Some shots from the Ascent this AM. I might be able to get a little video up later.
King was in the press truck at the start and there was no sign of Randall.
Mario took it from the gun, leading by 20-30 yards by Ruxton. I caught a ride with Scott E to the summit and perched out near the Fred Barr sign to take it all in Mario was the first we saw. He had at least a five minute lead over Manning when we spotted him crossing from 2-1 up high. Incredible finish for him, dipping under 2:09, only the third (as far as I know to debut) under 2:10 (but now that has happened two years in a row). Had a good time yelling at guys (along with Tony K, Justin M, Scott E, others) as they came by. Video of Macias winning from PikesPeakSports.us.
It became pretty clear pretty quick that the depth of racing we thought might occur was not to be – only 7 guys broke 2:30. I was reminded as to how cruel the mountain can be as I then watched folks who hoped for a sub 2:30 come in 2:40ish. And those wanting to come in sub 2:40 coming in closer to three. And these are solid athletes. A bad day on the hill does not mean you are off by a minute or two – it causes an eruption.
Macias performance is pretty amazing but I am tossed up if Dobson’s 2:34 and change – just missing a CR by the last switchback is the performance of the day, or Mike Kloser running 2:38 at that age of 51.
Off to get my number now and get some rest.
The start
The turn up Ruxton
Bag duty at the summit and various summit shots before the runners pour in,
The top ten men
Dobson – top woman
Grauch, Ames and 51 year old Kloser running 2:38.
thanks for posting pics! Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteIn most important news, Brownie took down Amanda by 18 mins. Will she retire from the sport? She might have to.
Go and kick butt tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff, GZ, as always.
ReplyDeleteChuck Smead's 2:58+ at age 60 seems like it should be in the running for performance of the day. But Macias, Dobson, and Kloser all had spectacular performances as you pointed out.
Best of luck tomorrow!
Yeah - we saw Smead and talked to him after the race. Good stuff. He says he won't do the race now until he is 65. He likes 3k track races instead.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout out up top - eruption for sure! On 2:35pace to a-frame, then the hard running began! See How next year goes?
ReplyDeleteWe thought that was you! But then you shook your head!
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