Results :: 2004

Links to results on Race Headquarters website:

Relay:

Ultra:

Haney to Harrison 100K

Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia
Saturday, November 6th, 2004

by Ron Adams, H2H Ultra Coordinator

The race results are available at www.raceheadquarters.com/results/2004/run/ULTRA.HTM

In reflecting on this race, I think that this year I was most impressed by the variety of different individual struggles that were going on simultaneously in this race.

Of course, this is always the way in any race, but as the RD for the 100K ultra component of the race (the race is piggybacked on an 8 stage road relay), I had the privilege of watching the race unfold and to see the effort of each runner and the struggle and the reward that they are experiencing.

Some of the more poignant efforts included Roy Chen-Campbell. Roy had been severely injured in a rugby accident and was told by the doctors that he would never walk again. Not only did he walk, but he started to run. His first run was 50 metres and he increased it gradually until he eventually was able to combine it with running and swimming and complete an Ironman triathlon. He has now made the next step and completed his first 100K running down the beachfront esplanade in the resort community of Harrison Hot Springs to hear his name announced as a finisher by ultrarunning legend Steve King doing finish line announcer duties.

There was 72 year old Harvey Nelsen. Before the race, Harvey was optimistic but concerned about going the distance. However, he has completed the HURT 100K and I told him that if he could finish HURT, he could finish anything. Harvey eventually dropped out at the 90K mark, partly because the sun had set and he was getting cold, but also because he didn't want to keep the volunteers out waiting for him.

At the other end of the running spectrum was Wendy Montgomery who picked up the pace in the latter miles moving up from 4th place to finish 2nd overall (and first female) setting a new women's course record in the process in 9:09:02. Wendy was fresh off an impressive 8:32:19 clocking at the World Cup 100K in Holland in September.

Actually, there was quite a footrace for 2nd through 6th places, with former race winners Bob Wall of Campbell River and Matt Sessions of Port Moody coming 3rd and 4th followed by Suzanne Evans who finished fresh and strong looking like she was ready to do another 100K.

Canadian 100K champion Major Bruce Barteaux placed 6th. Bruce travelled all the way from the Atlantic coast to run this race, easily capturing 1st prize for the longest distance travelled to get here. The most noticeable aspect of Bruce's presence on the course was his smile. His cheerfulness was infectious and brightened up the race for all. Not only is he the current Canadian champion, but he is a great ambassador for the sport.

The men's race was won by transplanted Aussie, accomplished Ironman triathlete and former ultraman winner, Kevin Cutjar of Penticton in 8:45:49. Kevin led the race from start to finish to finish his first full 100K.

Over the years, there have been a number of runners who have chosen this race for their inaugural 100K (or even their first ultra). This year was no exception. Having organized this race for the 8 years of its existence it is very gratifying to see people accept the challenge of 100K and then to see the look of joy and satisfaction (and pain) on their faces when they cross the finish line. Included in this group was Geoff Palmer who at 22 years old, was our youngest competitor and Al (I run a marathon every month) Harman of the Capilano Eagles, running only his 2nd ultra.

And then there are those runners who come back year after year, running steady, consistent times like Mark White of North Vancouver, finishing his 7th H2H 100K in a time only minutes off his PR or Carlos (Mr. Consistent) Castillo of Victoria.

Of course, if it wasn't for the volunteers, nobody would be running at all. This year, 5 time finisher Rob MacDonald, and Margaret MacDonald, came out to spend their day on the course helping others, and adventure racers Kyla Adams and John Barron sacrificed a training day to see just how much fun ultrarunners can have. After all, we do this for fun ... right? And off course, I can't forget my own wife, Cathy, who just loves =:-0 to spend the day standing around in the rain in November making sure that none of the runners miss a turn where the flour arrows have washed away.

This year, there were 31 starters this year and 27 finishers (a small number by trail race standards, but fairly large for a 100K road race).

Cheers,

Ron Adams
H2H 100K Ultra Race Coordinator in rainy North Vancouver