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.

Photos by Ron Nicholl

White River 50 Mile Trail Run
Greenwater, Washington       7/29/2000
(Trails, Logging Roads - 8,750' Elevation Gain)

  1.  Nate McDowell, 28 , OR                 6:50:26
  2.  Ian Torrence, 27                       6:55:45
  3.  William Emerson, 36                    7:12:22
  4.  Tom Moritz, 30 , OR                    7:31:40
  5.  James Kerby, 37                        7:31:41
  6.  Paul Terry, 35                         7:40:26
  7.  Dave Terry, 38 , OR                    7:48:35
  8.  Don Williams, 35                       8:12:40
  9.  Craig Thornley, 36 , OR                8:17:48
10.  Justin Soares, 21 , OR                  8:24:52
11.  Lorraine Lees, 41 , B.C.          F     8:30:24
12.  John Pearch, 27 , OR                    8:37:11
13.  Michael Stroppa, 26                     9:04:08
14.  Clem LaCava, 51 , OR                    9:05:17
15.  Steve Ditzler, 45                       9:05:44
16.  Eric Sach, 31                           9:18:54
17.  Rob Grant, 55 , B.C.                    9:21:48
18.  Michael Wardas, 34 , B.C.               9:21:48
19.  John Wagner, 51                         9:23:09
20.  Scott Diamond, 39 , OR                  9:31:48
21.  Larry Vandenburg, 46                    9:33:48
22.  Fred Stafford, 43                       9:59:37
23.  Mary Nakashimo, 25                  F   10:04:20
24.  Peter O'Brien, 61 , B.C.                10:06:16
25.  Ron Nicholl, 57                         10:21:45
26.  Kathy Welch, 47                    F    10:23:57
27.  Dennis Clute, 47                        10:26:36
28.  Sharry Ditzler, 37                 F    10:27:16
29.  Stewat Dutfield, 45                     10:27:51
30.  Paul Doyle, 54 , B.C.                   10:29:51
31.  Ronda Sundermeier, 33 , OR         F    10:31:50
32.  Ian Harrasser, 38 , OR                  10:38:09
33.  Timothy McGarry, 44 , OR                10:41:04
34.  Bill Close, 40                          10:41:42
35.  Carol Stuhley, 37                  F    10:44:46
36.  Eva Lust-Wright, 30                F    10:44:46
37.  Jeff Hagen, 51                          10:44:46
38.  Catherine Mather, 42 , B.C.        F    10:50:54
39.  Gail Snyder, 41 , OR               F    10:50:54
40.  Michael Cartwright, 33                  10:54:16
41.  Douglas Nast, 47                        10:55:09
42.  Steve Frederickson, 53                  11:10:39
43.  Janine Duplessis, 45               F    11:18:02
44.  Doug Beyerlein, 49                      11:18:02
45.  Karl Jensen, 50 , B.C.                  11:21:17
46.  Louis Bello, 37 , MN                    11:21:18
47.  Jeff Maurer, 43 , OR                    11:25:32
48.  Max Welker, 58                          11:28:27
49.  Jeff Dean, 43                           11:39:16
50.  Ray Gruenewald, 40                      11:40:08
51.  Dimitri Kieffer, 34                     11:46:28
52.  Marlis DeJongh, 49                 F    11:48:17
53.  Bob Carpenter, 62 , CA                  12:09:50
54.  Mo Beaulieu, 55 , B.C.                  12:13:56

63 Starters

by Ron Nicholl