Only 29 days remaining until the Western States 100 lottery.I put my name into the hat as this is the granddaddy of all 100 mile races. With it being so difficult to get in to, I figured I'd best start trying now.
Western States is conducted along the Western States Trail starting at Squaw Valley, California, and ending in Auburn, California, a total of 100 miles. The trail ascends from the Squaw Valley floor (elevation 6,200 feet) to Emigrant Pass (elevation 8,750 feet), a climb of 2,550 vertical feet in the first 4½ miles. From the pass, following the original trails used by the gold and silver miners of the 1850’s, runners travel west, climbing another 15,540 feet and descending 22,970 feet before reaching Auburn.
If I was able to get in, this would certainly be the focus race for 2010, however if not, there are plenty of other races to get excited about.
Wow, now there's a project!
ReplyDeleteGood luck - is this lottery like NYC marathon, where if you apply and get rejected 3 times you are guaranteed an entry?
ReplyDeleteWe can have the pacing argument later ;)
My name's in the bucket too Derrick. It would be so awesome to get lucky this year, but I realize there's a good chance that won't happen. I know I'll do that race one day though and like you said there are plenty of others to get excited about.
ReplyDeleteAs for Ozark...it's a tough loss from a financial point of view but smart not to try and risk putting you out for even longer. I'm in the same boat this weekend as I was supposed to run Lithia Loop Trail Marathon in Ashland. It's a big race and I'm feeling much better...probably good enough to finish relatively strong...but I'm gonna eat this one too...just to play it safe for 2010. So if it makes you feel any better I "donated" to a couple big races this year and I guess we're learning, eh?! ;0)
David, Yes...2x looser gets in. Only 369 spots available and 1693 applied. 121 already spoken for, so not great odds. There is some fine print about extra foreign consideration, but 77 other Canadians applied as well. http://ultrasignup.com/lottery/lottery_apply_summary.aspx?did=5752
ReplyDeleteYassine,
Thanks for the consolation. Sounds like you're rehab is going well. Good luck in the draw and maybe we'll see you there!
Kind of seems weird thinking about a hot weather race next summer, when in all probability it looks like my next race could be pretty darn cold.
Bring on the snow!
Hi Derrick
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to meet you and Sara at the Haliburton 100 this year. I put my name in also for the lottery but with over 1300 names it's like finding a needle in a haystack. Best of luck with the lottery. If your looking for a great race the Lost Soul in Lethbridge is one to do.
Sue
I'm in the crapshoot as well. Why not eh?
ReplyDeleteI'm also going into the Hardrock lottery and that is my focus race...but it is also a crapshoot. After that I am looking at the new Fat Dog 100. Looks killer.
Hey, I could always use a pacer at Hardrock! ;)
Sue,
ReplyDeleteHope your recovery went well after Haliburton. You've had a busy and amazing year. Fun looking ahead to next year. Good luck with the lottery. Yes, I've heard a lot of good things about Lost Soul.
Moogy,
Good to hear from you. And best of luck getting into WS too, as well as Hardrock. That would be an amazing race to run...or pace;)
I was looking at the Fat Dog 100 the other day and sounds pretty sweet also. So many great races eh?
I was going to throw my hat into the ring but when I saw the price of entry I decided not to. That race has more sponsors than every other ultra race combined and they still have the balls to charge that fee? I would understand it if they offer cash prizes to the winners but come on. What a rip off!!
ReplyDeleteThe HURT entry was only $150. That is the way it should be.
Just my lame opinion.
I know it's crazy expensive, but it's one race that I want to do at some point. Figure I'd best start trying now. Can't see doing it more than once, but who knows? Would be a nice vacation too.
ReplyDeleteAlthough HURT.....hmmmmm? :)
Also, I hear that Alaska is nice that time of the year.
Granted the fee for WS is more than H.U.R.T I think the airfare to H.U.R.T is a bit more for the assassin to travel to so for my money...WS. BTW...fees are verrrrry steep for permits. The WS foundation also has a full trail maintenance, medical research etc...so its bit different than other races.
ReplyDeleteBTW2---Two time losers have been eliminated with all previous "losers" put into the list till 2011.