Bill Emerson and Calla Romses set course records at the second annual
Glacier Peak Trail Run. Bill passed all seventeen runners with his late
start handicap. Calla ran smoothly, setting the new women's record. She
was also part of the Canadian contingency that took 3 of the 4 top
positions. To add to the international flavor, Jo Roe of Scotland was the
second woman, finishing with Paul Cretella from Great Britain, now a
Washington resident.

Conditions were much improved over last year's inaugural run. In many
places, it was hard to recognize that this was the same course. Last
year's near record snow pack and low cloud cover made the repeat runners
comment that it seemed like a different course. Not having to search for
the trail in the snow, also improved everyone's times. In addition, the
race director and his daughters did an excellent job of adding trail
markings this year. The second running of the Glacier Peak Ultra even
included a start/finish line, proof that the run has matured.

One other major change was a more accurate measure of the 7,410' of
elevation gain. Last year, based upon available trail information, the
elevation gain was given as 5,000'.

This North Cascades wilderness race is a loop course heading southwest
from the Suiattle River on the Milk Creek Trail. After 7.5 miles, it
joins the Pacific Crest Trail. The northeastwardly climbing PCT includes
36 switchbacks before reaching the sub-alpine region. The views of
Glacier Peak, the Vista Glacier as well as down into Milk Creek and the
Suiattle River valleys were worth stopping for. The blue lupine and other
wild flowers further enhanced the beautiful scenery. From this 6,000'
level, the PCT descends to mile 20 and Vista Creek, where the course
leaves the PCT, following the Suiattle River westerly back to the start.
The thirteen miles along the Suiattle are very runable with just subtle
elevation changes. Closer to the finish the creek crossings are actually
the tops of small waterfalls. Last year's record snowmelt and run off
made these crossings more dramatic, though they were still impressive, as
one would approach the edge.

The Glacier Peak Ultra is unique with the presence of the horses. Dave
Dutton's daughters rode out to the first junction to make sure we took the
right turn at the start. Then at the finish, they hosted horseback rides
for all runners. This year, most of the runners participated, going for
the full experience of this trail adventure. Where else can one find a
better way to relax after a run than with a short horse ride?

Thanks to Dave and Jeannette Dutton for hosting what could easily be the
best kept secret of Washington trail running. The Glacier Peak Ultra No
Awards, No T's, NoWhimps, No Aid but with an excellent finish line table
of food, could easily become one of Washington's best trail runs. For
such a low-key event, it is certainly one of Washington's best kept
secrets.

Glacier Peak Ultra
Darrington, WA
8/12/00

34 Miles
Wilderness Trails
7,410' Elevation Gain

1.  William Emerson, 36                   5:11:51 !
2.  Chris Mager, 32, CAN                  6:01:41
3.  Calla Romses, 34, CAN     F           6:31:47!
4.  Randy Hunter, 31, CAN                 6:31:47
5.  Daulot Fountain, 44                   6:31:49
6.  Jo Roe, 34 , SCOTLAND   F             7:09:49
    Paul Cretella, 29                     7:09:49
8.  Ron Nicholl, 57                       7:22:51
    John Wagner, 51                       7:22:51
10. Fred Stafford, 43                     7:39:45
11. Max Welker, 58                        7:41:05
12. Steve Frederickson, 53                7:44:36
13. Mel Preedy, 67                        8:04:52
14. Dimetri Kiefer, 36                    8:52:45
15. Stan Nakashima, 48                    9:32:30 *
    Ted Clelland, 56                    9:32:30 *
    Dave Dutton, 43                     9:32:30 *

* Trailsweepers
17 Starters

Photos by Ron Nicholl