Capitol Peak Ultras

Capitol Peak Mega Fat Ass Update

2012-01-09T15:29:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

Happy 2012! This year brings some changes to Capitol Peak Ultras events. You should have already received a confirmation for the Capitol Peak Mega Fat Ass on January 21, 2012. And thus another reminder...if you haven't already done so...take the time to go online and purchase a discover pass. This may be for the person's car (with individual license plate) you may be carpooling with..HINT HINT!! The Discover Pass is NOT covered in the entry for the Mega Fat Ass or the Capitol Peak 50 mile/55k in April, so if you are planning to run either of these races or any other races that are on Washington state land (including WA state parks), you might as well purchase an Annual Pass.
http://discoverpass.wa.gov/

See the Discover Pass website FAQ site that will help answer any questions you may have.
http://discoverpass.wa.gov/faq/

Also, we have decided to preserve the same course as last April's 55k for this years Mega Fat Ass 34 mile and 17 mile. The only change is there is a brand new trail you will take (new 6A trail) on the return to the finish, instead of a spur logging road. The course will be clearly marked and so look for the sign "To Finish"...this time I promise is not as far as last years "To Finish" reminder:)
https://capitolpeakultras.com/uploads/CPFatAssmap2012.pdf

Please thank the South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue (SPSMSAR) for their continued support for Capitol Peak Ultras events! SSMSAR will be stationed at all the 3 checkpoints with water, but with no food...remember this is a fat ass so bring your own food. Drop bags will be taken to the Falls Creek station but not the other stations...so plan accordingly! Please clearly mark your name on your bag, otherwise you may not see it again. For those running the 34 mile only, you can start at early (preferrably 1 hour "on the nose" prior to the regular start) but please let us know you are starting and remember there is no guarantee you will see your drop bag when you get to Falls Creek the first time.

Camping will also be available for anyone wanting to stay Friday night April 20th. There is no camping fee, but please make sure you have a Discover Pass. If the gate closed, it will only be latched and not locked. Please relatch the gate after you enter the campground Friday night. Please park in designed parking or campground but not immediately next to the large event tent. There will not be camping available Saturday night, since this event is specially permitted for Friday night and Saturday only.

Also, we will also be giving out bib numbers at registration. Even though this is a fat ass, we wanted to test out our new timing system for the 50mile/55k in April. This will also make things easier to get overall results at the finish but will not have any overall or age group awards...think of it as a fat ass with some structure:) Please come early to registration (prior to 7:30am) and you will receive a bib number upon a receiving your signed waiver and $5. Additional donations to Friends of Capitol Forest will also be much appreciate...FOCF are the ones who built the new 6A trail and many other trail projects in Capitol Forest!

See you all soon!

Thanks for all your continued support!

John Pearch
capitolpeak@gmail.com
360-250-2006
https://capitolpeakultras.com/Mega_Fat_Ass.html

2012 Capitol Peak Ultras Events!

2011-11-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Registration is now available for the 2012 Capitol Peak Ultras events! If you've ran either races last year, they will be similar courses and both start at the Margarette McKenny campground in Capitol State Forest, off of Wadell Road.
However, please take note, you will need to separately purchase a Discover Pass online for parking at the start/finish area before both events. To Purchase a Discover Pass see the following website: http://discoverpass.wa.gov/

Both events benefit Friends of Capitol Forest, the South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue and the Washington Trails Association!

Here's details about each event:
Saturday January 21, 2012 Capitol Peak Mega Fat Ass - start at 8:00am at Margarette McKenny campground, Capitol State Forest. 17 mile and 34 mile distances. No frills, no tshirt, no food at aid stations, no whining! BYO food and water bottle, but there will be water jugs at stations. Then also don't forget to bring something for the post-run potluck!
To register online go to: http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=14707
There is no online registration charge thanks to Ultrasignup, but please bring minimum $5 donation on the day of the run and the appropriate waivers that can be printed from the website.
For more details about the race see the website:
https://capitolpeakultras.com/Mega_Fat_Ass.html

Saturday April 28, 2012 Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55km - start at 6:30 a.m regular start (5:30am for 50 mile only) Margarette McKenny campground, Capitol State Forest.
To register online go to: http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=14719
Please take advantage of the discount price, saving $10 before January 23. Patagonia Capeline Tshirts are sold separately!

Also, if you didn't know, the Yakima Skyline 50k and 25k is planned for April 21, 2012 so Capitol Peak Ultras and Rainshadow running have teamed up efforts to encourage participation in both events. If you volunteer at either event you are guaranteed a comp entry into the other race. In other words, if you volunteer at Yakima Skyline, you can get a comp entry for Capitol Peak (tshirt not included)! Rainshadow Running also have this same offer, if you commit to volunteering at Capitol Peak, you can get a comp entry into Yakima Skyline. Please email both John capitolpeak@gmail.com and James james@rainshadowrunning.com, if interested in this offer! For more information about Capitol Peak 50 mile/55km see the website:
https://capitolpeakultras.com/cp50mile.html

Stay tuned for volunteer trail work or visit the website for updates!

See you all soon!

John Pearch
360-250-2006
capitolpeak@gmail.com

Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55k Results, Report and Thank You's

2011-05-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

Here are the final results for the Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55km on April 30, 2011, near Olympia, Washington
https://capitolpeakultras.com/CP50M_55K__Results.html

Every year, I am amazed about how so many people come together and support Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55k. For the 7th year, this year was so much easier on me and many others, since everyone knows the routine and so many people came forth to help this year. We are so thankful to all the volunteers for coming together to support Capitol Peak. Attached is a list that expresses our thanks to all those that volunteered. Whether it was endless trail work hours, packet stuffing, course marking, packet handout, or long hours at aid stations or finish line support…it is always an extraordinary team effort to put on this race with all the fabulous volunteers. This is what drives me to get out every year. I am so thankful I can still keep involved in this sport that is close to my heart. Although, I am looking forward to getting back to my biking training for the ride of my life at Paris-Brest-Paris 1200k in France this August!!

After several years of being forced to change the course around due to logging operations, we managed work with DNR on a new course that we hope to keep. It all depends on the timber sales from year to year. These timber sales do somehow benefit funding for schools in Washington. We will work to keep this course as similar from now on, as what I heard from several runners this year, this course was one of the most interesting, with the Secondary climb up the Peak, up the Grunt! If anyone has GPS files to send with elevation profiles and distances, we would greatly appreciate your data.

The competition at Capitol Peak this year was once again packed full! There were three people who received a 5 year finisher awards. Kent Holder, the tough 70+ year-young guy that keeps coming back every year finished his 5th 50k+ Capitol Peak race (which includes the 2004 50k and the 4 other years we started doing the 55k (in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011). There were 2 other 5 year finishers who completed 5 years of the 50 miler, which include Arthur Martineau and Micheal McCarthy. Van Phan and Jeff Wright have also finished 5 years of both 50 miles and 55k combined, but they will have to come back next year to get their 5 year hoodie award! We appreciate all the support over the years!!

