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(Anmore, B.C. Canada )
The second annual Diez Vista 50K was won by Rob Lang, of Surrey, B.C., in 4:47:48. Rob is now the two time winner of this challenging trail run. Maria Vellieux won the women's race, 22 seconds behind Debra Askew's record time, set last year. Maria took the lead early and pushed the women's pace for a 5:39:29 finish. The men's race was determined in the last 10K when Rob pulled away from Dave Terry, the early leader, and Jim Swadling. The two mile downhill near the finish proved to Rob's advantage, not to mention his ability to navigate the 6,100 feet of elevation gain over the entire course.
The race started in the rain with a loop around Sasamat Lake, then a climb up to the saddle between Sasamat and Buntzen Lake. At this point the course continues on up the Diez Vista trail to the ridge. By then we were into the clouds and not able to enjoy the diez vistas. Last year with clear skies, the ten views, including some of Vancouver, were spectacular. This year we just got rain, some wind and apprehension of how much colder we would get before we got back down out of the clouds. The trail around Buntzen Lake has had lots of improvements made to it, however the loose soil combined with all the rain gave us the final ingredient for a good Northwest run, mud. After the tour of Buntzen the course proceeds out a power line. The rocks in this road make for very cautious running. Fortunately, since it is an out and back portion, you get to see the same rocks again, actually they've become boulders on the return trip. The leaders commented that they had to break stride upon leaving the power line and re-entering the trail. The forest canopy and the rainy skies certainly gave the trail a dark and eerie look. By the time that the majority of us were finishing, we began to get some sun breaks, the rain even stopped for awhile. Also, just before the return descent to Sasamat Lake there was enough of a break to get a partial view of Vancouver peeking through the clouds down below us. Eventually the clouds lifted enough to see a fresh snow line just above our course.
Karin Pocock of Richmond, B.C. was a standout in this year's race that merits mention. Running her first ultra at the age of 17, Karin's 6:30 performance was very impressive. Her ability to run trails was really remarkable. She certainly knew how to pace herself in a sport where generally youth has been discouraged from participation.
Gail Bazely, George Forshaw, the Coquitlam Coyotes, and all the other volunteers put on an excellent race. Aid stations were ample and well stocked, even with homemade cookies. I was going to skip the last aid station, having enough water, until I spotted some butterscotch cookies. One in each hand and I was off to the finish. Since this year's race was the day before Easter, all runners were presented with chocolate bunnies as finishers' medals. The barbecue at the end is just outstanding. George and Gail have assembled some excellent cooks. At how many races can you finish off the fare with Gail's homemade apple crisp?
A special tribute should be made to Halvor Lunden. Halvor designed and made the Diez Vista trail. He also named all the places and put up the little signs describing the vistas (In Spanish, of course). Rob Lang stated that "those who liked his work on the Diez Vista should try his ultimate achievement - the Dilly-Dally (15.5 mi. with 5000' + of climbing)." Some of the local runners have encountered this elder gentleman while on training runs and he is always very pleased to see someone using the trails he has worked so hard on. We would like to thank Halvor for providing this trail as well as a big thanks to George and Gail, who have turned this race into one of Canada's premier running events.
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