Hopkins he was All-conference in cross country and was also named freshman of the year. He has trained at altitude in both Golden and Boulder CO. Brian said he is “honored to be a part of the U.S. Junior Mountain Team and look forward to competing in Campodolcino." His high school coach noted that Brian has “strength as a distance runner and strength of character.” His personal bests include: 800m-1:59, 1600m-4:27, 5000m-15:19, and 10km: 33:46.

Tim Smith, Roanoke, VA – Age 19 Tim completed his freshman year at the University of Richmond in Richmond, VA. Last year in Sierre Crans-Montana, Switzerland, Tim distinguished himself by placing fifth at the World Mountain Running Championships. While in High School he was All-State in cross country and finished 22nd in the Footlocker South Region cross country championships. At Richmond he finished sixth in the Atlantic 10 indoor track conference championships in the 3,000m (8:37). He recently won the AEP festival 10k in Roanoke over a challenging and hilly course. Tim’s college coach states, “Tim has become stronger over the past 12 months and is excited about the possibility of returning to the team this year.” Tim notes “I'd just like to express how much I appreciate being selected to the U.S. junior team again. It's a huge honor to be able to represent my country in this race. I'm very excited about the world championships!” His personal bests include: 1600m-4:17, 3200m-9:16, 5k-15:28, and 10k-32:58.

* age at time of World Championships 2009

Mountain Running Team Members in the News

2009-08-11T08:52:00.003-04:00

An article in the Aspen Times about Megan Lund

Interview with Nancy Hobbs about Mountain Running

Interview with Megan Lund in the Examiner

Gates & Erholz race at Sierre Zinal. finish in top 5

2009-08-10T10:05:00.002-04:00

Two members of the 2009 Teva Mountain Running Team raced over the weekend at the 31km Sierre Zinal mountain race, both finishing in the top 5.

Gates finished 4th overall, with a time of 2:38.52.
Complete Men's Results

Erholz finished fifth overall, with a time of 3:14.05.
Complete Women's Results

2009 Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team Announced Today

2009-08-02T16:26:00.002-04:00

From Nancy Hobbs:

Photo: Matt Byrne and Nancy Hobbs at the 2008 World Mountain Running Trophy.

Colorado Springs, CO --- The Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team will compete in the 25th World Mountain Running Championships in Campodolcino, Italy on September 6, 2009. Campodolcino is located in the province of Sondrio in the Lombardy region located approximately 100 kilometers north of Milan. This year’s team includes the following athletes: (*Ages are listed at time of World Championships)

 Senior Men: Joseph Gray, 25, Lakewood, WA; Zac Freudenberg, 31, St. Louis, MO; Matt Byrne, 34, Scranton, PA; Tim Parr, 27, Gunnison, CO, Andrew Benford, 22, Ravenswood, VA, and Rickey Gates, 28, Boulder, CO.

Senior Women: Christine Lundy, 39, Sausalito, CA, Megan Kimmel, 29, Silverton, CO, Megan Lund, 25, Basalt, CO, and Brandy Erholtz, 32, Bailey, CO.

Junior Men: Tim Smith, 19, Roanoke, VA; Brandon Lord, 17, Hixson, TN; Dan Nafziger, 18, Harrisonburg, VA; Brian Rooney, 19, Arlington, VA

Junior Women: Megan Morgan, 17, Del Mar, CA; Alex Dent, 16, Scott Depot, WV; and Robyn Arnold, 16, Redlands, CA.

This year’s races are held on an up/down loop course (as opposed to even-numbered years when the events are held on uphill-only courses) with the senior men running approximately 13.02 km, the senior women and junior men running a distance slightly over 8.68 km, while the junior women run approximately 4.34 km.

The women’s team includes four athletes with the top three finishers scoring for the team. Six athletes will represent the men’s team with the top four finishers scoring. The junior men’s team includes four athletes with the top three scoring while the junior women’s team is comprised of three athletes with the top two scoring. Team manager Nancy Hobbs, Colorado Springs, CO, team leader Richard Bolt, Portland, Oregon, team manager for the juniors Dave Dunham, Bradford, MA, and women’s team manager Ellen Miller, Vail, CO will accompany the team to Italy.

At the USATF annual convention in Reno, NV, on December 6, the Mountain Ultra Trail Running (MUT) Council chose two races from which automatic qualifiers to the U.S. team will be selected. The USA Mountain Running Championships were hosted at Mt. Cranmore (11km) on June 28 in North Conway, NH. The top three U.S. men – Gray, Freudenberg, and Byrne – and the top U.S. woman finisher – Lundy – earned automatic berths on the team.