The top 3 in each race (listed as open) also received awards for their top performance. Kathleen Egan won the 50 mile in a time of 8:42:53, followed by Nichole Sellon and Molly Eimers. The first masters was Allison Moore.
Rod Bien set precedence on the mens field with a winning time of 9:53:40, followed by Adam Hewey and Gary Robbins. Adam Hewey also was the first masters with a time of 6:58:31. That is our fastest masters time so far, despite all the course changes every year due to logging.

The 55k was also a top notch field. Jen Segger won the 55k and came in 2nd overall with a time of 5:12:12, only 15 minutes behind the overall winner! That is our fastest womens 55k time so far, despite all the course changes every year due to logging. Wendy Wheeler-Jacobs was in 2nd and Gili Katzman was in 3rd. The 55k overall winner was Joe Creighton with a time of 4:57:37, followed by Randy Benthin in 2nd and Graham Johnson in 3rd.

Our seniors also deserve recognition for their awesome performance. Mike “Bushwacker” Burke and Rainier Schultz both finished the 50 mile in great time. Kent Holder and Will Bill Voiland (our awesome Tshirt guy) both finished the 55k in great time!

The following is our list of all the volunteer support that you can see extends beyond just the weekend of the race. It’s a full time job (and then some) to keep this race going and we couldn’t do it without all their support.
SO HERE’S TO OUR WONDEFUL VOLUNTEERS!! If I forgot anyone, thank you to everyone regardless!!

Trail Work Party on Sunday March 28, 2011
Thanks to David Mora, Jim Szumila, Seth Swanson, Henry Gertja (and son)

Trail Work Party on Sunday April 10, 2011
Thanks to Friends of Capitol Forest, David Snyder, Todd Davison, Karen Wiggins, Tracy Brown, Melissa Klungle, Dan Saul, Jim Szumila, David Mora, Herb Reeves

Trail Work Party on Saturday April 22, 2011
David Mora and Herb Reeves

Packet Stuffing Party
Heidi Perry, Bill and Helene Pearch, Kris Ryding, Jim Szumila, Jennifer Seward, Julie Kamerrer, Wayne Ballew, Dave Molenaar, Rob Dengel, Herb Reeves, Melissa Klungle (I hope I’m not forgetting someone here??)

Course Marking
Kris Ryding and Brandon Williams

Packet pickup
Kris Ryding, Karen Wiggins and Heidi Perry

Day of Race Registration
Seth Swanson, Rich White and Roger Michel (Evergreen Trail Runs),

Sweepers
Sweep behind last 50 miler: Kris Ryding from Capitol Peak to Finish
Sept behind last 55k runner: Karen Wiggins, Dave Molenaar and Rich White

Aid Station supply meister:
Herb Reeves

Aid Station radio communication
South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue

Station A1/A9:
Dave Mora and SPSMSAR radio

Station A2 Falls Creek
Owen Connell, David Snyder, Michael Scholl, and other FOCF and SPSMSAR radio

Station A3/A4 Capitol Jct
Rachael Jamison, Craig Dickson and other Guerilla Runners, Laurie Rich, and John Bandur, Dave Molenaar and SPSMSAR radio

Station A5/A7 Wedekind:
Brandon Williams, Herb Reeves, Paul Heffernan, Scott Warfield , Owen Connell and SPSMSAR radio

Station A6 C2000
Bill Herzog, Tammy Herzog and Andy Fritz (Club Oly Runners) and SPSMSAR radio

Finish line
Jeff Bauknecht and Miguel Galeana (Route 16 Running and Walking), Heidi Perry and Roberta Woods and SPSMSAR radio

Post-race meal
Bill Pearch, Helene Pearch, Elizabeth Pearch, Jim Szumila

Photographers
Glenn Tachiyama and Damien Murphy

Other Thank You’s
• My wonderful parents (Bill and Helene Pearch) and sister-in-law (Elizabeth Pearch) for help organizing and purchasing all the post race meal fixings and aid station food. Every year my parents are great about helping. And it was so good to also have Elizabeth there to help. Everyone seemed to love the soup!!

• My wonderful girlfriend, Heidi Perry for being there every step of the way in the months leading up to the race. Heidi was also a huge help at the finish line in handing out the awards.

• Glenn Tachiyama for identifying the winners of the 1st to the Peak (while taking fabuolous photos on the top of Capitol Peak). To see the Glenn’s photo album please email Glenn at gjtach@gmail.com for permission to use these photos: http://www.pbase.com/gtach/cappeak11

• Damien Murphy for also showing up and taking photos throughout the course. To see the Damien’s photo album please email Damien at amien.murphy@gmail.com for permission to use these photos: http://damienm.smugmug.com/Recreation/Running/Capitol-Peak-55k50m-2011/16857095_f8gRgM#1272698281_rkhKvLQ

• Friends of Capitol Forest for going above and beyond to letting us borrow their huge event tent and other smaller tents and supplies. And also having a great Tequila Bar aid station that boosted everyone either up the Peak or onto the finishing leg. A portion of our proceeds go to benefit Friends of Capitol Forest, to help maintain our wonderful trails in Capitol State Forest.

• South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue for going out of the way each year to help with radio communication at all the aid stations and parking in the early morning hours! Our other portion of proceeds go to benefit South Puget Sound Mobile Search.

• Candice Burt for cooking potatoes at the last minute Friday night.

• Roberta Woods for picking up the bakery goods from San Francisco Bakery

• Herb Reeves for announcing the race in Trail Ultra Crazy newsletter and other announcements and for organizing the Washington Ultra Series. This race is also apart of the Washington Ultras Series. Results will be updated in a couple weeks.
• Rachael Jameson and Craig Dickson (Guerilla Running) for co-sponsoring the Capitol Forest Triple Crown Trail race series and announcing about the race and also helping a great deal at Capitol Station.
• Roger Michel (Evergreen Trail Runs) helping measuring the 50 mile course
• Wild Bill Graphics for making awesome Tshirts and packet bags.
• Mug Revolution for making awesome age group hand crafted mugs.
• Brand That- for making awesome Capitol Peak pint glasses.

Thanks also to our wonderful Sponsors
• Hammer Nutrition for providing gels and fizz tablets to each runner and discount on additional products.
• Scott for donating 4 pair shoes for prizes.
• The Balanced Athlete for donating 4 pair shoes and additional running wear for prizes.
• South Sound Running donating 2 pair shoes and socks for prizes.
• Route 16 Running and Walking – donating their time and timing service at the finish.
• Patagonia – discount on clothing products for prizes.
• Ultrarunning Magazine – donating magazines for packets
• Trail Runner Magazine – Trail Runner Trophy Series magazines and 2 gift certificate for 1 year subscription. This race is also apart of the Trail Runner Magazine Trophy Series. Results will be updated in a couple weeks.
• Olympia Food Coop - $50 donation
• San Francisco Street Bakery – donation of day old bakery goods

Capitol Peak last minute updates

2011-04-25T01:44:00.000-07:00

Greetings Capitol Peak entrants:
If you haven't gotten your mud flinging fix by now, Capitol Peak will surely take care of that! Although muddy, the trails are in good shape with minimal snow on Capitol Peak northern slopes and most of the down trees have been cleared with a few small ones remaining. We have had tremendous volunteers working hard on the Capitol Peak ridge and we thank everyone who were able to come out and help out. The following are updates or answers to questions..

