The Inaugural Capitol Peak 50K Ultramarathon

Oct 2,2004
Capitol State Forest, Olympia Wa.
50K Trail Run
Sunny, Temp in the 70's
34 starters, 33 finishers

The inaugural Capitol Peak 50K went off with a bang, with 34 runners and over 30 volunteer support including members with the Thurston County Jeep Patrol and Harbor Physical Therapy and many other volunteers at 5 different aid stations scattered throughout Capitol State Forest.  A fabulous effort of clearing thick brush on the course was done by several members of the Evergreen State College Cross Country team. 

William Emerson (one of Pacific NW most prestigious ultrarunners) and Dave Mora (1990 Goodwill Games Marathon champion) both took the lead during the first big climb out of the Hells Creek.  William and Dave stayed together until the final climb up to the top of Capitol Peak, where William broke away to set the inaugural record with a time of 4:32:16.  Dave finished second as his first ultramarathon with a well respective time of 4:39:25.  Olga Varlamova (first women-5:39:54) and Van Phan (second women-5:54:14) also ran at a close margin throughout the race and both ran great times.  Other well respected performances were Cary Miller (placing third overall) after passing 3 guys on the climb up Capitol Peak.  Michelle Halsne also ran to a spectacular third place (women) finish, as her first ultra!.  Ethan Kanning (age 19) also ran a stunning race placing 5th overall and won the 29 and under age group. Kent Holder ran Capitol Peak as his 132nd ultra.  Ashley Birmingham ran this race as her second ultra just two weeks after her first, at the Cle Elum Ridge 50K.  Team divisions were also awarded to one men's team (William Emerson, Dave Mora and John Robinson) and one coed team (Richard Bonneau, Dwayne Dunaway  and Teresa Williams).  Tony Phillipi managed to win the Sierra Design 3 season tent for predicting the closest time by nearly 3 minutes! 

Mt St Helens was also visible by runners in the distance with some steam venting as the onset of another eruption.  The views of Mt. St Helens, Mt Rainier and Mt Adams were visible thanks to the incredible sunny weather!

Many sponsors who donated either prizes, food and other contributions are greatly appreciated for all their generous support.  These include: Washington State Department of Natural Resource (providing a permit);

Allan Schuehle (for timing the event)

Olympic Outfitters (providing porta-potties, a large event tent and insurance payment) -- Special Thanks to Hugh Ewing for all the support to this race and for getting Olympia more into trail running. 

Chris Snow (for designing the T-shirt)
John Robinson (for printing the t-shirt)

Vasque (providing race numbers and 6 pair of shoes)  Thanks to all Vasque representatives, for supporting the ultrarunning community throughout the nation and for developing the new Vasque Ultrarunning team!

Ultimate Direction (providing multiple water bottles and other gear)
Cloudveil (providing multiple clothing items for race awards)
Sierra Design (providing a nice 3 season tent)
ProTech sunscreen
South Sound Running (2 pair running shoes and socks)
Gu Sports (providing discount on Gu and Gu2O)
Talking Rain (providing water and juice)
Olympia Farmers Market (providing vast quantities of fruit and vegetables)
Olympia Food Coop (providing $50 gift certificate);
Ralph's Thriftway (providing $20 gift certificate)
Cafe Vita Coffee Roaster (providing coffee)
San Francisco Street Bakery (providing bread and bagels)

Many individuals volunteers are also very appreciated of their support particularly John's family Bill and Helen Pearch along with Christine, Brian and Rylan Goode for helping cook up all the soup!  Kudos to all the volunteers at the aid stations, Thurston County Jeep Patrol, Harbor Physical Therapy and our sweepers (Beth Glander and Mike Adams)!

Thanks to all for coming out to join the fun in the Forest!

See you all on January 22, 2004 for the annual Mega Fat Ass!

John Pearch and James Varner (Co-Race Directors)
www.capitolpeakultras.com