Mt. Baldy Run to the Top

[Ellen]

Howdy All

Z-dude's post on the Tram run reminded me to ask who's participating in the Mt. Baldy Race on September 1. In my case, it will be a hike to the top to celebrate my 55th birthday. The B-day motto this year: "55 and still alive!"

http://www.run2top.com/index.lasso

I know that Perry is running. He's even promised to pre-register this year so he can start on time. As I recall, Cy said he would hike up and watch the front runners come in.

Hope to see you there.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen
The Phoenix

[zippetydude]

Thanks for the post Ellen. I'm usually out of town on Labor Day, but I may stay home this year. If so, I'll probably cruise over and try this event out. Hopefully I'll run into you, Cy, Perry (whom I have never seen in person!) and anyone else from this message board who is able to go.

Incidentaly, I looked on their website and didn't see a starting place or time...is it just me?

z

[Cy Kaicener]

The race starts at 8 am but you need to get there sooner to get oriented etc.
The sooner you get there the more time you have to get acclimatised to the elevation. Click on to Click Here.
Tina has also entered the race.

[FIGHT ON]

Thanks for the post Ellen. I'm usually out of town on Labor Day, but I may stay home this year. If so, I'll probably cruise over and try this event out. Hopefully I'll run into you, Cy, Perry (whom I have never seen in person!) and anyone else from this message board who is able to go.

Incidentaly, I looked on their website and didn't see a starting place or time...is it just me?

z

Z, Check out the course record for women. Then look at the age of the lady!

[Perry]

She was on the road to become professional, but she stopped competing.

I emailed the race director to see what the rules are for the final climb near the summit. No reply. I've been told you can choose your own route, but it would be nice to have that confirmed...

[FIGHT ON]

She was on the road to become professional, but she stopped competing.

Did you ever meet her? How old was she when she quit?

I emailed the race director to see what the rules are for the final climb near the summit. No reply. I've been told you can choose your own route, but it would be nice to have that confirmed...

Ah! So you're considering the secret detour route up to Thunder Mt.. to get that down hill momentum pendulum swing to the Notch and up past Mt Harwood! And pass everybody up at the final moment!
That's how it's done folks!

[Perry]

One of the other runners knows her. It's best if you ask her directly and get her permission before posting anything.

[zippetydude]

You can choose your own approach? I think my approach will be taking a helicopter! That should improve my time considerably.

But seriously, shorter but steeper is usually faster if you've explored the area in advance and found good footing, a relatively straight route, etc. Do people still follow pretty much a singlefile approach, or are they all spread out?

z

[Perry]

At the very end there are several use trails. Most people pick one because that's easier than moving scree backwards with every step. It does appear that there is no route requirement for that last part, but it's odd that I can't get an official answer on that. The race is very informal. One time the starter just fired the gun with no announcement. A couple years ago, several runners including myself took a wrong turn because it wasn't marked well, and one runner got bit by a dog. When I started late last year that was actually my fault because I overslept and still had to register.

[zippetydude]

Informal is great.

Ever heard of the Barkley Marathons? I hear the official start signal is when the RD lights a cigarette. Now that's a weird start.

Hey, by the way, I'm wondering if this is roughly equivalent to Marion Mountain trail, or perhaps San Bernardino Peak trail? I'm figuring it's a little longer, but a little less altitude gain. I've never done Baldy before, so I'm looking forward to it.


z