The last couple of weekends have seen a few good races on opposite sides of the state.
In Billings on August 22nd was the Annual Quality of Life Run 5-Mile sponsored by the local realtors. The women's race was won by MSU-B trackster Lisa Minnehan in 31:45. Lisa comes to the sport a bit later than most; but, si making up for lost time. She had a great track season this spring and has run several really good road races this year.
2nd place went to Jen Reiter in 32:28. The masters winner (9th overall woman) was Lori Christiansen in 38:10.
The real racing was in the men's race. The normal favorite in a Billngs area race would be Alan King. But, returning to his hometown for a family visit was professional triathlete Lewis Elliot (now living in Phoenix). They went head to head and down to the wire, with Lewis getting a 12 second win (25:20 to 25:32). The top 5 were rounded out by Cody Englert (29:01), Mark Bolt (29:31) and Justice Mack (30:53). The top master runner was the head of the Running Ricardi clan. Running in the 50-59 age group, Nick Ricardi was 13th ovarll with his 33:03.
Continuing a season long trend of having fast and deep events, the race of the month goes to the Roots Festival 4-Mile in Missoula this last weekend (8/30/09). Here's the top 25; and, they pretty much speak for themselves. (Full results at www.runwildmissoula.com)
1 458 Hendrick, Duncan 23 20:30.49
2 937 Grant, Jimmy 31 20:53.33
3 599 Foote, Mike 25 21:23.14
4 453 Garbett, Seth 17 21:48.12
5 443 Drobeck, Audy 27 21:58.18
6 904 Dumke, Chuck 43 22:05.08
7 817 Leavens, Moses 24 22:17.85
8 520 Babcock, Courtney 37 22:54.07
9 229 Lerch, Meg 25 23:11.70
10 868 Ridesatthedoor, Sancho 18 23:16.37
11 891 Hunt, Nicole 39 23:18.36
12 896 Morley, Steve 41 23:20.67
13 431 Plumage, Kevin 40 23:24.37
14 516 Anderson, Erik 16 23:28.71
15 525 Braun, Jeff 45 23:32.13
16 457 Brosh, Allie 24 23:38.53
17 822 Williams, Benjamin 22 23:44.93
18 216 Huse, Sue 35 23:47.37
19 280 Lipp, Dean 48 23:57.05
20 852 Fruit, Brian 47 23:58.97
21 461 Oyler, Jared 29 24:03.43
22 894 Palen, Rye 35 24;23.48
23 857 Mary Thane 46 24:32.35
24 815 Welzer, Michael 25 24:36.66
25 844 Johnson, Jessica 28 24:46.44
20 under 24:00. Two under 21:00. 2 women in the top 10. Look at the number of masters men in the top 20. Man, it was fast.
The route is really set for fast times. The first 800 is flat. Then, there is some pretty solid climbing over the next 1K. But, once you crest the top of the hill above Greenough Park, you have a nice flat to slightly downhill section to recover. Then, the next 2.5 miles are pretty much gentle downhill. Just about the right grade to really let the legs fly. And plenty of shade to help keep the heat at bay. And, the last 800 is on flat downhill streets. Plus, there is a big field and lots of excitement in the area with the Roots Festival that weekend. So, all the pieces in place to be have some fast and furious fun.
And, now, we hit the fall season, XC and Montana Cup. Running and Racing is into super high gear. Looks like some fun is just around the corner.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails.
The Muddy Buzzard
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