White River 50 Mile Trail Run
Greenwater, Washington, July 29, 2000 Report & Results by Ron Nicholl
Nate McDowell, Oregon and Lorraine Lees, British Columbia captured the top
spots at the eighth running of Washington's premier 50 Miler. Nate garnered
the lead in the last 2 miles, for a 6:50:26 win. Lorraine set a new Masters
Women's record with her 8:30:24. Unlike the men's race, Lorraine ran
uncontested with an hour and a half lead. The men's race was very close
from the beginning. At the turnaround from Corral Pass (14 miles), Dusty
Olson had a three minute lead over a close following 4-5 runner pack. Dusty
had to drop at Suntop (35 miles) due to a knee problem, letting the pack
pass by. Nate, Ian Torrence and Bill Emerson ran the seven miles of
continuous downhill logging road together. With eight miles to go, it was
down to two runners. Nate took command of the race at mile 48, finishing
with a five minute lead over Ian and two minutes off Ian's last year's
course record.
In the eight year history of the race, there have been many outstanding days
for viewing the unmatched Washington State scenery. This year was equal to
the best. The views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Mountains
were exceptional. The wildflowers were in full bloom to further enhance the
scenery. The trail conditions were also excellent, with only a few
downfalls and unlike last year, no snow patches to contend with. The
temperature did reach the mid seventies, warm for the Northwest and this
challenging course.
No matter how often one does this run, the initial views are among the most
striking. Looking down into the White River Valley from 2,000 foot cliffs
is always breath taking. As the course works its way along these cliffs, it
is very apparent to avoid any sharp right turns. The few early morning
clouds were just dispersing along this section to reveal a mystic looking
Mt. Rainier. Closer to Corral Pass the mountain sparkled in the morning
sun.
From its initial running, the White River 50 has been know for its excellent
aid stations. Well stocked and staffed, they have always provided quick
turnarounds and ample aid. Corral Pass deserves special mention this year.
The aid station crew acted like I was the local newspaper restaurant
reporter, making sure they provided hospitality up to the review. We all
had a good laugh as I was sent on my way. After the Corral Pass
introduction, the reviewer would have to say that all the aid stations were
extremely helpful. In the eight years of the race, each aid station has
become a special group of friends, encouraging and cheering all runners on.
There were numerous first time 50 mile runners. White River may not be the
easiest 50 but is certainly a very rewarding one for its scenic beauty and
terrific organization. The fastest first 50 miler award went to 21 year old
Justin Soares, OR in 8:24:52.
Chris Ralph is stepping down from the race directorship after co-starting
the race and leading it for seven of the eight year history. Just before
the start, Lynn Yarnall presented Chris with a plaque commemorating her 7
year tenure. Scott McCoubrey, of the local Foot Zone store and Montrail
prior to that, will be assuming the directorship. Chris has done an
exceptional job in building up Washington's Premier 50 mile Trail Race. It
is also comforting to know that the future rests in equally good hands.
A special thanks is extended to the many volunteers that made the race such
a success. The Boy Scouts and Camp Sheppard, Pierce County Search and
Rescue, Mike Sharkey for Sharkey's Highway Crossing, Tom and Linda Ripley
overseeing aid stations and all the others that work behind the scene to
make this such a highlight event of Washington State trail running.
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