The UltraRunning link for West

Glacier Peak Trail Run 2000 Report

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.

Ron Nicholl
ronn@wolfenet.com


================
ronn@wolfenet.com
Ron Nicholl