1) Packet Pickup will be at South Sound Running at 3-6pm this Friday April 29, 2011. South Sound Running is located at 3409 Capitol Boulevard Olympia, WA. See the website for more details: http://www.southsoundrunning.com/contact_locations.php
If possible, please try and make the packet pickup, otherwise registration opens at 4:30am-5:45am at the start. Also, everyone must checkin at the start even if you already got your bib number at the packet pickup!
Tshirts (for those that purchased them) and bib numbers will also be given with your packets. If you cannot make the race and still want your tshirt please try and get someone to pick it up for you. Or email me to set up shipping costs and mailing. Otherwise we will sell your tshirt at the finish!

2) Camping at the start at Margaret McKenny campground is on a first come first serve basis and is free. That means, if you show up after dark, you might not find the optimum place to camp but you can still park your car and set up up your tent in some mud. There are no reservations for camping, just show up early if you are worried of pitching a tent in the mud;^). The gate will open at 12:00noon this Friday. If it's closed, it is only dumby locked and the lock just needs to be detached from the gate latch. Please respect the camp host if you do show up late!

3) We finally got a chance to finalize the course last week now that the snow has mostly melted. Thanks to Roger Michel (Evergreen Trail Runs RD) for helping measure the course! See the course page for the both 50 mile and 55k cue sheets as well as a planning spreadsheet for the 50 mile and 55k. We will also have a course profile up on the website soon. Thanks for all your patience on this information.
https://capitolpeakultras.com/Course.html
As you'll notice there is a spreadsheet for aid station planning (cutoff times, drop bags, crew access, and food/fuel). The cutoff times are based on a 13 hour total cutoff time at 7pm. So if you think it will take you longer covering an average speed of 3.8 mph (that is based on the 13 hour finishing time average speed), then you should consider the early start at 5am to get the full 14 hours! The cutoff times are needed in order to keep our wonderful aid station volunteers happy (that includes our awesome South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue radio team)! The cutoff at Capitol Peak A4 station (2nd time- which is about 20 miles after the Grunt) is at 11:30am, thus if you make it there at 11:31am and your in the 50 mile, you will need to back down to the 55k. But this gives everyone a chance to still attempt to finish at the 55k distance. Please respect this cutoff times as this will help us effectively sweep the course and make certain everyone is accounted for and safe. For anyone that misses the cutoff at Capitol A4 or anyone else that wants to cut it short to the 55k, please make sure you get marked "55k" on your bib so we keep track of 55k finishers for timing at the finish line.

4) Hammer Nutrition were very generous to offer 1 Hammer Gel and 1 Hammer Fizz tab per person in your packet. Hammer Heed drink mix was also offered to enjoy at the aid station . However, we purchased additional Hammer Gels but as every year we always have so much left over and decided to purchase more sparingly this year (to also help towards donating to Friends of Capitol Forest). Please be generous and only take one Hammer gel per aid station and also pack some of your own in your drop bags. We also purchased Hammer Fizz and Hammer Endurolytes (ECaps). Regardless, you won't go hungry as we also have the usual ultra food stocked at all the aid stations. Thanks to Hammer Nutrition for all their support!

5) We thank all the volunteers and sponsors who have come forward to help. Please thank your volunteers either at aid stations or at the finish. The main groups involved as volunteers include, Friends of Capitol Forest (Falls Creek station), Guerilla Running(Capitol jct station), Olympia Trail Runners (Wedekind station), Club Oly (A6 station) and Route 16 Running and Walking (timing at finish), Evergreen Trail Runs (registration), SPSMSAR (radio communication), Kris Ryding and Karen Wiggins (packet pickup). There are also so many other ultrarunners, my immediate family and friends from all over that will be out there to help support this event. We will have pint glasses with the Capitol Peak logo to show our thanks for all your help at the race. If you know anyone interested in volunteering, please let me know. Stay tuned volunteers for more details...I will be sending an email to you all soon!

6) Awards will be presented as you finish for the following categories. Thanks to our sponsors including Scott for providing running shoes, South Sound Running, The Balanced Athlete, Patagonia, Trail Runner magazine and Mug Revolution!
Awards to the first three men and women overall and first three men and women masters (40+) overall.
Mugs Awarded to the winner of each age group: 29 and under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Over
“First to the Peak” Award: Runner who reaches the top of Capitol Peak first and then finishes for male and female.
Capitol Forest Triple Crown Series: The fastest cumulative time for male and female to complete the Mega Fat Ass 34/17 mi, Guerrilla Running’s Mountain Marathon 26.2/13.1 mile, and Capitol Peak 50mi/55k. Winners will be rewarded of each long and short races divisions.
Middle of the Pack - male and female runner of the 50 mile and 55km
7) Post race meal will be served as you finish for all runners, volunteers and crew. Thanks in advance to my parents who will be cooking the awesome soup. Also special thanks to San Francisco Street Bakery and Olympia Food Coop for all the generous food donations!

Thanks to everyone for signing up and supporting Friends of Capitol Forest and South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue! Please let me know if you have any other questions.

See you all at 5:45am this Saturday at the race briefing!

John Pearch
RD- Capitol Peak Ultras
360-250-2006
capitolpeak@gmail.com

Capitol Peak 50m/55k update

2011-03-13T16:27:00.000-07:00

Greetings Capitol Peak entrants,

Thank you for registering for Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55km near Olympia, WA on April 30, 2011. We appreciate your support in the 7th annual race and also help support Friends of Capitol Forest. We have a few announcements:
1) STILL SPOTS LEFT! There is still plenty of spots available in the 50 mile and 55km. If you know anyone who wants to run, they can still sign up online or mail-in and save. There is also day of race registration but we encourage to sign up early!
We have special hand crafted mugs for age group awards thanks to Mug Revolution as well as many other great prizes and raffles thanks to our fabulous sponsors from Scott, Hammer Nutrition, South Sound Running, The Balanced Athlete, Guerilla Running and many more!
To signup online go to: http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=11446