The Cheyenne Canon Mountain Race in Colorado Springs, CO, was the site of the second and final selection race on July 26 (approximately 8km for women and juniors and 12km for men) where the top two U.S. men – Parr and Benford – and the top two U.S. women – Kimmel and Lund – earned automatic berths.

After the final selection race, the remaining members of the senior squad, (one male - Gates, one female - Erholtz), were chosen by the Mountain Ultra Trail Council with input from the team staff based on results at the selection races, past World Trophy events, national and international racing experience including mountain, road, cross country, and track.

The junior team members were selected based on their running resumes and required a letter of support from a coach, parent, or mentor. Junior athletes must be at least 16 and not yet 20 in the year of competition.

Bios on the aforementioned athletes and photos will be distributed later this week.

Cheyenne Cañon Mountain Race - US Team Selection

2009-07-27T21:06:00.002-04:00

Cool Temperatures Make for Fast Times at Cheyenne Cañon Mountain Race

Former Mountain Running Team Members Earn Spots on this year’s World Team

Colorado Springs, CO ---- Late afternoon thunderstorms are typical in Colorado Springs, but overcast skies and drizzle in the morning are rare – especially in July. This morning was an exception with intermittent rain showers and cool temperatures greeting runners at 7:00 a.m. for the women’s start of the Cheyenne Cañon Mountain Race (Sunday, July 26), an 8 kilometer up/down loop course which would determine two of the four members of this year’s Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team. It was still cool for the men’s race at 8:30 a.m. for the 12 kilometer course with another two team spots up for grabs.

The course, designed by eight-time Mountain Team member Paul Low, started at the Stratton Open Space Trailhead in North Cheyenne Cañon, connected with the Gold Camp Path, joined the Chutes and followed the east side of the reservoir back up Gold Camp Path for the first loop (women and junior men ran two loops, while open men ran three loops for approximately 12 km), then back down to the finish.

“A few weeks before the race some of the women contending for a spot on the team figured the winning time would be about 41 minutes (for the women). Today when the first woman was climbing the final lollipop loop toward the finish she was set to go under 40 minutes. The cool temperatures not only helped set a fast pace, but the moisture helped pack down the dirt and scree to make for a quicker running surface,” said Nancy Hobbs, Executive Director of the American Trail Running Association.

Laura Haefeli, 41, Del Norte, CO, led the group on a blistering pace from the start around the first lollipop loop. But at the top of the first climb it was flatlander Kasie Enman, 29, Huntington, VT, ahead of a group of Coloradoans to the high point of the course at just under 7,000 feet. The group in the chase were included eventual winner Megan Kimmel, 29, Silverton, Haefeli, Megan Lund, 24, Basalt, Brandy Erholtz, 31, Bailey, and Gina Lucrezi, 26, Colorado Springs. Enman excelled on the downhill and picked up some distance on the group, yet was caught by Kimmel and Lund on the second loop.

Kimmel took the opportunity to surge ahead and bested Lund by just five seconds to take the victory in 39:23. On the final lollipop loop, Haefeli charged past Enman to finish in third position in 29:52 with Enman clocking 40:02. Rounding out the top five was Erholtz in 40:19.

Kimmel’s win earned her a spot on her second consecutive Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team and will compete along with first-time team member Lund in Campodolcino, Italy, on Sunday, September 6 at the World Mountain Running Championships. The pair will join Christine Lundy, 38, Sausalito, CA, who won the USA Mountain Running Championships on June 28 in North Conway, NH, to make her fourth mountain team. The final member of the squad will be selected from the top finishers in today’s event.

On the men’s side local runner Ryan Hafer, 23, set a strong pace on the first kilometer while Tim Parr, 27, Gunnison, CO, sat comfortably in the chase pack and worked his way up to the lead with University of Richmond’s Andrew Benford, 21, Ravenswood, WV, going with him. “I felt great on the uphills,” said Benford, “Then Tim would pull away on the downhills. He was more aggressive on the downhills, especially on the last lap. I knew I was on the team when we topped out the last climb. Dan Petty (UR teammate) was there, along with my brother, telling me exactly where everyone was. The last downhill was sweet. I knew I was running my way onto the U.S. Team. It's a great feeling.”

Parr crossed the line in 47:13 to make his third U.S team (’04, ’05, ’09) while Benford makes his second U.S Team. Benford’s performance places him in the history books as the first U.S. runner to make a junior team (2006) and a senior team (2009). Albuquerque’s Kristopher Houghton, 28, finished third in 48:21 with local runner Alex Nichols, 24, in fourth with a time of 48:51, and 2007 mountain team member Payton Batliner, 25, Boulder, in fifth timed in 49:09.

Parr and Benford will join the top three runners from the USA Mountain Running Championships Joseph Gray, 25, Lakewood, WA, Zac Freudenberg, 31, St. Louis, MO, and Matt Byrne, 34, Scranton, PA, on the mountain team. The final member of the six-member squad will be announced on August 1.

