Taylor Murphy receiving his award

But, what began as a showdown turned into an amazing exhibition of just how talented Taylor Murphy is as a runner. Speaking briefly with Phil after the race he stated that he simply let Taylor go from the beginning. In fact, Taylor blazed through the hilly and sometimes tricky course in a new record time of 3:37! Seeing Taylor spring off ahead also inspired Villeneuve, as he broke his previous personal best and course record with his own sub-4-hour time of 3:54! Rounding out third in the men’s event was Blaine Penny in 4:06.

Doone Watson receiving her award

In the women’s event Doone Watson crossed the finish line in first place with a time of 5:12 followed by Amy Golumbia and Barbara Millar. The early female leader (may have been Joanne Schmidt) dropped out midway through the race, which some racers were saying was due to a fall on the course requiring stitches. The steep downhills and rocky terrain can be treacherous if you’re trying to maintain a decent pace.

The weather for the event was almost ideal, as a cool morning breeze kept runners active before the start line and the warm air moved in as the race progressed. Situated in a picturesque area of Kananaskis Country near Bragg Creek, Alberta this race is one of the most scenic you will ever run. It is also one of the most enjoyable and well-organized events you’ll attend. The awards and door prizes were well-timed so that longer racers received a hearty applause as they crossed the finish line and there were still enough racers and supporters around to provide a good atmosphere. The awards and prizes were well worth the effort – whether you were a winner or finisher many participants received great running swag.

Website: http://www.monumentaleffort.com/

Crew contact: Jamie at Jamie.follas@johnstonequipment.com (or email bill@monumentaleffort.com for Jamie’s phone number)

Nonetheless Canadian runners were not intimated by the these big names in ultra running. Tracy Garneau from Vernon, BC overcame achilles tendon difficulties in the last 20 miles to win the women’s race in 19:01:55. Given the great field and tough conditions this is an amazing accomplishment for Tracy. Fellow BC resident Gary Robbins was the top male Canadian finisher with a 6th place finish in race that saw the top two finishers break the course record. To learn more about the Western States 100 go to: www.ws100.com

Congratulations Tracy and Gary and all the rest of the Canadian finishers!

The second race of the 5 Peaks 2010 BC Coastal Trail Running Series took place on Saturday at SFU on Burnaby Mountain. Although the weather was fantastic for the race, it was less than fantastic the week leading up to the race, leaving muddy and slick trail conditions.

Using a combination of single track hiking and mountain biking trails, the 404 racers navigated their way down Gear Jammer, Upper Cut, Function Junction, Lower Snake to Pipeline and the lower trails.  What goes down must come up.up the Trans Canada Trail, the Enduro racers splitting off at Mel’s Trail for their additional loop.  Both courses finished with a challenging final climb up the infamous Cardiac Trail.

Finishing the 6.3km Sport course first for the men was Mark Bertoia of New Westminster with a time of 31:20.  Setting a new course record for the women was Vancouver’s Jillian Fong with a time of 33:51, breaking last year’s course record of 35:15 set by Monika Owczarek. Finishing first for the men was Oliver Utting of Burnaby, completing the 9.8km Enduro course in 44:25, and with a time of 53:42 Chessa Adsit of Burnaby placed first for the women.

The 5 Peaks team wishes to thank all of the race volunteers, the Canadian Ski Patrol System and our sponsors.  Our next race will take place on Seymour Mountain on July 24, 2010.

Keri Cawthorne
B.C. Race Director
5 Peaks Adventures

Follow Charlotte’s record attempt at: http://www.monumentaleffort.com/

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