Ron Herzog Memorial 50K

Granite Falls, WA 11/8/97

Granite Falls, WA - Rob Lang from British Columbia won the 6th annual Ron Herzog Memorial 50K with a time of 4:14. This was Rob's second win on this Granite Falls course as he cruised in 16 minutes ahead of Dave Dutton and Gene Trahern. Janet Stadshaug was the first woman with a 5:18. Janet is a relative newcomer to ultra running and ran a very steady, strong race.

1997's weather conditions will be classified as the "El Nino" year. Clear skies, temperatures in the 50's and no snow in sight on any of this coastal mountain range - conditions couldn'to be more perfect. A week of steady rain just before the race left everything very wet and muddy, as usual, so that there was no mistaking that we were still in the Pacific Northwest. Compared to previous year's downpours and last year's snow, we were very appreciative of "El Nino."

The infamous Ron Herzog race "tank traps" were as challenging as ever. They certainly add to the uniqueness of this race. The tank traps are the product of digging up culverts on vacated logging roads and provide for an almost continuous obstacle course over a three mile section.

Formerly the Granite Falls Masonic Park 50K, this race was renamed for Ron. Herzog. Ron, was a veteran ultra runner from this area who died last year of ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. This year the race also became a memorial to "Papa Joe" who always enjoyed helping Race Director, Chris Ralph at the one and only aid station. Ray Nicholl, Sr. (aka "Papa Joe") passed away last month. This race was one of his favorites to assist at while checking on all of his running friends.

Many thanks to Chris Ralph, race director; Linda Ripley, excellent soup cook; Ike Hessler, trail marking; Sparkey family, record keeping, and all the other volunteers that pitched in to make this an excellent fall run.
Ron
ronn@wolfenet.com

Logging Roads, Trails

 1. Rob Lang, B.C.              4:14
 2. Dave Dutton                 4:30
    Gene Trahern                4:30
 4. Mark Barnett                4:37
 5. Charlie Sabatine            4:43
 6. Randy Gehrke                5:10
 7. Tom Ripley                  5:16
 8. Janet Stadshaug     F       5:18
 9. Randy Elliott               5:24:47
    Ron Warner                  5:24:47
    Ron Nicholl                 5:24:47
12. Miller Meyers               5:30
    Stan Nakashima              5:30
    Ted Clelland                5:30
15. Ted Meuser                  5:36
16. John Neith                  5:40
17. Brent Spilsbury             5:44
18. Fred Stafford               5:46
    Lary Webster                5:46
20. Susan Weisser       F       5:47
    Max Welker                  5:47
22. Mike Schreck                5:56
23. John Bandur                 6:05
24. Marlis De Jong      F       6:06
    Doug Beyerlein              6:06
26. Steve Loitz                 6:12
27. Bill Hayward                6:18
28. Jamshid Khajavi             6:26
29. Penny Lidstone, B.C.   F    7:09
    Robin Lidstone, B.C.        7:09

33 Starters