With a tagline, “Once is not enough,” the 2009 Cheyenne Cañon Mountain Race presented by Walmart, was a first year event. Additional local support from ERA Shields brokers Marzolf/Blessing, Champion Health/Dr. Jeffrey Matthews, Bristol Brewing, Colorado Running Company, and Criterium Bike Shop. National sponsors joining the effort include SportHill and Teva.

There were 36 women finishers ranging in age from 18-64 and 46 men finishers ages 12 through 62. Every participant received a commemorative USA Mountain Running cowbell, a Teva music CD, post race refreshments, accurate results, and for those 21 and older – a beer certificate from Bristol Brewing.

Men's Race

1 Tim Parr , 47:13 $250

2 Andrew Benford , 47:48, $0

3 Kristopher Houghton, 48:21, $150

4 Alex Nichols, 48:51, $100

5 Payton Batlinger, 49:09, $50

Women's Race

1. Megan Kimmel, 39:23, $250

2. Megan Lund, 39:28, $200

3. Laura Haefeli, 39:52, $150

4. Kasie Enman, 40:02, $100

5. Brandy Erholtz, 40:19, $50

Top Juniors

Junior Men: Paul Petersen, Broomfield, 17, 39:57

Junior Women: Jessie Watkins, 19, Colorado Springs, 49:34

Not only is the event a fundraiser for the American Trail Running Association, but also served as a fundraiser for the Friends of North Cheyenne Cañon and Stratton Commons. Individuals may donate, as part of their registration, to any of these non-profit organizations. For additional information visit www.trailrunner.com.

West Coasters Excel at USA Mountain Running Championships in New England

2009-07-04T01:10:00.002-04:00

North Conway, NH --- On a humid, overcast morning in the New England hamlet of North Conway, NH, Washingtonian Joseph Gray, 24, Lakewood, and Californian Christine Lundy, 38, Sausalito outpaced one of the deepest U.S. mountain running fields in recent memory to become the 2009 USA Mountain Running Champions today. The pair also led team USA to gold medal podium spots in the men’s and women’s division of the North American Central American Caribbean Mountain Running Championships.

The race featured two 5.5 kilometer loops and 2400 feet of vertical gain which included a mixture of steep climbing, single track terrain, super fast descents, and flat sections across open meadows. Spectators at the base of the mountain could watch the runners as they climbed in the distance and then cheered runners on as they passed the start/finish area for the second and final loop.

A former collegiate steeplechaser, Gray, in his third season mountain racing, was with a lead pack of seven within the first kilometer which included Simon Gutierrez, 43, Alamosa, CO, Zac Freudenberg, 30, St. Louis, MO, Eric Blake, 29, New Britain, CT, Matt Byrne, 34, Scranton, PA, and Shiloh Mielke, 29, Asheville, NC. The group stayed together up the first pitch, but at the top of the climb Gray took off. Freudenberg and Gutierrez were in second and third respectively, followed closely by Gates, Byrne, and Blake. Mielke didn’t stick with the group on the first downhill.

After the first loop it was Gray leading by about 40 seconds posting a 28 minute loop with Freudenberg in second, Gutierrez in third, “I was feeling confident, like I could hold third,” said Gutierrez in a post race interview, “Even going up the second climb I felt good. Then Rickey and Matt caught me about 1 kilometer into the second climb. They started pushing it. Joe was gone. I could see Rickey and Matt until the last 200 meters of the climb.

“After that I survived to get down. My legs were shot, Eric passed me and I caught up to him and we ran together for the last 2 kilometers. Shiloh blasted by us with about ½ mile to go,” said Gutierrez who in a sprint-to-the-finish with Blake fell down just a few feet from the line to settle for seventh.

Gray kept a solid, steady, and rather blistering pace to finish in 48:37 followed by Freudenberg in 49:48, Byrne in 49:57, Gates in 50:04, Meilke in 51:38, Blake in 51:50, and Gutierrez in 51:54. Aaron Saft, Kevin Tilton, and John Tribbia rounded out the top ten.

With his win, Gray made his second consecutive Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team. Freudenberg and Byrne also were named to the team. All three were members of last year’s bronze-medal winning team at the World Mountain Running Championships in Switzerland.

Lundy, with her win, becomes a four-time Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team member earning the sole team spot at Cranmore for the women. Lundy was on her first U.S. mountain team in 2005 and is the only two-time team gold medalist as a member of both the 2006 and 2007 U.S. teams at Worlds. She raced to victory posting a time of 57:16, besting her nearest competitor, Brandy Erholtz, 31, Bailey, CO, by approximately 35 seconds, and was followed by Laura Haefeli, 41, Del Norte, CO, in 58:30. Kasie Enman, Gina Lucrezi, Megan Lund, Abby Larson, Amber Moran, Trish Steidl, and Christa Benton, rounded out the top 10.