2) WANT TO ORDER MORE T-SHIRTS? At 12:00 am, April 4, 2011, the registration fee goes up $10 and also the poly-technical t-shirt orders need to be placed by then. If you already registered, but want to purchase additional t-shirts, please order online at the link below, before April 4. Thanks to UltraSignUp (Mark Gilligan) for giving this extra "shopping" option to place additional t-shirt orders. There are also nice UltraSignUp visors you can purchase at this site.
There are no refunds for race registration or t-shirts after April 4, 2011. T-shirts must be picked up at the race or packet pickup. However, if you can not make the race, please try and get someone pick it up for you or email me so I know to hold your t-shirt.
To purchase additional t-shirts with multiple sizes click on this link:
http://ultrasignup.com/shopping.aspx?did=11445

3) COME HELP VOLUNTEER! We are also offering a special pint glass with the Capitol Peak logo, to anyone who volunteers for trail work in Capitol Forest and/or at the Capitol Peak event on April 30, 2011. Please pass this message onto anyone interested in volunteering at the race on April 30th. Every time you come to trail work in Capitol Forest also gives you an an extra raffle ticket to win prizes at the post-race raffle following Capitol Peak 50/55km.
If you are interested in trail work in Capitol Forest, please come out at one of the scheduled trail work parties: https://capitolpeakultras.com/Trail_Work.html

Thanks for your interest in Capitol Peak Ultras! Stay tuned for more updates. See the websites below for more details on the new start, new course and free camping at the start.

John Pearch
RD-Capitol Peak Ultras
More Info on Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55km see: https://capitolpeakultras.com/Race_Info.html
Email: capitolpeak@gmail.com

10th Annual Mega Fat Ass

2011-01-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

Results are posted on the website. Please let me know if there are any changes needed.
https://www.capitolpeakultras.com/Mega_Fat_Ass.html

There is never a dull moment at the Mega Fat Ass, with adverse weather and a tough course to contend with. The question came up why "Mega"? The prefix "Mega" came to mind when I originally created the MFA back in 2002 (10 years ago), thinking it was 10,000 ft of climbing (where probably only 6,000 ft) in somewhere "significantly" greater than 50k, I think only 2 finished the full Mega and the remaining half dozen starters finished the half Mega. But the second year came (in 2003) and we had almost 100 runners total, that made "Mega" have more meanings, such as more food support at the finish and more ways of getting donations to charities. And why still call it a "fat ass"...quick answer>> no awards, no frills, no tshirts, no sponsors, no aid station food, low costs that pays for the bare minimum and of course no whining! This year we managed to define "Mega" once again by having another tough course in the rainiest conditions ever. Thanks to all your additional donations, we were able to raise $500 to Friends of Capitol Forest. We are so pleased to have had so much support over the years, thanks to Friends of Capitol Forest and South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue for giving so much support!

This year, both courses were most likely longer than advertised, since we had to change it to Margaret McKenny campground but still keep the similar course that is planned for the 55K in April (that is still planned to start at Mima Falls). We realize the courses were long, but for this report, I will still refer to as the 17 and 34 miler. This year, we had a record braking runner participants of 150, between both races. The 17 mile had 101 finish out of 103 starters and the 34 mile had 43 finish out of 47 starters. John Bandur celebrated his 73rd birthday in the 17 mile and still managed to place 2nd Senior (60+) following Colvin Holm who was first senior.

There was some confusion about where the turnaround was for the 17 miler. This caused the leaders in the 17 milers to continue up the 34 mile course. But that didn't fool Linda Huyck who ended up leading the entire race back to only 100 yards from the finish. Brian Rakestraw heard the cow bells ringing and out-sprinted Linda to the finish but Linda's perseverance in leading the race and finishing 2nd overall deserves huge recognition. Other top runners include finishing 3rd Nick Triolo and 4th Don Wesley. The top women include Bonnie McReynolds for 2nd woman and Merita Trohimovich for 3rd woman.

The 34 mile finish was also exciting and deserve huge respect for surviving a much longer course than expected and much greater rainfall then this Mega Fat Ass has ever seen. The rain didn't start until after everyone had reached Capitol Peak, making it a long haul back to the finish. Mike Burke was the only senior to finish the 34 mile and still placed 16th overall! Yassine Diboun managed to finish 1st and got revenge on the Mega Fat Ass course from last year by running without getting lost! Yassine was followed by Justin Angle in 2nd and Seth Swanson who finished in a very respectable 3rd for his first ultra. The top women finishing in 1st was Shawna Tompkins, followed by Shawn McTaggart in 2nd and Candice Burt in 3rd.

Thanks to all the volunteers for the support out there! Here is a list of people that deserve our gratitude. There are many more people that might have chipped in that I was not aware of or can't remember and we thank for everyone's help. We couldn't do it without all our wonderful Volunteers!
South Sound Mobile Search and Rescue (stationed at the 3 checkpoints and finish)
Furnishing huge finishing tent and constant support throughout race day: David Snyder (founder of Friends of Capitol Forest)
Pre-race setup: Friends of Capitol Forest and Brent Warner
Registration: Roger Michel and Kris Ryding
Sweepers: Herb Reeves and Kris Ryding
Timers: Tony Seabolt (Narrows Bridge Running Club), Sean Sexton, and Brent Warner
Capitol Peak Station: Glenn Rogers and his son
Post-race food prep: my wonderful Mom and Dad (Bill and Helene Pearch), Jim Szmulia, Roberta Wood, Alexa Martin and most likely many more.
Course Marking: Olympia Trail Runners including Herb Reeves, Kris Ryding, Heidi Perry, Kelly, Dan Stacey, Dave Molenaar and many more that can't remember.
Thanks also to Route 16 Running and Walking for letting us borrow their clock for timing at the finish.
Thanks also to Tony Seabolt and Michael Scholl for all the wonderful photos! Tony's photos can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=191656887514236&set=a.191587757521149.49768.100000097798129
Thanks also to Michael Scholl's wonderful photography! Check out the Picaso site for Mikes photos.
Thanks also to UltraSignup and Mark Gilligan for allowing for free online registration, this helps tremendously organize our registration and results.

Also thanks to a few volunteers including Heidi Perry, David Mora and Jim Szumila
who helped at the trail work party on January 9, i.e., making water bars function better on race day!

We look forward in seeing you again soon at the Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55km Ultramarathons on Saturday April 30, 2011. Online registration is available at: https://www.capitolpeakultras.com/cp50mile.html

The Mega Fat Ass is apart of the Capitol Forest Triple Crown Series. Stay Tuned for results of the series: https://www.capitolpeakultras.com/Cap_Forest_Triple_Crown.html
Next race up is the Mountain Marathon and Hilly Billy 1/2 (hosted by Guerilla Running)

See you on the trails!

John Pearch
RD-Capitol Peak Ultras
https://www.capitolpeakultras.com

Mega Fat Ass update 1/12/11

2011-01-12T22:59:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for a mudfest, or what? This Saturday will definitely be a fun time in the mud, and most likely snow on the Peak. I can't tell you for sure what the trail conditions are like yet. But I will know more comes Friday after we mark the course. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for this weekends Mega Fat Ass Run.

