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Glacier Peak Ultra 34 Miler 1999 Report: Dave Dutton

The cold, wet winter and spring of 1999 has had significant impact on the
trail running and races in the Pacific Northwest. What should have melted in
the mountains by mid summer is still lingering as fall nears. This was no
less true for the first Glacier Peak Ultra. In addition, what was described
in Forest Service Guides as a 33 mile hike with 4400 feet of elevation gain
seemed much higher and longer. The day broke with overcast skies;
great running weather but not much on seeing the spectacular views.
After being told and reassured several times by the forest rangers prior to
race day that the loop course was snow free, I confidently shared that news
at the pre-race briefing. By the day's end, I would wonder what their
definition of "snow-free" truly was.

We started with some forest running initially, crossing the Suiattle River,
then climbing some, and passing through a meadow with views of waterfalls.
Although we couldn't see the glaciers above, we could hear the cascading
water. We then met up with the Pacific Crest Trail, and faced 36 switchbacks
of constant climb, until at the top we were met with a few smaller snow
patches. Then a few larger ones, and then even larger ones. What should have
been a few miles of easy ridge running became a test to keep track of the
trail that often disappeared below the snowfield. Therefore, most runners
ended up in groups, fanning out to find the elusive cut in the earth's
surface. Two runners had enough, and returned to the start, while the rest
of us continued across Vista Ridge, hoping soon that the trail would start
to descend to the valley floor.

Finally, just below Glacier Peak's Vista Glacier, we began to descend some
switchbacks, and hearts were lifted and minds relieved.  Now the bodies
could begin to face some of the pain. The return to the forest was
welcoming, but we still had many miles to go to the finish. We crossed more
bridges and waded more streams. The rolling nature of following a cascading
river seemed relentless. Late afternoon was approaching, a time in which all
of us thought we would have finished and on our way out of the backcountry.
The beauty of the place gave way to sore muscles. Finally, we came to the
orange markers signaling that there was only one mile to go. It felt good to
know that the finish was near.

Rob Lang and Sally Marcellus came from British Columbia and took first
place. Barbara Bellows came in shortly after, followed by Doug Beyerlein.
Then Bert Hamson and Randy Hunter, also from B.C., arrived back to camp. All
these runners broke 8 hours, which is a credible performance in these
conditions. Congratulations.

Finally, I want to apologize for the amount of necessary trail search on
Vista Ridge. Had I known, I would have changed the course or marked the
trail. I did call the Ranger Station several times prior to the run. Their
information was not accurate. I won't make that mistake in the future.
Acceptance of responsibility is paramount in an area like the
Glacier Peak Wilderness, that no runner gets lost. We're already planning
for next year's snow free running of the race.  We'll also arrange a clear
day, the views will be spectacular.

Dave Dutton, RD