Spectating: American River 50 Mile

Here is how the day unfolded as I saw it. Do not quote me on times, these are approximations. 



I watched the leading male runners for more than half the race so I got to see how things developed. What a Horserace, what an AMAZING horserace!!!


At the outset, I’ll point out my unbiased favorite in this race – it was Lon Freeman. I know Lon from way back in his Triathlon days and we have been in regular contact for a while. I knew he was hungry for one of the three Western States slots. In addition, he had been doing stealth training on the AR50 course over the last few weeks. Anton I knew was coming down from the hills and from his blog it seemed like he was tapered for the event. Both Anton and Lon I knew would give it everything for one of the top three spots. Erik Skaden knows those trails better than any of the other elites, but he already has his Western States slot. Would he “race” or just consider it a long training run. A super-nice and mellow guy hanging out at his VW in the parking lot, you stick Erik on a trail and fire a starting gun and he is a pure competitor. I figured he would race.

I joined the action at mile 20 or so (Nimbus Fish Hatchery) where he young guy from NY (Oz Pearlan) was off in front. Five guys were 30-40 seconds down running as a pack (like you see the Kenyans doing in Marathons). Erik was 30 seconds back. Lon and another runner were a further :30, Jorge Pacheco :30 and James Bonnet at :30. The front dozen runners that could all see each other. 


Same story at Negro Bar and Beals Point. Oz was out in front with five or so runners including Anton Krupicka, Billy Barnett and Todd Braje chasing in a really tight group with maybe only 10 seconds between them). Erik and Lon were running alone behind the pack but within sight of each other with Erik slightly ahead. I chat with Oz's father, he is obviously proud of his son and hopes one day to run a marathon with him. Way to go Mr. Pearlman!! 

At Twin Rocks (mile 32-ish - now on trails), Oz is still alone in the lead, Anton now clear in second. The pack has broken apart. The next six runners were 30 seconds from each other. Very evenly spaced 4mins between the top 8 runners. Erik in 7th, Lon in 8th. 


Horseshoe Bar (mile 38). Now, with some serious trails behind them (as anyone who has run Buzzards cove will know all too well). Anton is four minutes in the lead and running comfortably. Oz in 2nd. Todd Braje in 3rd 2 mins back, Erik and Jeremy Redding are running almost together sharing 4 and 5th another 1-2 mins back. Lon in 6th 30 seconds behind the other two. 


At the final aid station on the hill (Last Gasp at mile 47.7). Anton is almost 10 mins ahead. Todd Braje ran through in second clutching his hand to his chest, he says he has broken his hand two miles further back down the river. Erik comes around the corner and can and now see Todd only 30 seconds. I start to get worried Lon may not get his Western States slot. A few seconds letter, one of his crewman, Dave starts jumping up and down excitedly. Lon comes around the corner and can see both Erik and Todd ahead and up the hill. Three incredible runners within sight of each other but only two Western States slots can be shared between them. Lon digs in knowing the runner ahead of him holds his Golden ticket. 


On the road (mile 48.5). Erik passes Todd at the chainlink fence to take second place. Lon hunts Todd with maximum effort but was at this stage still 30 seconds own from the coveted 3rd place slot. 
At the finish line, I see a blue pair of shorts flash through the finishing chute, Erick clearly in seconds place. Then, there is screaming and yelling coming from the parking lot, Lon comes running through absolutely pumped by his effort and the resulting reward in June. [Erik and Anton swap stories after run] My friend Krista is just out of camera shot. Her job for the day was to check out hot ultrarunning men She says the day started of very well!!



Anton, Erik and Lon are phenomenal ultra runners. Their pacing and race strategy was perfect. On any other day Todd should have held second but with his suspected broken hand, he is a true class ultra runner just to hang with these guys despite what must have been massive pain. I am very much looking forward to seeing his progress in the ultra world, if he decides to stick with the long stuff.



[left] A relieved and delighted Lon Freeman with his #1 crew member - Justine at the finish line. This was the best spectator event I have ever witnessed in Ultrarunning!!!!

I got so excited, I put my running shoes on and ran out to the Cool Meadows and back (via K2 and Western States Trail), pretending I too was running 6:51 miles.

I am very very happy Anton and Lon will now join the field for Western States. See you at Squaw.

Cheers, Paul