Thank you for registering for the Capitol Peak Mega Fat Ass on Saturday January 15, 2011. Reminder that the start is at 8:00 am at the Margaret McKenny Campground on the Southeast end of Capitol State Forest. PLEASE ARRIVE BY 7:30 a.m. to allow enough time to park and register. Driving directions can be found at:
https://capitolpeakultras.com/MFA_Driving_Directions.html (those from Olympia might know the back roads to get to the start, but this is the directions closest to I-5)
Carpool if possible, parking is limited at the start!!

Please take note of the following:
1) Even though you have registered online, we will still need you to sign a waiver for the Washington St Dept of Natural Resources (DNR). This is a new requirement from DNR that everyone must sign, that is separate waiver from what you already checked online (see your email confirmation or click here for the waiver). For those under 18 please click this waiver for minors for parents or legal guardian to sign. There will also be a DNR waiver for you if you forget to bring it. Thank you for your patience when registering Saturday morning!

2) Please bring a minimum $5 and a roll of toilet paper. The $5 helps cover our insurance for the run that is required for our DNR permit. The roll of TP is to support DNR's needs during these hard budget times for restocking our use of TP for the event at Margaret McKenny and around Capitol State Forest. Please also make sure the registration volunteers know you are running. There is also a chance to donate at registration to Friends of Capitol Forest for all their continued trail work support in Capitol Forest.

3) The course is an out and back mostly on the Green line #6 trail with a small section on the Wadell Loop trail near the start. It will be marked with candy cane (red and white) flagging and some signs on trail at all trail junctions. Please take a look at the map and print if you want to have it on race day. We will NOT have any copies at the start:
https://capitolpeakultras.com/uploads/CPFatAssmap2011new.pdf
However, please be ready for a course change comes race day. There is a 4 mile loop up on Capitol Peak this year (that includes the infamous grunt trail), but we are not sure if this will be runnable yet. I will announce if there are any course changes before the start on Saturday, based on our course marking on Friday.

4) Bring your own food and water bottles!!! There will be a drop bags that you can stash food and other gear in a bag (clearly labeled with your first and last name) which will be taken to the Falls Ck station (at 8.5 miles turnaround). If you're only doing the 17 miler, we encourage you to NOT put any valuable gear in this bag. The drop bags may not get back to the finish until AFTER 3:00 pm!! For 34 milers, the drop bag will also be there on your return so you could have some warmer cloths stashed and maybe some hand warmers for later up on the Peak. If we end up running the planned route, the return to Falls is about 25 mile, so in other words carry enough food to go 16 miles! And remember there is NO FOOD provided at Falls. There will be water at Falls and up on the Capitol Peak but don't expect a cup...bring your own bottle! And PLEASE pickup any trash you might accidentally drop or find along the trail.

5) Please bring food to share at the finish! There will be a bonfire and a stove to heat up soup or whatever else you want hot at the finish. We will provide Ramon noodles and hot coco but bring other goodies to share.

6) Camping is allowed at the Margaret McKinney campground. However, please park in designed camping areas and don't block the main road. There will be several of us camping there Friday night, but if you get there later on, the gate might be closed but won't be locked (dumby locked). Just please close the gate behind you after passing through the gate.

7) To make it worth your while to go the distance, there will be specific colored rubberband to pickup that show what distance you ran, either the 17 mile turnaround at Falls Creek or up at the Capitol Peak Towers (after the steep grunt climb 2nd climb up Capitol Peak). You can then show off to everyone at the post-run party your rubberband. Since this is a fat ass, timing is based on the honor system, so you will be responsible in writing down your time at the finish.

Reminder: If you are interested in also running the Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55Km on
April 30, 2011, save $10 and signup by 12:00 Midnight Sunday January 16, 2011. Here is the website: https://capitolpeakultras.com/cp50mile.html

This is our 10th year annual Mega Fat Ass and we thank everyone for your generosity in donating to Friends of Capitol Forest and coming to run in Capitol Forest. We also appreciate all the support from the Washington St Dept of Natural Resources (DNR) and all the volunteers, especially South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue and Friends of Capitol Forest. We could NOT put this fun run on without all their support!

See you on the trails this Saturday!

John Pearch -RD Capitol Peak Ultras
www.capitolpeakultras.com

2010-12-24T16:10:00.000-08:00

Seasons Greetings!
It's hard to believe that 2011 is almost here! We are very excited about the 10th annual Mega Fat Ass on January 15, 2011! We have made a few changes to the course as what is to be expected in Capitol Forest. As you may already be aware the course starts at Margaret McKinney Campground (see website for updated info on the Mega Fat Ass and driving directions: https://capitolpeakultras.com/Mega_Fat_Ass.html

In addition to the $5 minimum donation to help cover our insurance costs for this run, the Washington State Dept of Natural Resources has asked if each participant could bring one roll of toilet paper. Yes, you got it, the state general fund is in that serious "dire straits" right now and we hope you are able to bring a roll of TP to show your support. It's not required, it's just a thing to make us all aware of how we can all contribute to make it through these hard economic times. We have appreciated DNR supporting and permitting our events for the past 10 years! Additional $$ donations will also be appreciated to support Friends of Capitol Forest, who has been a huge benefit to the DNR with 1,000's of volunteer trail work hours each year!

Also, if you have any interest and want to contribute to the trails getting ready for the Mega Fat Ass run, please come on out for some fun on the trails:
Sunday January 9, 2011 Come to our first trail work party of the year, for clearing trail for the Mega Fat Ass. We will also mark parts of the Mega Fat Ass course.
We will meet at 8:00 AM at Starbucks/Top Foods in West Olympia. We will then caravan up to the Forest. Please email if you are interested and need a ride from Top Foods.

Bring work clothes, extra clothes, work shoes/pants/gloves, rain gear, food and your running gear gear to enjoy some fun in the mud afterwards!

This work parties will have a trail run following to mark the Mega Fat Ass course, which is similar to Capitol Peak 50 mile/55Km courses! If you are able to help on trail work in Capitol Forest, we will give a $10 discount off your entry to the Capitol Peak 50 mile/55Km.

Thanks for your interest and we look forward in seeing you at the Mega Fat Ass on January 15, 2011!

Happy Holidays!

John Pearch
RD-Capitol Peak Ultras

2011 Capitol Peak Ultras Events

2010-11-09T12:25:00.000-08:00

Greetings:
Please check out Capitol Peak Ultras new website for upcoming trail races for 2011 in Capitol State Forest near Olympia, WA: http://www.capitolpeakultras.com. We made a lot of improvements to the site. So if you use any old sublinks... they will not work. Thanks to Mark Gilligan (UltraSignup) and many others for helping out in getting the new website up and running!! Please continue to check the website or blog for more updates (i.e, sponsors link).

