Is it The Run Down or do the So Cal Ultra Runners Grand Prix Series events each year just seem to get hotter and hotter? Or, with free radical-induced aging are we as ultra runners physically losing body mass, getting colder and colder and it just appears hotter? Not sure what the deal is, but if anybody was wondering about the validity of global warming, just start running the Noble Canyon 50K year after year and you’ll immediately buy into the ozone depletion theory. The 2007 and 2008 events were hot but the 2009 Noble Canyon 50K was a dry roast of venti (made-up Starbucks word) proportion. At this rate, the 2012 event will be run in a refrigerated fire suit or possibly at night completely naked. We thought the empty swimming pool at the Start/Finish line was a nice touch — thanks Scotty.

In any event, San Diego isn’t synonymous with sweltering heat and frankly it’s generally cool year round but saunter out to Pine Valley Bible Center, home of the Noble Canyon 50K, and leave the electric blanket at home. Pull up a sizzling-hot, gallon-size boulder, coat the rock with PAM non-stick vegetable spray and fry up those quads over easy. You’re in for a great race but if you think 90 degrees at the association pool is uncomfortable, slide the water wings back on, grab a floatie and bask in your 95-beat-per-minute resting heart rate. You’ll be dialing 911 later in life but better from the comfort of your Posturepedic bed than the Pacific Coast Trail. “Rampart, this is Engine 51. We have a male victim…”

The 2009 Noble Canyon 50K race re-cap is brought to you by TRD’s new partner, Ink n Burn. An established apparel company, Ink n Burn is a motivated player in the ultra arena and will be revolutionizing endurance tees and tech shirts with fashionable designs, catchy ultra phrases, functional fits and top-notch performance fabrics. The Run Down can’t convey in this limited space the uniqueness of the apparel Ink n Burn will be introducing. However, a few early production peaks give indications that the products will finally give ultra runners a look of our own that truly reflects the sport and its participants. We borrowed a few samples to test them out in the Saddleback Marathon on 11/7/09 and we must say, they were very stylish and comfortable. Stay tuned if you want to look and feel good on and off the trail. Send an email inquiry to charlie@therundown.com. If you want to acquire any of the new Run Down shirts for an introductory amount. 

The Noble Canyon 50K course is a tough but fair lollypop design and in reality is a tad farther than 50k (around 32.9 miles); it’s like asking for help at the DMV — ask 10 people the actual distance and you’ll get 12 different answers in three languages. If your body fat registers between 6% and 8%, the course is completely runnable. There are some long climbs but the angle of ascent isn’t close to the San Mateo Wilderness Park’s Teneja North. The course is very technical (roots & large rocks), 90% single track, 5% fire road, 4% asphalt and 1% biological leakage. The spectacular views differ drastically from mile to mile. One hour you’re paralleling a lazy creek, then next the Anza Borrego desert, then you’re traversing around massive Lake Laguna and then passing some dude puking on a brand-new pair of Solomons. The course provides a functional amount of shade but a number of exposed spots will remind you why roofs are such a nifty invention.

Colorado resident Jerry Armstrong’s RV wasn’t horizontally hogging up 10 spaces so there were ample parking spots conveniently located just a short walk to the bib pickup area.

Despite being partially marked by near sighted PCT 50 Race Director “El Cubano,” the course was mapped out extremely well with generous amounts of pink ribbons and white chalk. If you get lost on this particular course you better get tested for dementia. The trail is not confusing and there are more ribbons hanging around than in Greg Hardesty’s hair during Friday Happy Hour. However, it never fails that somebody will pass through the Penny Pines aid station and take a left on the PCT despite multiple people yelling directions and waving neon signs, along with the Goodyear blimp and a billboard pointing to GO RIGHT.

With a total of seven aid stations, the course has plenty of H2O, electrolyte and fuel coverage. Aid station #4, at 16.5 miles, delivered a very pleasant surprise. We couldn’t decide whether to request an energy Gel, refill our water bottles or ask for an autograph. Manned by Surf City Marathon cover girl and newly self appointed Leona Divide 50-Miler RD Keira Henninger, along with fitness queen Shannon Waegner, it was easy for the guys to get momentarily distracted. Apparently, a private tree dance with select spectators was an option as Kirk Fortini was spotted swapping spit so long with a certain individual that he was asked to relocate his activities and the term trailhead suddenly took on an entirely new meaning.  

The Run Down ran into Matt Davis before his coronation as a Bad Rat during a snowy 2007 PCT50 training run. We immediately picked up on his solid running ability and made a mental note to track his progress (more like stalking). Matt expertly captained the #1 aid station at mile 4. The first pass of runners through his domain were feeling good and most only waved while blowing past the dual canopies. However, that scenario drastically changed when the aid station transformed itself into aid station #7 on the return leg.

