----- Original Message -----

From: Ron Adams

To: ultra@... ; BC-ultrarunning@yahoogroups.com ; ous-l@yahoogroups.com

Cc: jerry Tighe ; attentiondesign@...

Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 2:46 PM

Subject: OUS-l: H2H 100K Results

Haney to Harrison 100K
Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia
Saturday, November 6th, 2004

The race results are available at
http://www.raceheadquarters.com/results/2004/run/ULTRA.HTM

In reflecting on this race, I think that this year I was most impressed by
the variety of different individual struggles that were going on
simultaneously in this race.

Of course, this is always the way in any race, but as the RD for the 100K
ultra component of the race (the race is piggybacked on an 8 stage road
relay), I had the privilege of watching the race unfold and to see the
effort of each runner and the struggle and the reward that they are
experiencing.

Some of the more poignant efforts included Roy Chen-Campbell.  Roy had been
severely injured in a rugby accident and was told by the doctors that he
would never walk again.  Not only did he walk, but he started to run.  His
first run was 50 metres and he increased it gradually until he eventually
was able to combine it with running and swimming and complete an Ironman
triathlon.  He has now made the next step and completed his first 100K
running down the beachfront esplanade in the resort community of Harrison
Hot Springs to hear his name announced as a finisher by ultrarunning legend
Steve King doing finish line announcer duties.

There was 72 year old Harvey Nelsen.  Before the race, Harvey was
optimistic but concerned about going the distance.  However, he has
completed the HURT 100K and I told him that if he could finish HURT, he
could finish anything.  Harvey eventually dropped out at the 90K mark,
partly because the sun had set and he was getting cold, but also because he
didn't want to keep the volunteers out waiting for him.

At the other end of the running spectrum was Wendy Montgomery who picked up
the pace in the latter miles moving up from 4th place to finish 2nd overall
(and first female) setting a new women's course record in the process in
9:09:02.  Wendy was fresh off an impressive 8:32:19 clocking at the World
Cup 100K in Holland in September.  Actually, there was quite a footrace for
2nd through 6th places, with former race winners Bob Wall of Campbell River
and Matt Sessions of Port Moody coming 3rd and 4th followed by Suzanne
Evans who finished fresh and strong looking like she was ready to do
another 100K.  Canadian 100K champion Major Bruce Barteaux placed
6th.  Bruce travelled all the way from the Atlantic coast to run this race,
easily capturing 1st prize for the longest distance travelled to get
here.  The most noticeable aspect of Bruce's presence on the course was his
smile.  His cheerfulness was infectious and brightened up the race for
all.  Not only is he the current Canadian champion, but he is a great
ambassador for the sport.

The men's race was won by transplanted Aussie, accomplished ironman
triathlete and former ultraman winner, Kevin Cutjar of Penticton in
8:45:49.  Kevin led the race from start to finish to finish his first full
100K.

Over the years, there have been a number of runners who have chosen this
race for their inaugural 100K (or even their first ultra).  This year was
no exception.  Having organized this race for the 8 years of it's existence
it is very gratifying to see people accept the challenge of 100K and then
to see the look of joy and satisfaction (and pain) on their faces when they
cross the finish line.  Included in this group was Geoff Palmer who at 22
years old, was our youngest competitor and Al (I run a marathon every
month) Harman of the Capilano Eagles, running only his 2nd ultra.

And then there are those runners who come back year after year, running
steady, consistent times like Mark White of North Vancouver, finishing his
7th H2H 100K in a time only minutes off his PR or Carlos (Mr Consistent)
Castillo of Victoria.

Of course, if it wasn't for the volunteers, nobody would be running at
all.  This year, 5 time finisher Rob MacDonald, and Margaret MacDonald,
came out to spend their day on the course helping others, and adventure
racers Kyla Adams and John Barron sacrificed a training day to see just how
much fun ultrarunners can have.  After all, we do this for fun ... right
?   And off course, I can't forget my own wife, Cathy, who just loves =:-0
to spend the day standing around in the rain in November making sure that
none of the runners miss a turn where the flour arrows have washed away.

This year, there were 31 starters this year and 27 finishers (a small
number by trail race standards, but fairly large for a 100K road race).

Cheers
Ron Adams
H2H 100K Ultra Race Co-ordinator
in rainy North Vancouver




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