Forest of Nisene Marks 50km

Forest of Nisene Marks 50Km

By Pete Petri Ultramarathon World

Aptos, California (UW) - This year's third running of the Forest of Nisene Marks 50Km proved that, one more time, ultrarunners are a flexible and hardy group. I had envisioned a potluck BBQ for after the race, and saw a high level of participation from the runners. But due to a last minute reservation at the picnic area I had planned to use, and the large size of our group, we were stuck without a dance floor, forcing me to cancel the potluck at the last minute.

Then, the weather reports came out. For the last 5 weeks, the weather had been clear and dry in Northern California, but about a week before the race, things changed, and the rain started coming, and kept coming, seeming to get heavier every day. By the Thursday before the race, forecasts of high winds and heavy rains were in order. Now I knew our little group would be tested, but none of this phased them.

There were about 15 or so no shows because of the anticipated weather, but the rest showed and had a grand time. No one seemed to mind missing the BBQ, and the weather moved through before start time, leaving us with sprinkles and light rain for most of the run. All looked in great spirits at the turn around and finish, and I received positive comments from most on the beauty of our forest and the quality of the run.

Last years defending champs Dan Barger and Kevin Sawchuck were both back, and both talking about breaking 4 hours. To add to their motivation, Mark Richtman came down from Novato to try and make it a three-way race. Adding to the excitement and tension was this years different start format, where folks would check in and start when they were ready. Dan, Kevin and Mark all started at different times, with Dan starting the earliest, and all their times were close at the turnaround, between 2:08-2:11. Dan finished with a new course record, but had to wait almost an hour to find out that it would stand up to Kevin and Mark.

Women's race

On the women's side, Suzie Lister and Lorrie Barger hit the turnaround at about the same time, but it was to be Suzie's day, as she prevailed at the finish. Of course, there were plenty

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