When The Run Down reached mile 29, Matt’s aid station looked like the 4077 MASH unit. I’ve never seen more runners slumped in chairs with wet towels draped over their drooping heads. We wondered if Ramadan had hit and we’d missed the memo. Marisa Willment was politely puking off to the side while apologizing in her cool South African accent. Is it me or is there something kind of sexy about women throwing up due to pure physical exertion? Watching some bar cougar blow shrimp cocktail at happy hour just doesn’t bring up the same emotion. Ok, off topic but we do that a lot.

In our book, Matt has one of the toughest volunteer jobs of the event. Did you see any trucks or support vehicles nearby? Nope, all the tables, water and TRD’s Sub-Zero had to be manually hauled a few hundred yards across rocky terrain. Matt deserves a big attaboy for setting up the remote outpost, rehydrating the dehydrated and then being the last outpost to break down and go home. Matt gets the TRD effort of the race award and will be receiving two complimentary tickets to Barry Manilow’s next concert.

Aid station #2 was under Cindy Yankee’s command. Cindy is a pro when it comes to race support.  An expert swimmer, Cindy endured years of tense crew work while supporting ultra fast Jerry Armstrong; that’s like trying to keep the late Michael Jackson corralled at Chuck E. Cheese’s. A swimmer supporting runners? I’m not sure The Run Down would be eager to even hold, much less wash, those tiny Speedos after a chlorine-drenched swim meet, so kudos to Cindy.

Most, if not all of the aid stations are captained by San Diego’s infamous Bad Rats; even running legends like Tracy Moore. All Rats are accomplished ultra runners or ex-restaurant help so service is timely, knowledgeable and top-notch. We recommend the Banana Gel Fosters and/or Salt Tab salad. The Pine Valley Bible Center Gymnasium is air conditioned, has booth seating and is a fantastic spot for finishers and fans to hang out; or make out if you’re Kirk Fortini. The availability of private showers is a very unusual post-race option, which makes driving home and not becoming one with your car seat a wonderful thing.

Let’s talk results. What are the odds of a first-time ultra marathoner winning his or her very first event? Better yet, what are the odds of a first-time ultra marathoner edging out legends like Tom Nielsen and Eric Clifton? The odds can’t be very good, but that’s exactly what 53-year-old Marty Ellison did on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2009. Being passed by Tommy Nielsen on rocky single track brings on a feeling of helplessness but it’s also a sight of pure power and grace. Somewhere around mile 31, Martin witnessed firsthand how easy Tommy makes even the most technical section look. However, Martin returned the favor on running mechanics and showed Tommy how to fly on hard pavement, passing Tommy during the last mile of blacktop for the overall win in 4:48:54. Had the race ended at the Noble Canyon trailhead, the results would read differently. However, starting and ending on pavement seems to be a growing trend in ultra running, so we suggest a few of you get used to it. 1999 Badwater winner Eric Clifton (5:01:25) delivered his normal podium finish while running in those ultra cool welding goggles and blowing through aid stations; Eric must suck moisture from thin air or sip dew off plants while in perpetual motion. We like it but don’t get it.

Apparently, you have to be over 50 years old to win one of these grueling events. These “old guys” are just smoking adolescents in their 20s and 30s, which is pure testament to how fit and talented they really are. In the ultra world, 50 years old is the new 35 — or at least it sounds good and gives The Run Down something to look forward to in 25 years.

As for the women, the top three all finished within 13 minutes of each other. Angela Shartel would win the event in 5:09:14 while women’s course record holder Michelle Barton cruised in for a solid second place showing at 5:19:26. After a full day of search and rescue efforts in the Saddleback Mountains on Wednesday, Michelle didn’t have her usual fire-in-the-eyes glare, though you know she toed the start line with full intentions of defending her 2007 title. However, Angela ran hard and smart on a very hot day and created enough of a lead to keep Michelle from being motivated enough to chase her down. Traci Dimino (5:22:34) would take third place — a full 20 minutes ahead of her nearest threat.

We need to get more information on the women during these races so we can give equal coverage because quite frankly, they look and smell a ton better than Keith Kirby after a Krispy Kreme race. We’ll work on that.

