Superstition Wilderness 25K & 50K / Sunday 1.2.11

Come join the Group for a fun Run though the Superstition Wilderness this Sunday, January 2^nd. We are starting from First Water Trail head off the Apache Trail just past the Lost Dutchman State Park entrance in Apache Junction at 7:00 AM. Should be a fun group running through the Wilderness Area on the 18.6 mile Dutchman Trail to the Peralta Trail head. We’ll have a water refill station and some food there and a ride back to the start line for those that want to call it a day at 18 miles (space is limited so let me know if you can.) The 50K’ers will head back up the Peralta Trail finishing the circle of Weaver’s Needle and back down Black Mesa to the start/finish. Amazing views, cool temps, and some of the best single track trail running outside of the Canyon. Should be chilly? Bring a long sleeve. Gaiters recommended. Contact Jeremy D at 480-415-5315 or jdougherty@hotelvalleyho.com for more details!

Last Wednesday run of 2010

Come join us on the last Wednesday run of the year. Run off that excess eggnog and fruit cake and partake in about an hour run in the mountain preserves on the trails. Meet at the top of Squaw Peak drive at 5:15 a.m. Dress warm it should be a cold one this week.

Runners of the week are all the peeps that joined in on Honey’s Christmas Eve Day run in the Preserve. Two and half hours of up and down every mountain. Lots of fun and good times.

Santa Says Go Run 12.22.10

Hey group, Santa is coming to town. He's been working out at core-class getting ready for the big day. One of Santa's elf told us we all need to go for a group trail run in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Rain or shine. Wednesday morning 5:16 AM. Meet at the very top lot of Squaw Peak Drive. Bring a headlamp because Rudolph will be a no show. Be prepared for an hour run at a slow to moderate pace.

Remember Kopol Run 12.14.10

Blizzard like conditions, two feet of snow, below zero temperature. Or 55 degrees under clear skies. The latter sounds more appealing for a trail run and that's what we have in Phoenix. Lets eat it up. Group trail run tomorrow in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. 5:17 AM at the end of squaw peak drive trail head. Plan on a little over one hour at a slow to moderate pace.

Over the weekend we lost a long time WMRCer and running partner. Jeff and Rachel had to put down Kopol. Kopal lived a wonderful 12 years. He was strong, friendly and a great runner. He had the best owners a dog could have. Just last year the 11 year old Kopol ran the rugged Cave Creek Trail Marathon. Check out the footage below and the Kopol Blog. RIP Kopol!!!

Jody's Run 2010 from Jeff Jones on Vimeo.

Also, a shout out to the McDowell Mountain Frenzy runners. 50K Paulette (1st place Female), Joe G (top 10), Mark Hellenthal. 25K Albert Shank (6th), Jon Roig, Laura Encinas (2nd female, Lisa Osinga. Please let us know if we missed any WMRCer!! We want to know!

Cave Creek Trail Marathon Fun Run / 1.30.11

When: January 30th, 2011

Time: 7:30 AM

Where: Spur Cross Conservation Area

Cave Creek, Arizona

Distance: 26.2 Miles with 6,200' elevation gain

Hydration: 60 oz. Minimum to start

Aid Station: There is one aid station at the 12 mile mark. It will have all the regular ultra type food.

Jody Chase would like to invite her running friends to participate in another trail run in beautiful Tonto National Forest. This is only a gathering of friends who enjoy each other's company, the trails and would like to train on this gorgeous loop in a semi supported fashion. Last year was a record turn out of over 40 people. I will provide water/aid at the "top" of the loop, approximately 12 miles and will mark the course so I don't lose anyone. Maps will be provided. Although you are responsible for your own direction finding and well being. Donations of $10.00 will be graciously accepted. Whatever is left over after I pay for aid station supplies will be given to charity or other needy entity. This is a tough course that is not for the timid. The average finishing time is 6 hours. If you are not familiar with trail running, trail finding, trail etiquette, are ill-equipped, do not hydrate or are not prepared for the rigors, challenges of trail running in Arizona's back country, please wait another year. Search and rescue are not in my budget. Otherwise, for those who meet the above criteria, I would love to see you in January as some of the toughest runners in the valley gather to share a great run.

2010 Report and Results

2010 Videos: Here and Here

Directions to the start and finish

For additional information contact Jody Chase at: ultrachase_1@yahoo.com

WMRC 12/8

We are on for a 1:06 moderatley paced trail run Wed am at 5:16 am. Meet at the top lot of Sq Pk Dr. Very dark out there this am with no moon, get some new batteries for your headlamp.

Congrats to the sun devils for the current streak of one win in a row against the Cats. It took a miracle but you can actually miss an extra point twice in one game. Now I know how the devils felt all season. On to B-ball season for the devils-hee hee. Good luck to all 85 Div 1 teams that made it to a bowl game this year.

Runner of the week goes Andrew Heard for his return to the trails. He "won" the South Mountain 50 K fun run organized by Robert Andrulis on Sat, great job Robert! Here are somne other results....well done everyone.

- The ‘whole enchilada’
Andrew Heard 5:23
Debbie Leftwich 7:20
Melissa Masteller 8:05
- 20.8 miles (or so)
Nick Coury 3:26
Nathan Coury 3:28
Jeremy Dougherty 4:13
- Some other variation up to (or maybe more than) 20 miles
Kate Hansen 4:45
Tiffany Foster * 4:50
Stephanie Taylor* 4:50
Stephanie Buettner 4:54
Katie Daugherty 4:59
Justin Fredricksen 4:59
Paul Norberg ^ 6:25

See everyone tomorrow, bright and early.