The Mount Wilson Trail Race
Location: Sierra Madre, CA
Distance: 8.6 miles
Terrain: Singletrack
Date: Normally takes place the Saturday before Memorial Day, but this years event was
postponed a few weeks for trail repair required due to a
spring-time fire and subsequent rain.
Shwag: A really nice technical long sleeve!
Post race food: Standard bananas, bagels and water
My Time: 1:55:17
ABOVE: ELEVATION PROFILE
BELOW: Warming up to for the Mountain
When this race was first held (1908) nine runners raced 7 miles to the top of Mount Wilson, rested for half an hour, then made the hair raising trip back down. This race has been held 55 times in the last 100 years. In the 30s, and 40s the race was run sporadically until trail conditions became so poor they stopped running it altogether. In 1965 volunteers from Sierra Madre repaired the trail and the race has been run ever since.
The race starts out in Kersting Court in the City of Sierra Madre. From the start runners make their way up Baldwin Avenue and onto The Old Mt. Wilson Trail. Documented use of this trail dates back to 1771 when Gabrieleno Indians used the trail to carry timber for construction of the San Gabriel Mission. I recall reading that this trail was in use by the Gabrielenos for their own needs prior to the 1771 date. In the early 1900s mules made 60 plus trips up the mountain trail hauling parts of the original Mt. Wilson Telescope.
From the start of the trail head runners make their way up 4.3 miles to Orchard Camp. At Orchard Camp runners are greeted by one of the oldest dated oak trees in the front range of the San Gabriels(core tested to be 1500 years old) as well as boy scouts handing out water. From Orchard runners turn around and retrace their steps back to Kersting Court.
ABOVE: Heading back from Orchard Camp
I'm amazed nobody has ever been seriously injured in the course of this race. Frankly, I'm surprised nobody has tumbled into the canyon below. The runners share a trail that is narrow and has drops of 100 plus feet in numerous places. The faster runners are already making their way down as the mid packers are going up. The downhillers have the right of way. Much of the vegetation had been burned away in the recent fire taking away a visual cue that separated trail,cliff and hazy spring sky. The vegetation would have also come in handy for stopping someones plunge, Thankfully everyone made it off the Mountain. One lady did, however, have to be airlifted off the trail due to heat related illness.
ABOVE: The charred slopes of Little Santa Anita Canyon
Below: Sierra Madre Search and Rescue
I'd been wanting to run this race for a few years, but could never make it due to commitments. This year I made Mt. Wilson a priority. I really enjoyed this event and the friendly little town of Sierra Madre. I plan on being back in 2009.
Below: Post race Mom, myself and Barbara
Mt Baldy Run To The Top
Location: San Gabriel Mountains, Mt. Baldy
Distance: 8 miles
Terrain: Single track and dirt fire road
Date: Labor Day, September 1, 2008
Shwag: Neat looking cotton race t-shirt
Post race food: Water and oranges air-lifted to the top of Baldy
My Time: 2:11
ABOVE: Pre-race w/ Louis, Steph, and Vickie
Some say that this is one of California's toughest races. With a 4000-foot-elevation gain and a bit of altitude Baldy does provide a challenge. This race was started 42 years ago as a fundraiser for the Mt. Baldy Volunteer Fire Dept.
ABOVE: Race start
The race starts at the Baldy Ski Lifts (6000 ft) goes down the road maybe 1/4 of a mile then jumps on a dirt fire road and up up up! At 7800ft the runners come to the Notch and then continue to climb the snowless ski slopes.
ABOVE: At the Notch
At mile 6 one hits a narrow section of the trail referred to as the Devil's Backbone. It's a bit of a spill on both sides so if someone had issues with heights, my advice would be "don't look down".
Above: A section of Devil's Backbone
After the Backbone you have about another mile to go to the summit. At this point you're above the timberline. The final scramble takes the runner up the steep, scree covered upper slopes of Baldy to the top.
After you catch your breath you are rewarded with a few oranges and beautiful views of the mountain range. On a clear day you can see Mt. Whitney some 200 miles away.
ABOVE: Search & Rescue
This is a point to point course. So once you've rested and taken in the views you walk back to the Notch to catch a ski lift to back to the starting line.
This is a tough race, but a lot of fun! This year was my second time doing this race and I beat my 2007 time by a considerable amount. What's best about this race is the type of person it draws; a lot of friendly, interesting trail runners. One guy I met has a tradition of riding his bike (overnight) from his home in Long Beach to the start of the race. When the race is done he hops on his bike and rides back home to Long Beach.
Above: Baldy on Baldy
Below: The very rare Baldy Terrier in his natural state; loafing in the shade.
BALDY VIDEO
Lasse Virgen 20K
Location: Pt. Magu State Park
Distance: 20K or 12.43 miles
Terrain: Dirt Roads
Date: 12-7-08, Pearl Harbor Day
Shwag: A really nice technical short sleeve race t-shirt.
Post race food: Coffee, chocolate chip cookies, wraps (choice of seared ahi, prime rib, veggie), bananas, oranges, and bagels
My Time: 1:57:49
ABOVE: Looking up the coast outside of Pt. Magu State Park
Like Wilson and Baldy this is a great course. Named after the Finnish four-time gold medalist the Lasse Virgen 20K takes the runner up lush Sycamore Canyon to the top of a hill and then back down. This year marked the 31st running of the race. The race is the brainchild of a Finnish-American sculptor named Eino who was inspired one day back in 1977 after a training run in Sycamore Canyon. Eino was able to attract big time atheletes, including Lasse himself, and corporate sponsors and his event became a success.
BELOW: Lasse Viren running the 5000M
This is a loop course that, while challenging, doesn't have the tough climbs akin to Wilson or Baldy. From the start, the course takes the runner through about 5 miles of gradual uphill. At mile five there's a major hill that continues 3/4 miles to the summit. Once at the top you're treated to two things 1)views of the coastal canyon land below and 2) a few miles of downhill running. Around mile 8 you're back in the flats and are again rewarded with some fantastic scenery. At mile 10 a gradual downhill to the finish.
Although this race lacked super steep climbs it was still very challenging. It's pretty much all uphill for the first half and it would be easy to get too aggressive on the downhill after mile 6. I appreciated some of the old timers who told me to take it easy on the downhill and save it for the flats. I was happy with my effort, but glad to see the finish.
My race bib number was #1 for the day. Often #1 is given to the winner of the previous year's race. I received a lot of friendly ribbing as I made my way to the starting line. I joked back that I would be taking it easy on everyone and was using this race as a recovery run.
I guess Lasse Virgen assigns bib numbers alphabetically.
This was a great trail race and I hope to be back next year to enjoy again and improve on my time. Standing at the finish of Lasse Virgen I struck up a conversation with Warren. Warren's probably in his late 50s and sported a ratty old LA Marathon T-shirt. He remarked, "this is what it's all about. A good run, beautiful morning, and meeting so many friendly folks." He pretty much expressed my thoughts exactly.
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
~John Muir
No comments:
Post a Comment