Let’s face it, race day shirts and finisher trinkets to an ultra runner are more important than their kids’ SAT scores, personal tax refunds or Twitter updates. OK, we said it. Scott Mills’ swag is second to none. He takes personal interest in outdoing himself each year. This year’s finishers’ quick release tear gas container was top notch. I can’t wait to pull the pin the next time my kids don’t stop goofing around in their bunk beds. The 1981 “wake me up before I go go, don’t let me run that trail a solo” day glow technical race day shirt is second to none. It perfectly captured the week’s thematic search and rescue activities. And, what would the Noble Canyon 50K be without a fresh pair of Bad Rats’ can we make them any busier, polyblend socks. These puppies are too cool for collecting blood-dried toenails and make great hand puppets.

Rant

OK, so what’s with the hikers on the Big Laguna Lake Trail? Every year, no matter how tired you look, no matter how many bib numbers you have plastered all over your body, no matter how long the line of runners in front or behind you, the walkers on the Big Laguna Lake Trail will stand in the middle of the trail and force you to run around them; this year was the king of all trail clogs. The Run Down had the dubious pleasure of getting stuck behind two large dogs being fed lunch (yes, in metal bowls) right smack dab in the middle of the trail. If we were in overall third place, we could understand the confusion, but with at least 80 people in front of us, the pet owners must have noticed some consistency of racer traffic and maybe expected more tired, delirious people navigating the sometimes very thin single track. I wondered if Purina Dog Chow might be a good source of carbs as I detoured into the brush to avoid the slobber of Cujo and his twin brother.

And while we’re on the topic, what’s up with all the unmanned mountain bikes? Do the owners actually ride them or just stand around staring at them? Seriously, we must have said “hey man” to at least 10 full-body-armored bikers all hanging out either eating a snack or day dreaming about the Ultimate Fighting Championships. Personally, we have nothing against mountain bikers as long as they stay off the mountains. We enjoy all the gothic logos, thousand dollar Shimano derailers, weightless carbon fiber frames, vented helmets protecting defective thinking and of course that look of pure confusion as we go running past; they whisper quietly amongst themselves, “are these people for real, certainly they’ve seen or heard of the wheel?” Yes to a degree we understand bike mechanics but as runners we don’t coast downhill very well, have no idea or interests in fixing flats and we don’t score high enough on HALO 3 guzzling Monster energy drinks while obliterating hundreds of virtual soldiers and a few unfortunate digital civilians. OK, we have cool buds that mountain bike and are as fit and polite as the rest but you get the gist.

Honorable Mentions and Sightings

Don’t forget to watch the new reality show Hair Swap. We’ve been out of it but did San Diego Running Institute’s Dr. Victor Runco and Wildomar’s Kirk Fortini exchange hairdos, or what?

Legendary Ben Hian and The Run Down go way back; about four days if you count Saturday. Ben, the 2009 San Diego 100 winner, would listen to his body and walk it in for a 6:10:40. While many elite runners just call it a day when “not feeling it,” both Ben and Dean Dobberteen (also not in full form) would finish what they came to conquer. We just love guys who beat 80% of the field while walking it in. Need we say more?

Marisa Willment and Lorraine Gersitz did the joined-at-the-hip Siamese twin thing and kept each other company as neither felt too motivated even prior to the gun going off. It happens.

Toby Guillette (heir to the Gillette razor fortune) continues to get better and better. While we didn’t see his normal Hooter girls cheering section, he was still a crowd favorite. Watch out for this guy as he progressively gets faster and faster. With the added heat, Toby was still able to beat his 2008 time by seven minutes; that’s an entire half hour in dog years.

Always great to see the So Cal Trail Headz blocking single track and texting each within ten feet of each other: Jeff Smith, the iMichelle, Pam Everett, Kristen Trujillo, Keira Henninger, Shannon Waegner, Carmela Layson, Beiyi Zheng, club President Steve Harvey and his direct boss Annie Harvey. If I missed somebody it’s because I live in Orange County and have a difficult time thinking about anything aside from my new Viking BBQ with auto rotisserie.

Andy Kumeda represented this year’s paparazzi. The Polaroid camera was a bit retro but cool in its own right. Seriously, the guy lives near Pasadena and it’s not like the Laguna Mountains are just around his corner and gas is free.

If there was a Mr. Cool in ultra running it would be Rob McNair. We have no idea how many races Rob has won, placed or showed in and most like neither does he. Not one to boast, Rob does his thing with the greatest of ease. We’re not sure if he actually sweats. Rob finished in overall twelfth and looked like he just finished bringing the trashcans back in.

Los Angeles’ Robert Blair recorded his typical top twenty finish, refueled and then most likely went for a 20-mile recovery run. If you train with Robert, be prepared to complete multiple ultras mid-week with an all night run sandwiched somewhere in between. Robert is training like a mad man for the inaugural Chimera 100K/100M on Dec 12, 2009 in Orange County’s rugged Saddleback Mountains.

