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MLK 50K 2001 Results

1/13/01
4500' elevation change

Stephan Willow          5:55:16
Craig Thornley          5:56:40
Mike Burke              6:08:35
Linda Samet             6:11:14
Jodi Kartes             6:16:47
Curt Ringstad           6:33:03
Clem LaCava             6:33:05
Scott Diamond           6:33:10
John Liebeskind         7:09:04
Del Scharffenberg       9:04:00

14 starters

This past Saturday, January 13th , marked the second running of the MLK
50K.  This annual event is based on the idea of getting together ultra
runners and long trail running enthusiasts for a long winter run on trails
to break up the monotony of our winter training.  This year we travelled to
Lowell, Oregon to experience the little known Eugene-to-Pacific Crest
Trail.  And as we gathered in the cold rain at about 8AM Saturday it became
clear to me why we do this.

There were 14 of us out there to run the whole distance and two others
planning on running for a while before going and establishing a greatly
appreciated aid station up in the Winberry Saddle.  Of those running there
were race directors from 4 out of the 6 races of the Oregon Trail Ultra
Series (and it would have been 5 had it not been for a problem arising out
of the time of the event).

Everyone seemed to relax into comfortable paces, with no one going out hard
off the front - probably because the course follows a new trail that is not
very well marked and they didn't want to get too far ahead of me as I was
marking the course as we went.  As it was, the lead group rejoined at the
saddle aid station which had been set up by McKenzie River race director
Phil Vaughn and Elizabeth, a new young runner.  The course continues up
along the Winberry Divide for another 3 miles before the turnaround at 21
miles.

During the first 3 miles of the way back the lead group saw all of the
other runners, as the long uphill leading to the saddle had dispersed the
packs but kept the whole group still somewhat close together.

The times reflect not only the difficulty of the course itself - with over
4500' of elevation gain, some muddy spots, a little snow at the top of the
first major climb - but also the very relaxed nature of this early season
get together.

In the past this event has changed locations every year.  Next year we will
most likely return to this same venue, due to positive feedback from the
runners of this year's event.

A big thank you to our volunteers:  Phil, Elizabeth, Sam and Fenny.