Masters champion Laura Haefeli, when interviewed about her race said, “I felt good. I was psyched that we (team USA in the NACAC competition – Lundy, Haefeli, Enman, and Erholtz) were all running together. The start was fast. Brandy, Chris and Kasie were in front of me, but we were all really close. Abby was close behind. Abby passed me on one of the steeper sections and I was fifth to the top after the first climb. On the first downhill, I knew Abby was running really hard and I passed her on the rocky section. I figured if I could get enough distance on her on the downhill I could hold her off on the uphill. I was hoping that anyone behind me on the first loop wouldn’t catch me.

“I was gaining on Kasie, and I thought I was even gaining on Chris. It was definitely tougher on the second time around. I caught Kasie just before the steep climb and started to put some distance right after the climb and increased my lead. Once I crested the top, I was gone. I knew from the first lap I was running well on the downhill and didn’t think anyone would catch me on the downs. By the time I crested, I didn’t see Brandy or Chris. At the last part of the downhill I saw Brandy, but didn’t see Chris. I wanted to minimize the gap from second place.”

When asked about the competitive field Haefeli said, “I definitely felt I had to step up my game for this race. I felt that there were at least eight girls going for the team. In 2007 when I was third at Worlds, I felt that I couldn’t lose contact with the top runners…and I felt the same today.”

In the NACAC competition the top two runners for each country scored. Lundy and Erholtz scored for Team USA to earn the gold medal with Canada in silver medal position. On the men’s side, Gray and Gates scored for Team USA which included Blake and Gutierrez. Final results were not available at press time for the men’s NACAC competition.

The Cranmore Hill Climb included open runners as well as USATF members vying for national championship honors in their respective five year age groups starting at 40 years old for masters runners. USATF results will be posted at www.usatf.org.

“We were really excited to have such high caliber runners come to the Mount Washington Valley and the race was a great success. We had 250 registrants and nearly 40 finishers more than our previous high. I would say this is due to the national championships which attracted runners from 22 states. The White Mountain Milers are planning to submit a bid to host the Championships again in 2011,” said event director Paul Kirsch.

Prize money was distributed as follows (equal for men and women): $200 first place $150 second place; $100 third place; $50 first place master. The top NACAC teams each won $200.

Race sponsors included Inov-8, Cranmore Mountain Resort, USATF-New England, Hammer Nutrition, Julbo Eyewear, CW-X Conditioning Wear, Tech-4o sports watches, Fuel Belt, OrthoLite insoles, and the White Mountain Milers. Results will be posted at www.whitemountainmilers.com/cranmore.

The second and final Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team selection race will be held in Colorado Springs at the July 26 Cheyenne Canon Mountain Race presented by Walmart where the top two U.S. women and the top two U.S. men will earn a berth on this year’s team. For details visit www.trailrunner.com.

Cranmore Hill Climb offers Triple Mountain Challenge this Sunday

2009-06-23T06:09:00.001-04:00

Paul Kirsch, Race Director, Cranmore Hill Climb, USATF-NE Mountain Ultra Trail Chairperson 603-367-8676 (h) 603-398-1852 (cell), pkirsch@roadrunner.com

Nancy Hobbs, USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Chairperson, 719-573-4133, trlrunner@aol.com

June 22, 2009 – For Immediate Release

Cranmore Hill Climb offers Triple Mountain Challenge this Sunday

Up for grabs: USA Mountain Running Championship Title, NACAC Mountain Championship Title, and team slots on the 2009 Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team

NORTH CONWAY, NH --- Top U.S. mountain runners will compete in New England this Sunday, June 28, at the Cranmore Hill Climb to earn the title of USA Mountain Champion. This is the second time the five-year-old Championships (held since 2003, but not in 2005) have come to North Conway; the first was in 2007 where Coloradoans Rickey Gates and Anita Ortiz were victorious.

Gates is in stellar form coming off a sub-one hour time to win this year’s Mount Washington Road Race on June 20. He will face challengers to include two-time mountain champ (on uphill years in ’06 and ‘08) Eric Blake who was runner-up to Gates at Mount Washington this year, and Joe Gray, third at Mount Washington and second at the Teva Mountain Games 10km on June 6 in Vail (where Gates finished third), top masters runner Simon Gutierrez, fifth at Mount Washington and fourth in Vail.

These four men will make up Team USA in this year’s North American Central American Caribbean (NACAC) Mountain Running Championships and will compete against athletes from Mexico and Canada for team honors. They will also vie for a spot on this year’s Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team which will compete in Campodolcino, Italy, September 6.

