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Ever since I started running ultras 5 years ago I've wanted to put on a trail 50K and get rave reviews as a Race Director. Here's my 15 step plan along with who really deserves the credit.

1. Tell Mark Sherman and Sally Marcellus that you'll "allow" them to be co-race directors

2. Find a great course on jeep roads and double track trails that rambles through three spectacular mountain valleys in the North Cascades and add some Fall colours. Mark found and designed the course which he also helped flag the day before along with Sally and Max Welker.

3. Have a cabin right at the Start/Finish where runners and volunteers can stay before and after the run. Make sure it's well stocked with food and beer. Thanks to Mark, Trisha Sherman and Sally.

4. Get the absolute best volunteers to work the Aid Stations. Thanks to the Wardas (Michael, Adrianna and Jacob) and Apland (Jean, Shannon and Ron) families.

5. Have runners bring food for the aid stations and post race without even being asked. Thanks to Gail Bazeley.

6. Borrow the Diez Vista race equipment (water/electrolyte jugs and shelter). Thanks to Gail again as well as George Foreshaw and Earl Preeper.

7. Have stained glass snowflake awards and personalized nicknames based on the initials S.T. Thanks again to Sally.

8. Arrange handmade wood letterholder trophies depicting a die-cut Grizzly for the winners. Thanks to Bert Hamson.

9. Have a great post race feast including vegaterian chili, buns, Gail's famous apple crisp and loads of other dessert. Thanks to Sally and Trisha.

10. Arrange use of changerooms and the hot tub right next to the Start/Finish. Thanks to the Sunshine Valley Recreation Board and Mark.

11. Invite the greatest group of local ultra-trailrunners you know and let them loose. Thanks to all the runners.

12. Give everyone hats and Ultimate Direction waterbottles. Thanks to Montrail and Ian Torrance

13. Keep the entry fee down ($5.00 ) by getting a cash sponsor. Thanks to Total Marine Logistics.

14. Take everyone's picture and get it to them. Thanks to Steve Mercer (digital) and Sally (35mm).

15. Make it look like it's going to be a really nasty day by arranging an overnight deluge and rain at the start but then have it clear up completely and warm to shirt sleeve temperatures by noon. Thanks to the Weather Gods.

What did I do? I'm taking all the credit!

This year's event was a test. The runners seemed to think it went pretty well. Next year we plan to be back with a mid Aug. date. Although we hope the number of runners will grow we will continue to emphasize the participation aspect of this run while still honoring the winners.

Rob Lang
rlang@direct.ca
Surrey, B.C. Canada

Silvertip 50K
September 30, 2000
Sunshine Valley, B.C.
7000' climb

50km

1. Matt Sessions, 35                      4:57:16 !
2. Bert Hamson, 51                        5:35:56
3. Gail Bazeley, 50                 (f)     5:54:34 !
4. Earl Preeper, 43                         5:59:26
5. Peter O'Brien, 61                       6:23:31
6. Sarah Gallazin,  48            (f)     6:36:25
7. John Little, 58                             6:40:13
8. Bruce Grant, 34                          6:50:30*

     Ken Cretelli, 62 (34K)      5:34:54

* late start of approx. 1hr 10min.

25km

1. Janet Branch, 42               (f)     2:45:49
     Tracy Lavin, 27                 (f)     2:45:49
3. Steve Loitz, 44, WA                   3:03:49
4. Marlis DeJongh, 49, WA  (f)     3:10:31
5. Janet Rosenfeld, 34          (f)     3:11:35
     Ken Greenaway, 40                  3:11:35
7. Max Welker, 58, WA                 3:23:22