The UltraRunning link for the U.S.

The Spring Mountains Trail Ultra Fun Run 1998 Results

Toiyabi National Forest
near Las Vegas, Nevada
Saturday August 29th, 1998

36 Mile Run

1.  Ian Torrence, 25 			6:06
2.  Dana Taylor, 37 CA			6:44
3.  Jim Rapp, 41		        8:03
4.  Ed Furtaw, 50			9:27
5.  Tom Ford, 58 AZ			9:29
6.  John Eugster, 48			9:30

18 Mile Run

1.  Seth Goldkamp, 22			3:42
2.  Jessica Torrence, 23		3:46
3.  Ernie Rambo, 41			3:50
4.  Robin Stevens, 48			5:13

Other Runners

Tony Pryatel				12 miles
Tammy Rapp, 35				 8 miles

It was another great year for the no fee, no awards, no wimps, low-key Spring
Mountains Trail Fun Run.  Local participation was low this year due to the
fact that several Las Vegas residents attended Leadville the week before,
others had work commitments, and some were recovering from injuries.

The scenery on this course rivals most any other trail ultra.  Along the
Bonanza Trail, which travels the length of a mountain ridge for about 12 miles
at elevations averaging ~9,200 feet, runners are treated to views of Death
Valley’s Telescope Peak to the west and the Bighorn Desert Wildlife Refuge to
the east.  Sweeping views of the states of Nevada, California, and Arizona can
all be taken in.  Runners pass through groves of ponderosa pine, pinyon pine,
and come within arms length of some of the oldest trees in the world, the
bristlecone pine.  Even though the course is unmarked, runners couldn’t get
lost.  Stepping off the trail in most areas along the course would send them
literally over the edge of some exposed cliffs.

Aid and drop bags were only attainable at the turn around at 18 miles.  For 3
to 5 hours, each way, runners were left to their own inventiveness in order to
ration their supplies during the run.  This fact only adds to the challenge of
this remote, out and back trail run.
This year the local contingent was joined by Dana Taylor from southern
California and Tom Ford of Arizona.  Runners who were relatively new to the
sport of trail running or who were hesitant of attempting the entire distance
were able to join in the fray as well, covering half the course.  This, mind
you, is a feat in itself.  Temperatures reached a very warm 87 degrees but
most runners were able to enjoy the cooling effect of the late day
thundershowers.

The course is a great challenge, has breathtaking scenery, and is an
incredible training run for the end of year 100 milers.  The post run
festivities can be quite incredible as well.  Las Vegas has a lot offer in
regards to that.  Everyone should consider next year’s Spring Mountains Trail
Ultra Fun Run.  You’d never believe you were in the desert.

Ian Torrence