It’s looking like we’ll have fast running weather for the 2018 Quad Rock 50 & 25 Mile Trail Races. And with fast fields in all four races, we feel like a few of the races’ course records might come under a bit of pressure this weekend.
Here are a few names to look out for on the race Twitter feed (@gnar_runners, #quadrock #QR25 #QR50) and via the OpenSplitTime race tracking site.
Women’s 50 Mile Race:
Ginna Ellis, Taylor Nowlin and Abby MitchellWe saw an incredible race last year, with all three of our podium finishers going under the previous course record. Marianne Hogan ended up beating out Kaci Lickteig to reset the women’s mark at 8:29:27. And while none of last year’s podium finishers will be toeing the line this year, we’ve still got a potential barn burner on tap. Former Ultrarunner of the Year, Michele Yates will be continuing her comeback from injury and will be among the favorites on the start line. She will be joined by two-time US Mountain Running Champion Addie Bracy who is dipping her toe into the ultra running world with a second go at the 50 mile distance after an impressive second-place debut at the Behind The Rocks 50 Miler earlier this spring. Nikki Kimball has an incredible race resume to her name, including multiple Western States 100 mile wins. We’re excited to have her on the start line as she gets ready for the 2018 Hardrock 100. We’re also excited to have an equally experienced and decorated Suzanna Bon toeing the line. Should any of the above falter, look for local favorite and winner of many a local race, Jenn Malmberg, to pick up the pieces.
Men’s 50 Mile Race:
Boulder’s Ryan Smith reset the 50 mile course record at an incredibly fast 7:20:27 in 2016, some 20 minutes quicker than Ryan Burch’s record from the inaugural running of the event in 2012. Those likely to be pushing the pace this year include an unbeaten (over 3 races) Bobby Peavey, 2017 second place finisher Daniel Metzger, Oregon speedster Duncan Hoge, two-time podium finisher Frank Pipp, the guy who always punches above his weight Nick Pedatella, and holders of all manner of segment CRs on the Quad Rock course Elijah Flenner and (Cookie) Mike Neal. We’ve also been informed by one of our Twitter correspondents to keep an eye out for Gavin Coombs.
Women’s 25 Mile Race:
Reese Ruland is the only woman to have gone under 4 hours in the 25 mile race (3:58:07, 2015). While she will not be running this year, second to Reese in 2015 and second fastest ever over one loop is three-time podium finisher Ginna Ellis, who is back on the starting line this Saturday and perhaps starting as favorite. Ginna will be pushed by two former 50 mile Quad Rock winners, Becky Wheeler & Kerrie Bruxvoort. In addition, Boulder’s Abby Levene (winner of last year’s Golden Gate Dirty Thirty 50k), Longmont’s Becky Lynn (winner Pike’s Peak Ultra 50) and Windsor’s Katharine Kissane (winner 2017 Steamboat 50) will all be challenging for podium spots.
Men’s 25 Mile Race:
2017 Blue Sky Trail Marathon champion, Chris MockoMichael Aish holds the two fastest 25 mile times with a best of 3:17:29 dating back to 2015. He will not be back this year, but Brent Kocis will be back to defend his 2017 title (3:28:07). Pushing Brent will be last year’s Blue Sky Trail Marathon winner Chris Mocko, former 50 mile record holder and local favorite Ryan Burch, Boulder youngster (and speedster) Jackson Brill, and 2017 Never Summer 100k Trail Race champ Tyler Fox. Add in previous Blue Sky Champ Sam Malmberg and dark horse, Chris Copenhaver, and we’ve got ourselves a race!
We’re looking forward to watching the action unfold. Be sure to check into the gnar_runners Twitter feed during the day for lead updates, pictures and commentary. And for aid station splits across the whole field, we’ll be doing our best to post as close to real time as we can on OpenSplitTime.org.
