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(Pullman WA) The ninth annual running of the WSU 100K will be remembered as the year of the "rain." It seems like the highly variable weather associated with spring in this Palouse wheat region of Washington State provides aunique identifier for each of the past nine events. We've had the "snow year," the "hot year," the "catch-all year" and the most memorable of all, last year's "wind year." This year the sani-cans didn't get blown over, and in fact with the exception of the cool light rain that continued throughout most of the race, conditions were very good.
Eb Engelmann, at 56 was the oldest runner and cruised to a smooth first place finish. Even more impressive was the fact that he had just run 106 miles two weeks prior for a second place finish at the Pacific Rim 24 hour race. Four of the first five finishers were all in the Seniors Division.
97 Relay teams followed us out of Pullman, after we were given a 1.5-2 hour lead. We never feel alone once the teams start catching up, even though the ultras are quite spread out by then. This year it seemed like half of the teams passed me on the way up the narrow dirt road that climbs the 2,000 feet up Steptoe Canyon. The muddy road was quite a contrast to the normal dusty conditions. The relay runners passing by provide a constant source of encouragement, especially as we struggled up the muddy road.
The WSU 100K Solo Run is a well organized and well run race. This year was no exception. All runners get a chance to check the status of the fields and the spring crops on a scenic but challenging course. Next year will be a special year, number ten.
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