Matt Byrne, fourth at Mount Washington this year and a member of last year’s bronze medal winning squad at the World Mountain Championships (along with Gates, Gray, Gutierrez, and Zac Freudenberg) would like to earn a spot on his second mountain team. Freudenberg, Aaron Saft, Jason Bryant, Kevin Tilton, and Shiloh Mielke are all hoping for a top finish at Cranmore where the top three U.S. men a spot on this year’s squad.

The women’s field boasts as much depth as the men’s. Starting with the four women on Team USA in the NACAC competition which includes last year’s NACAC Mountain Champion Kasie Enman, 2007 USA Mountain Champion and last week’s runaway winner at Mount Washington Brandy Erholtz who was the top U.S. woman at Worlds last year, Christine Lundy, second in 2007 at Cranmore and the 2007 NACAC Mountain Champion as well as a member of the two-time gold medal winning women’s team at World’s (’06, ’07), and Laura Haefeli, individual bronze medalist at Worlds 2007 and a four-time USA Trail Running Champion.

Ready to challenge these veteran mountain runners and hoping to earn the sole spot on the mountain team for women at Cranmore will be Coloradoans Megan Lund and Gina Lucrezi, both 25 years old and having recently finished third and fifth respectively in the Teva 10km in Vai (Erholtz and Haefeli went one-two at Vail). Also in the hunt for a top finish, Trish Steidl, 32, Seattle, and North Carolinian Amber Moran, 30, Arden. Cranmore women’s champion in 2007, and a five-time mountain team member, Anita Ortiz has been training for ultra distance events this year and will be competing in her first 100 mile event at Western States this weekend.

“Paul Kirsch has done a great job with the event adding all of the components we requested this year and has created a course that will closely mirror the Worlds’ course in Italy. After hosting the USA Mountain Championships in 2007 Paul tweaked the course a bit and it will surely test the athletes’ strength, speed, and endurance,” said Nancy Hobbs, USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Running chairperson and manager of the Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team. “Like everyone else, I’m excited to see so many of our top mountain runners compete at Cranmore this weekend and look forward to a super event.”

Race entries for Cranmore currently represent 22 states, along with Mexico and Canada. The course at Cranmore Mountain resort is an up/down two-lap route featuring approximately 2,400 feet of vertical gain over 11 kilometers.

Although the race features elite athletes, it is open to competitors of all ages who are looking for a challenging course. Finishers at past Cranmore Hill Climbs have included runners as young as seven and as old as 75. USATF will award medals to the top ten open competitors in both the men’s and women’s divisions, medals to the top three in masters’ age groups in five year increments starting at age 40, and prize money as follows (equal for men and women): $200 first place $150 second place; $100 third place; $50 first place master. There is also USATF team competition.

Race sponsors include Inov-8, Cranmore Mountain Resort, USATF-New England, Hammer Nutrition, Julbo Eyewear, CW-X Conditioning Wear, Tech-4o sports watches, Fuel Belt, OrthoLite insoles, and the White Mountain Milers. To learn more about the race or to register, visit www.whitemountainmilers.com/cranmore.

The second and final Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team selection race will be held in Colorado Springs at the July 26 Cheyenne Canon Mountain Race presented by Walmart where the top two U.S. women and the top two U.S. men will earn a berth on this year’s team.

Elite athlete bios for the Cranmore Hill Climb follow.

On the men's side:

Eric Blake, 29, New Britain, CT, is a four-time Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team member finishing third for the U.S. men last year in Switzerland. He represented the U.S. at the NACAC Mountain Running Championships in 2007 on the gold-medal squad. He won the USA National Mountain Running Championships in 2006 and 2008. On June 24, 2006 Blake set the treadmill marathon world record of 2:21:40 in Farmington, CT at Malibu Fitness.

Matthew Byrne, 34, Scranton, PA, was a member of the 2008 Mountain Running Team and finished sixth at the 2008 Mount Washington Road Race. Byrne has a strong road race resume. In the past two years he posted a 2:25:48 (Boston Marathon), 1:06:01 (Houston Half Marathon), and 2:21:50 (Steamtown Marathon). He is a two-time Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier (2004 & 2006). His 10 km track PR is 29:49, and his 5 km PR is 14:31. Byrne is a graduate of St. Joseph’s University where he earned his degree in Marketing. He is employed full time at the Philadelphia Runner.

Zac Freudenberg, 30, St. Louis, MO, was a member of the 2008 bronze medal winning Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team. He finished seventh at the 2008 Mt. Washington Road Race. His 1500 m PR is 3:58, his 3000 m steeplechase PR is 9:12, his 5 km PR is 14:48 and his 10 km PR is 30:35. In 2008, his times include 24:30 (5 miles) and 2:24:46 (marathon). He ran 3:56:00 to finish third overall at the Pikes Peak Marathon in 2006, and ran the 2007 Jungfrau Marathon in 3:14:48 to finish eighth. He competed at Division III indoor and outdoor track and cross country for Beloit College and was a two-time national qualifier in cross country and once in track in the 3000 m steeplechase.

