White River 50 Mile TrailRun
July 25, 1998
Trails, Logging Roads, 8,570' elevation gain
Race Report & Results
by Ron Nicholls

Ultra Runner Ron Nicholls

The sixth annual White River 50 Mile Trail Run was won by Dave Terry of Portland in a time of 7:00:12. Dave, who also won this year's Winterhawk 50, edged out Steve Smucker late in the race. Lorraine Lees, Kelowna, B.C. captured the women's race in 9:00:10. Terry was just three minutes behind Smucker's course record, while Lorraine was 12 minutes behind her own course record that she set last year. In general the times were slower this year, with the smallest finishing rate on record, 65% or 30 finishers out of 46 starters.

Several weeks of a late Western Washington summer had dried out the trail and in some places it was actually dusty. This is not a norm for the Northwest. The high temperature recorded on the course was 80 degrees, generally considered to be hot here in the Cascade Mountains.

The "figure-8" aspect of this course allows all the runners at least one chance to see the lead runners as they leave the turnaround aid station at Coral Pass. Smucker held a 3 minute lead on Terry at this point and looked determined to revenge a June Winterhawk loss. Dave, however, used a late surge to once again overcome Steve in the last eight miles. Lorraine Lees and Karen King were running side by sideafter the early turnaround, but Lorraine was to eventually open up a 15 minute lead on Karen.

The White River course is known for it's superb scenery. In addition to running through old growth timber, new growth timber, and even some clear cuts, the different views of Mt. Rainier are unsurpassed. The consensus is that one gets a better view of 14,411 foot Mt. Rainier from this course than anywhere inside the national park itself. On the way to Coral Pass the view of the mountain is from the east and on the second part of the "figure-8," near Sun Top the view is almost straight on to the south. From Sun Top you feel like you can reach out and touch the mountain. The views this year were undoubtedly the best in the six year history of the race.

Starting at about 2,100 feet each portion of the "figure-8" climbs to approximately 6,000 feet. The high points occur at miles 11, 17, 33 and 35. The views from these vantage points seem to help forgive some of the exertion expended getting there.

The six major aid stations were well organized and well stocked. Each aid station captain deserves special thanks for a job well done. In what is becoming a tradition, the Skookum Flats aid station, mile 42, was decorated with birthday balloons. One of our better known senior citizen ultra runners seems to always be celebrating a birthday on this race weekend. We won't mention any names or how old, right Lary?

The White River Trail 50 course was originally designed by Greg Jacobsen so that Washington State could have it's own trail 50. Chris Ralph took over the race director job and was instrumental in developing this very successful race. Chris was on sabbatical this year to run some races that have always conflicted with her White River race organizing. Scott Krell took over and did an excellent job, definitely maintaining the quality of the race. As mentioned before, Scott undoubtedly gets the "best weather by a race director" award. Chris is planning to be back next year, after adding some new races to her collection. Thanks again to Scott and his crew of volunteers for a job well done at the 1998 White River Trail 50.

Ron Nicholl
ronn@wolfenet.com

Scott Krell-RD comments:
This years race was a good chance for old friends and new combatants to meet again. We had excellent sponsorship from Montrail and I’m sure Scott McCoubrey will find it easier to run the race rather than hang out at Buck Creek from 8 am to almost 7 pm (I thought the race was over at 6pm). Many thanks to Chris Ralph for all of her help. Lynn O’Malley donated the wonderful Mt. Rainier pictures and Bill Close made the statue finisher prizes. Linda Ripley was soley responsible for the food at aid stations and Tom provided a lot of energy. Course marking was a challenge with last minute scheduling conflicts so Lary Webster, Lynnn O’Malley, Ray Gruenewald, Michael Pallowitz, Rob Lang and Sally Marcellus all chipped in with their time. Also, thanks to Denise Krell in allowing me another full time hobby and giving up her living room and garage for two months.

Once again I found the biggest controversy over our 12 hour time limit. It is a difficult race and I can attest with my only DNF (so far). Limits are put in place for our volunteers not runners. Our volunteer return rate is about 90% and they are too valuable to loose. This was my first experience behind the scenes and I can appreciate how much work it is. As for next year, Chris will be soliciting for Committee Chairpersons and Directors so the race can continue without being an all-consuming event. I for one will be doing my part.

Scott Krell, RD
scottkrell@sprynet.com

Results
White River 50 Mile TrailRun


 1.     Dave Terry, 36, OR               7:00:12
 2.     Steve Smucker, 44, OR            7:18:33
 3.     Jim Kerby, 35                    7:29:02
 4.     Paul Terry, 33                   7:30:48
 5.     Mike Miller, 41                  8:11:54
 6.     Curt Ringstad, 46, OR            8:49:23
 7.     Dave Dutton, 41                  8:57:14
 8.     Lorraine Lees, 39, B.C. F        9:00:10
 9.     Clem LaCava, 49, OR              9:12:25
10.     Karen King, 41          F        9:15:43
11.     Casey Ruud, 42                   9:37:30
12.     Larry Halford, 47, OR            9:42:44
13.     Betsy Nye, 33, CA       F        9:52:24
14.     Michael Britt, 47                9:57:25
15.     Pierce Cornelius, 67, OR        10:05:55
16.     Bruce Utsey, 44                 10:09:32
17.     Kendall Kreft, 39               10:18:45
18.     Ed Lawrence, 37, B.C.           10:21:26
19.     Fred Stafford, 41               10:27:09
20.     Larry Varin, 36                 10:32:13
21.     John Bauer, 56                  10:42:21
22.     Cathy Mather, 40, B.C.  F       10:44:28
23.     Brent Spilsbury, 50             10:55:43
24.     Doug Nast, 45                   10:59:52
25.     Ron Nicholl, 55                 11:14:17
26.     Chuck Frame, 55, NV             11:16:30
27.     Max Welker, 56                  11:19:01
28.     Leon Draxler, 56                11:54:00
29.     Judy Kotopski, 50, B.C. F       11:57:34
30.     Gail Bazely, 48, B.C.   F       11:57:34

        46 Starters

submitted by Ron Nicholl
-- ronn@wolfenet.com
ronn@gocougs.wsu.edu