It is hard to believe that a decade has gone by so fast after starting up all the races in Capitol Forest in 2002. It is my pleasure to continue directing these events and keep the same traditions going. Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors over the years to keep us running strong!

The 10th annual Mega Fat Ass will be on Saturday January 15, 2011 with the same tradition as previous years: no frills, no awards, no t's but a small $5 fee to help pay for permit fees. Weather and depending on snow conditions, the course is an out and back course to Capitol Peak and back. However, we are starting at a new location from Margarette McKenney Campground. The race will follow a similar route to Falls Ck (17 mile out and back) and the 34 mile out and back to Capitol Peak. Well sort of out and back;^), this year the 34 mile ultra distance with get to do Capitol Peak twice, with the infamous Grunt trail. However, this course may change due to snow on the Peak. There will be a drop bag at the Falls Ck station, however, please bring your own food and warm gear...cotton is rotten!!

Donations will be appreciated that will go towards the Friends of Capitol Forest. The start will be at 8:00 am at Margarette McKenney Campground, on the east side of Capitol Forest off of Wadell Road. Camping will be available only at Margarette McKenney. Be prepared for another fun filled course with probably lot's of snow, and be prepared for any last minute course changes. Beyond the traditional fat ass, since we have to get a permit with DNR, everyone needs to sign a waiver, so please see the website for more details on how to register: www.capitolpeakultras.com/Mega_Fat_Ass.html

The 7th annual Capitol Peak 50 Mile and 55 Km will be on Saturday April 30, 2011.

The race start/finish is scheduled for Mima Falls campground, however, this may change depending on ongoing logging operations in Capitol Forest (so stay tuned on potential changes to the start/finish and course changes). The regular starting time for all races will be 6:00 a.m. Early start is only for 50 milers which is at 5:00 a.m. The 50 mile course is planned to be the same as last years but be prepared for any last minute course changes. See the website for more details and to register. http://www.capitolpeakultras.com/CP50mile.html (online registration is also available at UltraSignup)
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE $10 DISCOUNT BEFORE JANUARY 16!! Also, you can also get an additional $10 discount if you sign up immediatley after a trail work party. The next work party is scheduled for December 1, 2010 with Friends of Capitol Forest. We'll also have trail work parties later in January through April, 2011.

Capitol Peak Ultras and Guerilla Running are also joining forces and proud to announce the 2011 Capitol Forest Triple Crown Series! We will both award the top three overall (cumulative fastest time) male and female runners that complete the Capitol Peak Fat Ass, the Mountain Marathon and the Capital Peak 50 mile and 55k in 2011. We will award the overall series winners in the long-course and short course divisions at the Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55km post-race dinner on April 30, 2011.
Long Course Division: Capital Peak Mega Fat-ass 55K, Mountain Marathon, Capitol Peak 50-miler.
Short Course Division: Capitol Peak Fat-ass 27K, Hillbilly 1/2 Marathon, Capitol Peak 55K.
Information on the Mountain Marathon and Hillbilly 1/2 Marathon can be found at:
http://www.guerillarunning.com/Mountain_Marathon.html
The 50 mile is also apart of the Washington Ultra Series, which consists of several great ultras in Washington State. See the website for more details: http://www.trail-run-crazy.com/Washington-Ultra-Series.html(administered by Herb Reeves and UltraSignup)

All Capitol Peak Ultra events are a benefit for the Friends of Capitol Forest, a non-profit group that is working hard to take care of Capitol Forest.
We are also again donating to Washington Trails Association through Glenn Tachiyama's awesome "Tribute to the Trails" 2011 Calendar. Please purchase a calendar and help support the WTA!!

Please let us know if you are interested in volunteering for any of our events or trail work opportunities. We encourage anyone to come out to volunteer for the day and give back to the trails!

See you on the trails soon!

John Pearch, RD-Capitol Peak Ultras
For questions email: capitolpeak@gmail.com

Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55km 2010 results finalized

2010-05-05T00:15:00.000-07:00

Results for the Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55km are now finalized:
50 mile: http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=6424
55km: http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=6425

The 6th Annual Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55Km was blessed by sunny conditions, a new course, a record breaking crowd and record breaking performances! We doubled the number of entrants this year with 170 starters and 155 finishers overall; 88 finished the 50 mile and 67 finished the 55km. It was great to see so many folks (about 24) who came from Canada, along with 1 from Mexico and several from the east coast! Many runners PR'ed, some of which ran the fastest time by over an hour on the newly modified course. I was anticipating slower times this year since I had to rerouted the course up some of the tougher trails up Capitol Peak, but I was proven wrong in many instances.

The 50 mile women and men showed that the course was more runnable this year then before with the faster times than in previous years, by almost an hour faster. Pam Smith from Salem, Oregon won the women division with a time of 8:00:35, followed not too far behind Shawna Wilskey for 2nd in 8:08 and Tia Gabalita for 3rd in 8:20 (also 1st women masters). Rhea George managed to capture the 1st to Capitol Peak and also still finish in the top 4 for women! Alex Henry won with a time of 6:34:17 followed by Justin Angle for 2nd in 6:39 and Yassine Diboun for 3rd in 6:41. Alex and Yassine were contemplating at the finish who really won the 1st to the Peak, but Alex was nice enough to hand over the prize to Yassine. Adam Hewey was the 1st Masters for men in the 50 mile. Cindie McKenna was the 1st and only senior to finish the 50 miler. She ran with both arms in casts and finished with a huge smile on her face!

The 55km women and men also showed some fast times. Ellen Sims won the 55km for women with a time of 6:09:11, followed by Darcie Gorman for 2nd in 6:28 and Francie Hankins for 3rd in 6:50. Ryne Melcher won the 55km for men with a time of 4:45:32, followed by Joshua Estep for 2nd in 4:54 and Brad Reed for 3rd in 4:59. Larry Abraham swept the masters and senior division with a astounding time of 5:47:48! Six additional seniors also finished the 55km which include: Clem LaCava, Kent Holder (70+), Paul Doyle, Wild Bill Voiland, Jeffrey Vieyra, and John Bandur (70+).

A huge contingent of volunteers were very gracious for coming out for a long day at various aid stations throughout Capitol State Forest. We couldn't operate without all these wonderful volunteers. Also thanks also to Friends of Capitol Forest for all their support in trail maintenance that provided over 1000's of hours on the trail! Also thanks to the South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue unit for giving radio and medical staffing support at all the aid stations. As we mentioned, our proceeds go towards Friends of Capitol Forest and the South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue!