Steve Cunningham was limping around the Start/Finish with a foot injury all due to Dr. Nielsen’s faulty medical advice; couldn’t have been those 90-mile weeks; no way. Jenn Cunningham was having problems keeping her hat on with the wind but that’s another story.

Since everyone was asking, 2009 Badwater finisher Dennis Koors was not present at this year’s Noble Canyon 50K. In fact, we don’t think he’s ever run the event. Maybe the distance isn’t far enough or the heat high enough. But whatever reason Dennis has for snubbing the event, all his friends completely understand; no big, nobody takes it personally, whatever, we’re good, who cares, have a nice day, whatever turns your crank. The “Congratulation Dennis” banner hanging in the gymnasium can be used next year as a slip and slide for the fine children of the Bible Center who actually show up.

Paul Escola, Jeremy Scarborough and Kara Scarborough all finished within seconds of each other. Used to training in Tijuana where running solo isn’t safe, the threesome sprinted from rock to rock yelling “cover me” in absolutely incredible time. All snuck undetected across the finish line, slid into the trunk of a waiting lowered Impala and were gone.

The Run Down made a new friend. Her name is Kam Sengthong. Kam is some nutty rock climber who’s getting her pitons wet with the whole ultra thing. We tailed her for the last few miles and then pulled a Marty by passing her in the race’s final street section for the sweet “duded ya” victory. Kam had no idea we were racing but that was the plan. According to the Pine Valley Times (circulation 26, including 4 goats), Kam has been spotted repelling with Active.com’s Toby Guillette but we’re contacting her parents anyway to ask for a play date.

George Velasco maximized his cost per race minute by working the aid station cut offs flawlessly. George runs more ultras per year than most people do in a lifetime and is just a great guy who deserves a ton of credit for his true commitment to the sport and all the participants.

After a week of organizing conference calls, talking to ABC news and physically searching for a good friend in the Cleveland National Forest, Pam Everett was admittedly spent and ran uncharacteristically out of breath for much of the course. She still finished in just over 6 hours, didn’t get lost and was home playing Jenga when TRD kissed the rat. Pam is seen here trying to screw somebody else’s cap on her water bottle.

The Noble Canyon 50K is a top-notch race regardless of hot weather or who’s president. Race director Scott Mills (loves running fire road), in conjunction with the San Diego Bad Rats, put on an excellent event year after year. Having run ultras since 1981, when handhelds were rinsed-out Ancha Mimi maple syrup bottles, General Mills has 32 100-milers under his belt along with who knows how many endurance events of lesser, yet daunting length. There aren’t any ultra logistics Scott and his crew haven’t seen firsthand and they put that knowledge and experience to work for the benefit of the runners. The addition of two more aid stations in 2008 really made a difference. Having missed the 2008 event, kissing the hanging rat before crossing the finishing line this year was a stimulating experience. We’ll be aiming for a top 20 finish next year to avoid the 95 levels of saliva that piled up on that over sized rodent’s mug; doesn’t anybody use wipies?

One gets the feeling that on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009 the fine folks at the Pine Valley Bible Center said a prayer for the Noble Canyon 50K participants, asking that we find resolution to whatever compels us to torture our bodies, or that we locate the Lord very soon before killing ourselves. Little do they or others typically understand that ultra runners choose to experience whatever/whomever created this great planet first hand in a very intimate and personal manner. On Saturday, Scott Mills was our prophet and we followed his disciples (even if they were Rats) down the endurance path of physical exertion. Do I hear an Amen, Brother? Marty Ellison was Moses, and while he didn’t exactly part the Red Sea he certainly parted Noble Canyon, and as loyal followers we all jumped on his lead and found our own individual rocky path to redemption.

Or, more succinctly put, we ran 32.9 miles, grabbed a finisher’s retro bottle, scarfed a turkey sandwich and then called home to explain why we hadn’t left yet. Ultra marathons can be deep or just another long pain-in-the-rear run. It just depends on what’s going in your life.

Written, ran and reported by Charlie Nickell.

Edited by OC Register reporter and ultra runner Greg Hardesty.

Summary:

What: Noble Canyon 50K

When: Saturday, September 6, 2009

Where: Pine Valley (San Diego, CA)

Race Director: Scott (General) Mills

Short description for Attention Deficit Disorder readers: 10 miles up, run a 12.9 mile circle, 10 miles back down!

The Men
1) Marty Ellison / 4:48:54
2) Tom (Bad Rat) Nielsen / 4:49:35
3) Eric Clifton / 5:01:25

The Women
1) Angela Shartel / 5:09:14
2) Michelle Barton / 5:19:26
3) Tracy Dimino / 5:22:34

Complete Race Day Results Click Here

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