Saturday, November 10, 2007
Saddleback Mountain Marathon
Race Results
(Rated the toughest marathon in California. Total elevation gains 5,100 feet. Starts at 3,300 ft.)
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My story, believe it or not. Congratulations to all the finishers, we did have a magic day in the woods. Oh yes, there was another trail race on, that went OK too. With all the problems with the fires in our ‘hood over the last few weeks, we did panic a bit, but just 3 days before the start we got the OK from the Forest Service. Not your actual good lead time! We had 54 finishers including 13 women, obviously we had a few called in sick. Our marathon course remained the same, but our 50 miler had changes ‘cause of the fires up in the upper Silverado Canyon area. My many volunteers did another magic job, including the ham radio team led by Heiko, these events would not happen with all the support. My good mate Rob McNair was the overall winner…. Again! He already holds the course record, but he was sure happy with his time and place. Being 30 years older than second place finisher Christine Ensign, he did gloat a little as he sipped his beer at the finish. It was Chris’s first trail marathon and she loved it. Kyle Hoang was all smiles coming in third over all. All the award winners were happy including the over 60 old goats, Paul Peek and Sandy Israel. My new mate David Whiting did enjoy his day, hope he writes a nice article and shows some magic photos in the OC Register, out Thursday. Mates Jim Warren and Jay Olson did good, Jim’s first marathon in 25 years. We all enjoyed the weather, not bad for a November day. Sorry a couple of runners missed the 8 o’clock start, but they didn’t complain too much and finished. We adjusted their finishing times accordingly. My good, long-time mate Doug Malewicki did a good job of marking parts of the course, he and a small group started early. He also donated $50 to the first male and female to pass him on the course… Rob and Chris were most happy with the gift. Cindy Stigall and Candy Hower were faces I haven’t seen for awhile, both finish with smiles. Many first timers finished the tough marathon course, let’s hope they all come back. Thanks to Fleet Feet of Laguna Niguel and Crank Sports for again supporting the race, hoping for more race support in the future at the Winter Trail Run Series, starting January 26, 2008. Info will be out on my new www.bigbaztrailraces.com soon I hope. It was a long day for many of my volunteers because of the two races, I know you join me in thanking them. The Forest Service did good by allowing the races to go forward… hopefully those bloody fires don’t come back. Must go, things to do and cheap red wine to drink. We will talk soon… stay tuned. Much Love, BAZ the R.D. XXX
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