Last Minute Racing: Stagecoach Line 100 Mile and Bootlegger 50k

I had to take more time off than originally planned after Western States this summer, which put a kink in racing plans.  After weekly visits to Dr. AJ Gregg for Graston work and time off, I was finally able to  get out the door again.  I was worried about fitness not being there, but after a few weeks I was starting to feel like a runner again.

In October, I got to be part of the race management crew headed by Ian Torrence for the inaugural Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line 100 Mile and Relay.  On Friday before the race I got a call from Vince, owner of Run Flagstaff, asking if I'd like to be on their relay team.  I couldn't pass up on the chance to race, so after my post-race duties were done I got ready to race...at 9pm.

Photos by Kristin Wilson.

A tailgate pre-race briefing by Race Director Ian Torrence and
AZ Trail's Matt Nelson.

Early leaders running as a pack.

Night falls for solo and relay runners alike.

The Race Management Team

US 50k Trail Championships - Bootlegger 50k

On the Tuesday before the race, the question of running Bootlegger came up.  We had already decided not to race, so it was another last minute decision to ponder.  With JFK two weeks away, I wanted to make sure I made the correct decision.  While at packet pick-up on Friday, I went ahead and registered to run the next day.

I ended up 2nd place in 4:22 to Winner Michelle Yates (4:19).

Photos by Kristin Wilson.

In an early pack climbing the canyon.

I ran much of the race solo.

Finishing in 2nd place with a time of 4:22.

Champion Michelle Yates in 4:19.

Men's Champion Alex Varner.

Wearing our medals on the grandstand.

adiultra teammate Brian Tinder wins the 25k race.

adidas footwear making a presence in the desert!

Flagstaff runners hanging out post-race.

adiultra teammates Josh Brimhall and Ian Torrence celebrating
a successful day of RD duties.

Bootlegger mason jars!

JFK 50 Mile race report coming soon!!