Ultra Runner Ron Nicholls

The seventh annual Ron Herzog 50K was won by Rob Lang of Surrey B.C., setting a new course record of 4:06:43. Jody Scheffelmaier was the first woman in 5:50:09. A fast field was assembled this year for this often wet and cool run. Under good running conditions; Rob, James Kerby, Mark Hartinger and Gene Trahern represented the front pack, with all four finishing within five minutes of Mark's previous record.

A November run through Pacific NW logging country is often wet. This year was no exception. We started between showers but within a half-hour the heavy rain commenced and lasted for the next three hours. The recent rains and the continuing rain added to the numerous waterfalls along the course. One view of a distant mountainside looked like one continuous string of "ribbon-like" waterfalls. After the rain stopped there were even some glimpses through the clouds of the nearby mountain peaks and their fresh snow.

The most unique aspect of this race is the 42 tank traps in the trail section of the course. When the logging company vacated one section of a logging road and turned it into trail, they dug up all the culverts, leaving large depressions. Individuals up ahead go out of sight in the trough of these "tank traps," which are generally filled with flowing water. While traversing the tank traps or navigating through the over grown portions of the trail, I would often over hear those new to the course, inquiring as to "who was "Ron Herzog?" "Did he really run these trails?" I was quick to tell them about our past ultra running veteran and how Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) had taken his life along with a colorful running history. Ike Hessler, Ron's running buddy on these logging roads, ran the first half with us, helping keep the memory of Ron Herzog alive.

The trail was well marked this year thanks to Tom Ripley and Scott Krell. When the trail markings were mentioned at the briefing, Steve Loitz was quick to comment, "What, the Ron Herzog 50K is marked?" "Big Steve" and others have been known to take side trips on this course. Not this year, it was very well marked.

Thanks to Chris Ralph, R.D., Linda Ripley, Dave Smith, Michelle Herzog and family for all of their assistance for a fun November run through NW logging country and a chance to remember Ron Herzog, once again.

Ron Herzog 50K
Granite Falls, WA                 November 14, 1998

Logging Roads, Trails, Roads

1.      Rob Lang, B.C.          4:06:43 !
2.      James Kerby             4:11:50
3.      Mark Hartinger          4:15:36
4.      Gene Trahern            4:15:36
5.      James Klarich           4:24:32
6.      Randy Gehrke            5:12:00
7.      Tim Stroh               5:12:00
8.      Kendal Kreft            5:19:10
9.      Tom Ripley              5:28:22
10.     Dave Dutton             5:30:41
11.     Doug Beyerlein          5:31:41
12.     Stan Nakishima          5:35:15
13.     Fred Stafford           5:40:41
14.     Steve Frederickson      5:40:41
15.     Jody Scheffelmaier  F   5:50:09
16.     Ted Clelland            5:50:19
17.     Joe Holmberg, CA        5:52:34
18.     Ted Muser               5:52:34
19.     Bill Beatty, B.C.       5:55:40
20.     Jamshid Khajavi         6:01:44
21.     Ron Nicholl             6:01:44
22.     Jeral Godfrey           6:12:03
23.     David Evans, TX         6:13:42
24.     Janine Duplesis    F    6:30:04
25.     Robin Lidstone, B.C.    6:44:50
26.     Steve Loitz             6:47:51
27.     Gary Wright             7:38:29

29 Starters

Submitted by
Ron Nicholl

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