Spence, Price Win USA 10K Trail National Championship Titles
By Jason Bryant
Posted Sunday, 30 August, 2009
The FootRx Continental Divide Trail Race was run Saturday under perfect race conditions, upper 60s and sunny. The competition came ready to fight it out as the 10Km Trail National Championship was on the line. The overall winner of the day may have been the race course. The terrain was a mixture of everything from grass to fireroads to wide trails to tight singletrack. The footing ranged from relatively smooth to highly technical. I heard one first time trail runner remark that a deer wouldn't run on that mountain trail. Plus there was really nothing flat, you were either running up or down. Most descents were 9-15% with one 150 meter section of 28.5% (great video of this on Dave Dunham's blog). What goes down must go up, and if you are going to go up, you just as well to make it steep. Again, most climbs were in the 10% range with two bigger climbs. The first big climb came just before halfway with a ¼ mile climb at 18.5%. The second big climb comes with just under a ½ mile to go. This climb is again ¼ mile, but at over 22%, it's a grind. It includes a 20 yard section that picked up its own nickname, The Rock Climb. Everyone from winners to middle of the pack runners described the course as brutal, grinding, punishing, “the hardest race I have ever run,” and really fun, in a warped, runner sort of way.
Speaking of winners, Michael Spence came out to give trail racing a go in a big way. He led from early on and never looked back. I had not expected anyone to break 40 minutes, but Michael pushed in just under that time with 39.52. I got the feeling that this may be just the start of his trail racing resume. A little further back, a group of three, Ryan Woods, Aaron Saft, and David Riddle, fought hard for a top three placing. In the end, Wood's push on the faster sections after halfway was enough to hold off Aaron Saft to take 2nd place.
The woman's race was a nice battle early on between a few runners. Brandy Erholtz lead the way through the first big climb. She was out supporting our race before heading off to Italy for the World Mountain Running Championships on the US Team. In the second half of the race, Kristin Price was able to get away for the win in 48.28. I think she found the course tough, but worth the discomfort in taking the 10Km Trail Championship. Brandy cruised in for 2nd place in 49.18. Gina Lucrezi continued a great trail and mountain racing season with 3rd place in 50.58. Amber Moran finished 4th in 51.48.
Our Masters winners were two Colorado friends, Andy Ames and Lisa Goldsmith in 47.24 and 52.45 respectively. It was great to hear how much they enjoyed the course, especially since they have run many trail races. I really appreciated their travel out to support our race.
When I finally got to wind down for the awards, it was great to see runners enjoying one another's company. As well as sharing stories about their own individual torture on the course. I think we may have suddenly became known as one of the toughest trail races around. Thanks to all our volunteers and runners. Alison and I enjoyed race directing for the first time. We look forward to doing it all again next year.
A big thanks to our awesome sponsors, FootRx, Max Hydration, La Sportiva, NC USATF, Marathon Chiropractic, and Edward Jones Investment.
USATF Top Five
Men
1. Michael Spence 39.52
2. Ryan Woods 42.45
3. Aaron Saft 43.10
4. David Riddle 43.31
5. Michael Bunker 46.45
Women
1. Kristin Price 48.28
2. Brandy Erholtz 49.18
3. Gina Lucrezi 50.58
4. Amber Moran 51.48
5. Lisa Goldsmith 52.45
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