Thank you's go out to a multitude of volunteer individuals which include (with respective aid station or other volunteer duties):
Trail work on specific parts of the course: Dave Mora, Terry Pruit, Garrett Ragsdale, Francis Agboton, Dave Molenaar, Jim Szumila, Karen Wiggins and John Pearch
Packet Pickup: Kris Ryding, Heidi Perry, Elena Perry, Rachael Jamison, James Varner
Course Marking: James Varner and Kris Ryding
Race Day Registration: Harvey Hall, Glenn Rogers, and other runners crew members chipping in!
Parking: Roger Michel and Darrel Roberts
Aid Station 1: South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue
Aid Station 2 (Falls Ck): Jim Graham, Dan Saul, Trevor Hostetler, Josh Morse, and Trey
Aid station 3 (Mt Molly): Club Oly, Bill Herzog, Jennifer Seward, Julie, Paul, Andy and Phil Kochik.
Aid Station 4 (Capitol Peak jct): James Varner, Laurie Rich, Rebbecca
Aid station 5 (Wedekind): Kris Ryding, Laura Houston, Charlie Crissman, Roger Michel,
Sweepers: Ulrike, Anne, Kris and Laura.
Course monitors: Glenn Rogers (motorbike challenger extraordinaire), Dave Mora and Terry Pruit.
Supply Van Drivers: Mike Adams and Charlie Crissman
Finish line support: David Snyder (FOCF coordinator providing finish line tents,firewood and much much more!)
Finish line Timing: Brent Warner and Nick Harvey
Our special cook's and chef's: Bill and Helene Pearch (aka Mom and Dad), Jim Szumila, Robert Woods, Frank and Donna Sifuentes.

Also thanks to John Tanasse for giving Active Release technique to runners at the finish and to Theron Eirish for massaging runners at the finish!

Also special thanks go out to all our sponsors, including: South Sound Running, The Balanced Athlete, Route 16 Running and Walking, Ultrarunning Magazine, Trail Runner magazine, Guerrilla Running, Patagonia, nuun electrolyte drink, The Olympia Food Coop, and San Francisco Street Bakery. Also thanks to Wild Bill Graphics for designing and printing all the great tshirts. A HUGE thanks to UltraSignup and Mark Gilligan for compiling all the online registration and results!

We also very much appreciate all the support the Washington State Department of Natural Resources has given us and permitted all our events for the past 8 years!
And last but not least, thanks to Michael Scholl for taking all the wonderful photos. (See link)

Thanks to all who came out to support Capitol Peak! Hope to see you all next year.

John Pearch
RD-Capitol Peak Ultras
www.capitolpeakultras.com/cp50mile.htm

Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55km NEW course finally here...

2010-03-21T00:22:00.000-07:00

The Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55K course is finally here. Check out the website (left column) with the new course, that may be proven as one of our harder courses as in the past...thus I made the cutoff 13 hours and 14 hours (if you start early). I've also included a link to all sponsors, which have all been very genero...us. Thanks to everyone for helping so far at getting the new course figured out and so many other things!
http://www.capitolpeakultras.com/CP50mile.htm

Trail Work and Trail Running Clinic

2010-03-11T23:03:00.000-08:00

Capitol Peak Ultras presents:

Give back to the trails and come join us for trail work on the Capitol Peak 50 mile/55km course.
Trail Work and Trail Running Clinic

Sunday March 21, 2010

and

Sunday April 11, 2010

8:30am meet at Starbucks/TopFoods in West Olympia on both dates. We will drive to designated trail work projects in Capitol Forest.

Bring clothes to work on trails, water and food.

Trail work tools and equipment will be provided.

Bring running clothes for after the trail work.

Run will be 8-10 miles.

Pizza following the trail work and run!

Trail Running Clinic includes:

* Update on new modified Capitol Peak 50mi/55k course.
* ·Even if you’re not running an ultramarathon or Capitol Peak 50/55k, come anyways and learn the latest and greatest on trail running gear, running efficiency on different terrain/surfaces and sufficient fueling and hydration while running long on trails.

See you on the trails soon!

John Pearch
RD-Capitol Peak Ultras
www.capitolpeakultras.com/cp50mile.htm

Camping and change in course for Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55K

2010-02-25T12:37:00.001-08:00

Answer to questions regarding camping... Yes there is camping available at Mima Campground at the new start/finish Saturday night (April 24th) before the race (as apart of our permit from the Washington Dept of Natural Resources -DNR). Camping won't be available on Sunday eve after the race. All other campsites in Capitol Forest are not open until May 1st.

Also, please keep checking for updates on our new course --currently adjusting course based on recent updates from the Washington Department of Natural Resources on timber sales. We will change the course to completely avoid logging operations! Please be patient, we will let you know by mid to late March.

See website for more details (however, website might not be as current as our facebook page):
http://www.capitolpeakultras.com/CP50mile.htm

NEW START FINISH FOR 50 mile and 55Km

2010-02-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

To make it easier driving we changed the start/finish for Capitol Peak 50
mile and 55Km. I also modified the course map accordingly. However, stay
tuned for more updates on trail conditions or potential small changes
to the course.
See website for more details:

Capitol Peak Mega Fat Ass

2010-01-19T22:44:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

The 9th Annual Mega Fat Ass was a great turnout. 110 total runners and several dogs started on this new out and back course from Mima Falls Campground to Capitol Peak 30 mile (or to Falls Ck for the 17 mile option). I've been thinking about putting this out-and-back course together for a while. As we proved last year, it is way easier to get to this starting point in the middle of winter. However, this year we didn't have to worry about ANY snow, just a "little" water and mud to mix things up! Great to see so many new and familiar faces out there!

Thanks to so many people for volunteering at this event...it truly could not have happened without all their support. Most importantly, thanks to the South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue for coming out and working at all the checkpoints on the course. Also, HUGE thanks to Friends of Capitol Forest (FOCF) for coming with their ginormous tents and burn barrels to keep everyone happy at the finish. Also thanks to all the marvelous volunteers including: Kris Ryding (marked and swept entire course, huge kudos!!), Brent Warner (parking and timing!!), Darrell Roberts, Sean Sexton, Herb Reeves, David Snyder, Michael Scholl, Jamie Poelker, Bill and Helene Pearch (my parents), Jim Szumila, and many more!

Please check out more stories on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Capitol-Peak-Ultras/100000451825914

Preliminary result are posted on the website:
http://www.capitolpeakultras.com/cpmfaindex.htm
We'll post final results on the Ultra Signup site. Thanks to UltraSignup for all the support, made our registration go much smoother!

See you on April 25 at the Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55Km!

Thank you for all your generous contribution to FOCF and to the Olympia trail running community!

John Pearch
RD, Capitol Peak Ultras

2010 Race Updates

2009-12-07T23:21:00.000-08:00

1) If you've tried to snail mail to the P.O. Box and got mail returned, please try again. It should go through now. The address is still the same at:
P.O. Box 845
Olympia, WA 98507
PLEASE EMAIL ME ASAP IF ANY MAIL IS RETURNED!

2)Sign up on FaceBook to find out most recent updates that might be posted more than this blog.

