March 2015 – Seattle Running Club

Gorges Weekend
Seattle Running Club had a nice weekend at the pair of Rainshadow Running ultramarathon races, the Gorge Waterfalls 100k on Saturday and the Gorge Waterfalls 50k on Sunday near Portland in western Oregon.

Justin Houck was first up for the 100k, his first ever. A top-2 finish would earn him a trip to the famed Western States 100 miler this June.

Houck did more than enough to earn that berth, winning handily versus a loaded field in a course-record time of 9:22:56. He was in a lead pack of four at the turnaround point (50k) and from mile 40 to the finish put over 20 minutes on his next closest competitor.
Complete 2015 Gorge 100k Results

Sunday, while Justin gorged on ice cream, Trisha Steidl and Keith Laverty would be representing #SRCBrooks in the Gorge Waterfalls 50k. Trisha is a veteran of the ultra distance but this would be Keith Laverty’s first go of it. Both raced admirably and won for their respective genders, Keith winning outright in 4:27 and Trisha finishing 13th overall in 5:02.

We can only assume they too gorged on ice cream after their hard fought victories. We’re waiting to hear back on Keith’s race plans later this summer, but we’re happy to announce Trisha will be taking on the White River 50 again this July!
Complete 2015 Gorge 50k Results

Rachel Johnson Stewart Mountain

I arrived at the North Lake Whatcom trailhead in Bellingham, WA to find rain that was bordering on a hailstorm. No one considered cancelling of course…runners being as stubborn as they are. The race preparation resumed as scheduled. The starting line was full of stoked runners happy to be outside and about to embark on an epic trail run. The race began with the faster runners breaking away early on the waterfront stretch. We then pushed upwards through the trees heading to the top of Stewart Mountain. Many runners were surprised by the hill climb that was awaiting and the lead pack quickly gained distance on the field.

I maintained lead for the women throughout the race and finished as I started. Congratulations to Nichole Braun who maintained 2nd for women throughout the race. The pace this year was considerably slower than last year due to very tough conditions. The rain and cold temperatures worsened as we neared the top of the mountain and the view of Lake Whatcom was nowhere to be seen. One lead male runner began to feel the effects of the effort and conditions and was forced to ease into the finish at half his pace.

Despite this there was much celebration at the finish…and plenty of pizza for those who’s diet allows for such delicacies. Much conversation was had regarding the conditions and all are stoked for the races to come!

2015 Stewart Mountain Half Marathon Results

Image: Ross Comer – ComerPhotos.com