Rickey Gates, 28, Boulder, CO, made his third consecutive Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team in 2008 with his third place finish at Mount Washington. He was the first American at the World Mountain Running Trophy in Switzerland leading the men to a bronze-medal finish. Gates raced in Europe for most of the summer and fall garnering several wins and top finishes in Austria, Norway, Italy, and Slovenia. In 2007 he had back-to-back weekend wins at the USA Mountain Running Championships and the USA 10 km Trail Championships and was also named the 2007 USATF Mountain Runner of the Year. Gates once won America’s Uphill (held annually in March) on Aspen Mountain racing in a clown suit.

Joseph Gray, 24, Lakewood, WA, placed fourth at the USA Mountain Running Championships earning a spot on his first Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team. He was the second U.S. finisher at the World Mountain Trophy – 16^th place – in Sierre Crans Montana, Switzerland, and a scoring member of the U.S. bronze medal team. He was the top U.S. finisher at Challenge Stellina in Susa, Italy, Kitzbuhelerhorn in Kitzbuehel, Austria, and Skaala Uphill Challenge in Loen, Norway. He also was the first finisher in the Canadian Mountain Running National Championship at Mt Seymour, Canada, and won the Northwest Mountain Running Championship, in Mt Hood, OR.

Simon Gutierrez, 43, Alamosa, CO, was the 2008 USA Mountain Running National Master Champion setting a masters’ course record at Mount Washington and finishing in fifth place just behind Gray. Gutierrez won the La Sportiva Berry Picker in July 2008, the second and final Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team selection race where he made his seventh consecutive team. He won the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in the Czech Republic (his third consecutive win) and was the fourth U.S. finisher at the World Mountain Trophy finishing in 25^th place. He is a three-time USATF masters’ mountain runner of the year and a two-time winner of the USATF open mountain runner of the year award. He is a three-time USA world cross country team member and a 1983 High School cross country All American. He is the 2008 USATF Club Cross Country Masters Champion and the 2009 USATF Masters Cross Country Champion. At age 17 Gutierrez set the still standing road 10km record of 29.45.

Shiloh Mielke 29, Asheville, NC is a two-time member of the Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team and multi-time winner of the 17.8 mile Shut In Ridge Trail Race in his hometown. His PRs include a 29:48 10 km and a 14:35 5 km. Mielke won the 1997 and 1998 NCHSSA Men’s Cross Country State Championships, the State Championships in the 2 mile in 1997, 1998, 1999 and the mile state championship in 1999.

Kevin Tilton, 27, Conway, NH is a two-time member of the Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team and has finished as high as fifth at Mount Washington. He is a multi-time winner of the Jackson 10km and White Mountain Milers Half Marathon. Tilton won the Cranmore Hill Climb the last time it was an uphill-only race. He finished in the top three in 2005 at Cranmore and was second in 2008.

Other elite runners on the men’s side include Justin Fyffe, (East Dummerston, VT), John Tribbia (Boulder, CO), Jesse Armijo (Albuquerque, NM), Kris Haughton (Albuquerque, NM), Juan Ortega (Albuquerque, NM), Tommy Manning, (Colorado Springs, CO), and Aaron Saft (Asheville, NC)

On the women's side:

Brandy Erholtz, 31, Bailey, CO, was the 2008 USATF Mountain Runner of the Year in only her second year as a “mountain runner” and recently won the Native Eyewear Spring Runoff 10km trail race at the Teva Mountain Games in Vail, CO. She finished third at the LaraBar 10km and was the USA National Mountain Running Champion at Mt. Washington where she made her first Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team. She finished third at both the USA 8km Trail Running Championships and the La Sportiva Berry Picker. Erholtz was the Pikes Peak Ascent champion and also posted wins at the final La Sportiva Mountain Cup Race in Vail and the Black Canyon Ascent setting a course record. She was the top U.S. finisher at the World Mountain Running Trophy finishing in 11^th place. Erholtz is employed as a schoolteacher.

Laura Haefeli, 41, Del Norte, CO, was the 2004 and 2005 USATF Mountain Runner of the Year and was the 2008 USATF Masters Mountain Runner of the Year. She won the LaraBar 10km and the USA 8km Trail Championships. She was the USA National Mountain Running Masters champion in 2008 at Mt. Washington, setting a masters course record and finishing in third place. She earned a spot on the Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team with her second-place finish at the La Sportiva Berry Picker. She finished in 44^th place at the World Mountain Running Trophy which was her fourth U.S. team appearance at a Trophy event (’04, ’05, ’07, and ‘08). Laura and her husband Tom are beekeepers and sell honey and wax. She is the mother of three young children and is also a high school cross country coach.

