San Juan Trail 50K (31 miles)  - April 7, 2007

G'Day,
     It's amazing how lucky we get sometimes, Saturday's SJT50K was just one of those days. My mate Bob and I arrived up at Blue Jay in the dark, bit chilly and foggy. Andy Kumeda arrived early and said he couldn't wait to start, by 6:59 we had 54 excited runners at the start line. Shortly after 7 bells the race was on, then my job really starts, mates to organize, water to be delivered etc, etc.  Then we had runners turning up late, got lost in the fog I think. One being my good mate, Jorge Pacheco and his lovely Maria. Didn't take long to put on bib numbers, but all the other runners had an eleven-minute start.
       At the first aid station out next to the Ortega highway across from the Candy Store many magic volunteers were ready with everything prepared. As for the weather, it just wasn't going to improve, shitty fog, cold and drizzle, reminds are of my homeland! The runners arrived at 1 hour 20 minutes, running time, me old mate Eric Clifton leading the pack, Rob McNair knew it was going to be a challenging day, even with his new shoes on! All the runners were enjoying the trail and conditions. Becky Flowers, in only her third ultra, was in the top 5. Back at Blue Jay, more good mates had arranged the second Station. 53 year old Rob McNair had made his move and wasted no time passing through. Eric stayed to inhale several slices of orange then moved on. A new face moved into the top 5, Jorge was making up for his late start. Becky was still up there and local lovely Michelle Barton was staying strong in second place. El Cajon resident; Anne Langstaff was enjoying the day in third place.
     Yes, we had our cut off  time at BJ, but allowed all but a few to finish the tough last 12 miles. The first timers, including my new mate Chaz and runners from the OC Trail Runners were all smiles, they love their trails.
      Our Ham Radio team did another good job and let the finishing line know we had a new leader on the way down from the last aid station. There were no bets to who it was and no surprise to see the smiling face of Jorge racing through the mist. He had used all his talents and strength to catch his senior competitor. His next big race is Death Valley to Mt. Whitney - bet it don't rain that day! Rob was only 7 minutes back finishing second, his new shoes will need a face lift. Eric was 29 minutes behind to take third place overall.  We expect to see more of Mr. Clifton having now moved into our area.
      Becky Flowers maintained her pace to win and finish third overall in 5:20:30.  Michelle was only 9 minutes back, maybe doing a 50K the week before!!! Anne enjoyed her day coming 3^rd overall. Jennifer Forman had a good day; she said it was nice to see her better half at the Trabuco Trail aid station twice. All the award winners did good, must give Fred Pollard kudos for his lonely finish. I was the only person to greet him. Leigh and George did not come in last!
       Must again thank all the many volunteers who spent a cold day in the woods. Local running store Fleet Feet Sports Laguna Niguel was good to us again with lots of goodies, along with Crank Sports (E-gel). Me old mate Matt did good helping with the Magic Raffle, nearly everyone who stayed around got something. Mate Maurie did good with keeping the finish line together, with many layers of clothing he was still cold. I was to, in me shorts.
       Another good day was had by all, maybe I can see some of you in Fish Camp for the 18th Shadow of the Giants 50K, June 2nd.  I know Rob will be there to continue his run. I have met some new good mates over the last 6 months. I hope to say involved with more races in the Cleveland National Forest. Maybe add a 50 miler to the Saddleback Marathon on November 11th. Hope to get a better website up. Stay in touch via bazhawley@sti.net ...I return to my home in Oakhurst for a few months. Keep training, but not too hard, save something for race day.  
Much Love Big BAZ XXXX