3) The Mega Fat Ass is scheduled for Saturday January 16, 2010. You can sign up online if you are 18 or older.
However minors must fill out both forms and sign along with parents or guardians and bring to the race (SIGN BOTH FORMS!!)
http://www.capitolpeakultras.com/fatasswaiver.htm

See updates on trail conditions on the facebook page. The climb up Capitol Peak depends on snow conditions.
See website for more details and new course map...it's a really easy format this year with Green Line #6 out and back, but maybe not necessarily an easy profile:^)
The half will be 17 miles from Mima Falls to Falls Creek and back. And the ultra will be about 30 miles from Mima Falls to Capitol Peak and back. Because of the layout of the course, drop bag will be available at Falls Creek. However, please make sure your bags all labeled with your last name. Duck tape works great!
http://www.capitolpeakultras.com/cpmfaindex.htm

4) The Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55Km is scheduled for SUNDAY April 25, 2010. The course is the same as last year. You can also sign up online or mailin from the
website: http://www.capitolpeakultras.com/CP50mile.htm
Come watch the infamous Olympia's Procession of the Species on Saturday after you pickup your packets and then race is on Sunday.

Website is now back online!

2009-05-07T23:34:00.000-07:00

Greetings Folks! Sorry for the delay but the www.capitolpeakultras.com website is now back online. We've posted all the results and attached a few photos from the race. Also, see the poem on the accounts of Capitol Peak created by Jim HTML clipboardUpdegrove. Thanks Jim for all the great poetry!

HTML clipboard

Capitol Peak 50M/55KM

by Jim Updegrove

The gods of Olympia rained down their power

Washed out the trails with many a shower.

Volunteer workers, many hours they toiled

They refused to let this race be spoiled.

The rain, yes it stopped, for the start of the race

Ninety anxious runners set a fast pace.

The trail quickly rose, a thousand feet or more

And in just 4 miles, it seemed like a chore.

Three big climbs in all, the last being the worst

Quads felt like they were going to burst.

5o Mile:

Gutierrez won the 50

Ohlrich pushed him all day.

While Hewey succeeded

In keepingVarner at bay.

Jenny Capel ran with an easy stride

Veronica McIlvenna followed, she upheld her pride.

In third came Kris Ryding, a local volunteer

She helped clear the trails to get ready this year.

55KM

Michael Havrda set the pace for the day

And just like the wind, blew everyone away.

Jesse Stevick ran hard for second place

John Berta finished third which is no disgrace.

Alison Hanks led the gals right down to the line

Then came Shawna Wilskey thinking second was fine.

Becky Braun came in third, she left many behind

I know she can tell you, this trail’s one of a kind.

The gods of Olympia, awakened by feet

Sent out great clouds and torrents of sleet.

Snow hung on the treetops, it covered the trail

The hardy shivered on while volunteers turned pale.

John Bandur, still running, drinking beer for leaven

He’s Grand Slammer #2, of 1987.

John led the old geezers around on this run

He won the senior division and he’s just 71.

The Arkansas Travelers came the most miles

When Laura Earley finished, she dazzled in smiles.

Jamie Gifford received his fifth year award

A Capitol Peak print that he really adored.

Eighty six runners finished from this group

And on this cold day enjoyed Mom’s and Dad’s soup.

Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55K Results now posted!

2009-04-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

Greetings to all!
The 5th annual Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55Km was a success once again regardless of spitting snow and blustery wind on the summit of Capitol Peak. 90 Runners toed the line and 86 runners finished both races. There were 41 official finishers in the 50 miler and 43 finishers in the 55Km. Jenny Capel from Reno, Nevada swept the womens field in the 50 miler with a smashing time of 8:32:21 followed by Veronica Mcilvenna in 2nd and Kris Ryding in 3rd. Ron Gutierrez from San Francisco, CA was first overall in the 50 miler with a time of 7:41:20, followed by Miles Ohlrich in 2nd and Adam Hewey in 3rd. Jamie Gifford also recieved the 5 Year Finisher Award for finishing all 5 years of Capitol Peak 50 miles, since the inception in 2005. Our Senior finishers in the 50 miler include Rainer Schultz and Tom Ripley.
The 55Km also showed stellar performances as well. Alison Hanks won the womens field in 5:45:40, followed by Shawna Whilskey in 2nd and Becky Brun in 3rd. Michael Havrda won overall the 55km in 4:28:40 followed by Jesse Stevick in 2nd and John Berta in 3rd. Michael was fortunate he trained on the course in advance since several other took a wrong turn due to mysterious false ribbons. Our Senior finishers in the 55K include John Bandur, Rick Haase and Jim Updegrove.

A huge contingent of volunteers were very greatful in coming out and battling cold and wet blustery conditions at various aid stations throughout Capitol State Forest. We couldn't survive without all these volunteers making it a great race to run. Also thanks also to Friends of Capitol Forest for all their support in trail maintenance that provided over 1000's of hours on the trail! Also thanks to the South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue unit for giving radio and medical staffing support at all the aid stations.
Thank you's go out to a multitude of volunteer individuals which include (w/ respective aid station or work station):
Race Packet Pickup at South Sound Running: Kris Ryding
Registration: Roberta Woods, Jane Updegrove, Lewis Taylor, Allison Moore
Aid Station 1: Heidi Perry, Elena "Peanut" Perry and Dan Farmer
Aid Station 2: Friends of Capitol Forest, Herb Reeves, David Snyder and Gordon Carlisle
Aid Station 3: Roberta Woods, Jane Updegrove, Ashley Birmingham and Heidi Perry
Aid Station 4/5: Allison Moore, Jess Mullen, Max Welker
Aid Station 6/8: Harvey Hall, Laura Houston, Mike Adams
Aid Station 7: Kent Holder and Cooper Brown
Sweepers: Lewis Taylor, Ashley Birmingham, Jim Szumila, Max Welker, and Laura Houston
Supply Van Drivers: Herb Reeves and Mike Adams (who always never hesitates to pickup all the Talking Rain water:~)
Finish Line support: David Snyder, Heidi Perry and many others.
Finish line Timing: Genissa Sygitowicz, Jennifer Seward and Terry Pruit
And last but certaintly not least our soup preparer's extraordinaire's: Bill and Helene Pearch (aka Mom and Dad)
Also special thanks go out to all our sponsors, including: South Sound Running, Seattle Running Company, Brooks, The Balanced Athlete, Route 16 Running and Walking, nuun electrolyte drink, Gu sports gels, Talking Rain water company, The Olympia Food Coop, and San Francisco Street Bakery. Also thanks to Wild Bill Graphics for designing and printing all the great tshirts. And also to John Robinson (Timberline Design) for all the great awards. We also very much appreciate all the support the Washington State Department of Natural Resources has given us and permitted all our events without question.
And last but not least, thanks to Glenn Tachiyama for taking all the awesome photos, (see link at right).

Thanks to all who came out to support Capitol Peak! Hope to see you all next year.

John Pearch
RD-Capitol Peak Ultras

PS: Please comment on this blog or also give your address to your blog so we can add as a link to this blog!