Megan Lund, 25, Basalt, CO is coming off a fourth place finish at the Native Eyewear Spring Runoff and also competed in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in 2008. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and holds personal bests of 2:41:59 (Marathon), 35:51 (10km), 17:26 (5km) and 5:22 in the mile. She graces the cover of Trail Runner magazine’s August 2009 issue.

Christine Lundy, 38, Sausalito, CA is a three-time member of the Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team. She was on the two gold-medal squads at the World Mountain Running Trophy races in 2006 and 2007. Lundy was the second American at Cranmore in 2007 when it last served as a Mountain Team qualifying race. She went on to win the USA 10km Trail Championships in Steamboat Springs, CO, just a week later. Lundy has represented the U.S. in the Pan American games in the marathon, and is a two-time qualifier for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trails in 2004 and 2008. A graduate of the University Pennsylvania, Lundy is a member of the Impala Racing Team and is employed as a veterinarian.

Amber Moran, 31, Arden, NC is an accomplished trail, ultra, mountain and road runner who is a multi-time winner of the Shut-In Ridge 17.8 Mile Trail Race, finished 12^th in the USATF 10 Mile Road Championships, 5^th at the USATF 25kn Championships and holds personal bests of 17:15 in the 5km, 35:13 in the 10km. Amber works as a Public Health Nurse and is a volunteer coach for Girls On the Run.

Trish Steidl, 33, Seattle, WA is a an experienced marathon and ultra runner who is multi-time winner of the Seattle Marathon, a top-three finisher at the US 50 Mile Trail Championships, and barely missed qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Marathon trials in 2004 and 2008. She is also the head cross country coach at Seattle University and rowed for the University of Washington winning three NCAA Division I National Championships between 1995 and 1999.

Other women competing at Cranmore include Gina Lucrezi (Colorado Springs, CO), 2006 U.S. Olympic Ski Team member Abby Larson (Salt Lake City, UT), Marie Elliot (Bennington, Ontario), and Sarah Burger (Montreal, Quebec).

For additional information on the USA Mountain Running Program visit www.usmrt.com, www.trailrunner.com, and www.usatf.org. For information on the World Champs visit www.wmra.info.

Native Eyewear Spring Runoff 10km

2009-06-08T14:25:00.002-04:00

From Nancy Hobbs:

The Teva Mountain Games in Vail, CO, signals the unofficial start of the competitive trail and mountain running season. The event gives the athletes a chance to assess their training and fitness.

At this year’s Native Eyewear Spring Runoff 10km there were no real surprises. Matt Carpenter, after posting a second place finish at the prior day’s ½ marathon on the roads, was back to assert himself as king of the trails. Carpenter owns too many mountain running records to list but…include both the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, Leadville Trail 100, Lake City 50…you get the picture…the guy is tough. He used to live in Vail so he knows these mountain trails better than, well most if not all the other athletes who competed today. Starting out Matt settled into a comfortable fourth place position on the first climb – which was a gutbuster. At the top of the climb, Carpenter, 44, had taken the lead from uphill specialist Simon Gutierrez, 43, a fellow master’s competitor, and never give up the lead. At the start of the race Carpenter didn’t sound confident of a win, talking about some of the race day registrants who were, in his opinion, factors for a competitive race. Impressive for sure was Joe Gray, a flatlander, who arrived in Vail on Wednesday. Gray, in just his third mountain running season (he was a Steeplechaser in college), showed his mettle for this niche sport posting a third-place finish in the ½ marathon and finishing second to Carpenter. After the race Gray said he’d like to compete against Carpenter on a lower ie: way lower than Vail…mountain course.

On the women’s side, Megan Kimmel took to the first climb leading Brandy Erholtz, Laura Haefeli, Gina Lucrezi, and Megan Lund. Of the five, Lund was the only woman to have run the ½ marathon the day before. Less than one mile from the finish, Erholtz was leading the charge with Haefeli just 30 seconds back, followed by Lund and Kimmel. Lucrezi had faded to fifth, but looked to hold her spot to the finish. Kimmel out sprinted Lund for the bronze-medal position.

The top three women were all members of last year’s Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team and gave a strong showing for potential berths on this year’s team with the first selection race slated for June 28 in North Conway, NH. All of the top five save Kimmel will compete in North Conway with Kimmel opting to try for a spot on the team at the Colorado Springs selection race on July 26.

There were 12 former U.S. Mountain Running Team members competing. In addition to Erholtz, Haefeli, and Kimmel, Cindy O’Neill (2000), and Michelle Blessing (1995) also competed. On the men’s side eleventh place finisher Clint Wells joined the top five male finishers with the honor of represented the U.S. at World’s.

Top 5 Women Overall

1 Brandy ERHOLTZ , Bailey, :55:12.7

2 Laura HAEFELI, Del Norte, :55:28.2

3 Megan KIMMEL, Silverthorne, :56:25.8

4 Megan LUND, Basalt, :56:26.6

5 Gina LUCREZI, Colorado Springs, :58:06.1

Top 5 Men Overall

1 Matt Carpenter, Manitou Springs, :46:15.2

2 Joseph GRAY, Lakewood, WA, :46:39.7

3 Rickey Gates, Boulder, :47:10.9

4 Simon Gutierrez, Alamosa, :47:39.2

5 Payton BATLNER, Boulder, :48:14.0

The Teva Mountain Games in Vail, CO, signals the unofficial start of the competitive trail and mountain running season. The event gives the athletes a chance to assess their training and fitness.

At this year’s Native Eyewear Spring Runoff 10km there were no real surprises. Matt Carpenter, after posting a second place finish at the prior day’s ½ marathon on the roads, was back to assert himself as king of the trails. Carpenter owns too many mountain running records to list but…include both the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, Leadville Trail 100, Lake City 50…you get the picture…the guy is tough. He used to live in Vail so he knows these mountain trails better than, well most if not all the other athletes who competed today. Starting out Matt settled into a comfortable fourth place position on the first climb – which was a gutbuster. At the top of the climb, Carpenter, 44, had taken the lead from uphill specialist Simon Gutierrez, 43, a fellow master’s competitor, and never give up the lead. At the start of the race Carpenter didn’t sound confident of a win, talking about some of the race day registrants who were, in his opinion, factors for a competitive race. Impressive for sure was Joe Gray (LakeWood, WA), a flatlander, who arrived in Vail on Wednesday. Gray, in just his third mountain running season (he was a Steeplechaser in college), showed his mettle for this niche sport posting a third-place finish in the ½ marathon and finishing second to Carpenter. After the race Gray said he’d like to compete against Carpenter on a lower ie: way lower than Vail…mountain course.

On the women’s side, Megan Kimmel took to the first climb leading Brandy Erholtz, Laura Haefeli, Gina Lucrezi, and Megan Lund. Of the five, Lund was the only woman to have run the ½ marathon the day before. Less than one mile from the finish, Erholtz was leading the charge with Haefeli just 30 seconds back, followed by Lund and Kimmel. Lucrezi had faded to fifth, but looked to hold her spot to the finish. Kimmel out sprinted Lund for the bronze-medal position.

Top 5 Women Overall

1 Brandy ERHOLTZ , Bailey, :55:12.7

2 Laura HAEFELI, Del Norte, :55:28.2

3 Megan KIMMEL, Silverthorne, :56:25.8

4 Megan LUND, Basalt, :56:26.6

5 Gina LUCREZI, Colorado Springs, :58:06.1

Top 5 Men Overall

1 Matt Carpenter, Manitou Springs, :46:15.2

2 Joseph GRAY, Lakewood, WA, :46:39.7

3 Rickey Gates, Boulder, :47:10.9

4 Simon Gutierrez, Alamosa, :47:39.2

5 Payton BATLNER, Boulder, :48:14.0

Women's Coach Ellen Miller Reaches Lhotse Summit

2009-05-28T20:58:00.002-04:00

Here is a note from Ellen Miller who is the women's coach for the Teva US Mountain Running Team. Note her shout out to Russell Brice who was featured in the Discovery Channel's "Everest: Beyond the Limit".

Namaste from the Nepal Himalayas,

One does not reach the summit of one of the world's highest mountains without much encouragement and support from friends. I thank each one of you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, for the rituals, and for sending me your precious energy.

It was joyous for me to once again be climbing on Everest (up to Camp 3), and even more wonderful for me to have had the honor of climbing with Nima Tshering Sherpa for 5 days.

I dedicated my climb to the memory of two of my climbing friends, Pemba Doma Sherpani and Christine Boskoff. Christine was the only other American female to have climbed Lhotse.

Thank you all very much for your messages. To answer your questions about the details:

Lhotse (world's 4th highest mountain)

Summit reached, May 22 8:05 AM

climbed w/ Nima Tshering Sherpa

Lhotse is 1000 ft. lower than Everest, but the summit day couloir climbing is more technical

I am indebted to Russell Brice for his superb logisitcs, and to Nima Tshering for leading the climb. Many thanks to George, Blondie and Larry for the communications and for the support, when I really needed it!

High Mountains of Gratitude to all of you!

Peace and Love,

Ellen

Namche Bazaar

5/28/09