Watershed Preserve 12 Hour a.k.a. “The Only Race That Gets Faster at the End!”

Watershed Preserve 12 Hour Race
Redmond, Washington
May 19, 2007

By Janice Bondar

 

If you’ve never heard those words from a runner at the end of a race, then you haven’t been to the Watershed Preserve 12 Hour!

The only thing better than this was Tom Ripley’s opening remark at the pre- race briefing, “Folks – there isn’t a speck of mud on the trail”. True to that theme, this was a day of many gifts for the runners participating in this low key, high quality event.

While the day began with what you’d normally expect for May in Seattle - wind and some spitting rain – the temps were favorable all day long, the wind died down and the sun popped out just enough to warm things pleasantly. Many were using this as a warm up for or last big run before Western States as witnessed by mileage totals approaching elite levels and the competitive efforts of the top runners.

At the pre-race briefing, race directors Chris Ralph & Tom Ripley quickly took runners through the requisite info on trail markings and lap check-in for this 2 loop course. And, after telling the story about the formation of the race charity, the Sparrow Foundation, the one minute warning was hailed and the race began precisely on time.

Bib number 61 was reserved for Mike Sharkey who decided to celebrate his birthday doing what he loves and hanging out with his wife, Barb, who was kind enough to volunteer. Bib number 13 proved to be both lucky and fortuitous for Paul Cornish who made his goal of 50 miles, walked away with a great water belt AND managed to place 13 th in the men’s master’s category.

This year’s event saw the largest participation level to date. Linda “Food Frau” Ripley worked tirelessly to make sure there was a veritable smorgasbord of delights sure to provide any runner (or volunteer!) with exactly what they’d want or need. How (or WHY) she continues to accomplish this amazing feat still is unknown, but – no one walked away hungry!

Van Phan, famous nationally as 2006 Trail Runner Trophy Series winner for the ultramarathon category, led the women’s race from the start, and never relinquished the lead despite dealing with some cramping issues and that contributed to her just missing her own previous course record. Heavy race schedule to date notwithstanding, Van also managed to come in 6 th overall. Flying in close on Van’s pigtails with a bit over 60 miles and garnering second place in the women’s race AND a first place win for the women’s masters’ category was Beatrice Song.

This multiple category phenomena was mirrored as Alex Swenson left a scorched path blazing his way into first place in both the men’s masters and overall standings for the day at a blistering 79.24 miles. The only non-master in the top 5 standings was second place finisher Sam Thompson, coming in just about one lap behind Alex with an amazing 73.14 miles.

Reflective of the tremendous talent in this year’s field, Tony Covarrubias won 2nd place in the men’s masters group, a mere 7.8 miles behind the overall winner.

Masters dominated the top women’s standings, too - with the exception of Shawn Lawson bringing home a fantastic 50.54 miles – good for 2 nd place in the open women’s race and 5 th in the top 5 slots for women overall.

Along with hand crocheted hats for ALL participants – there were goodies galore for the swag bag provided by race sponsors that included: North Face, Juli Adams Artwork, Hammer Gel, Fuel Belt, REI, RedBull, Photon, Black Diamond and Linda Ripley Hats. Despite Chris Ralph’s and Tom Ripley’s reputation for putting on hard core, you-get-what-you-get style events (think Plain 100) – runners were treated to an amazing array of prizes to the point that a few of us wondered whether Chris had been to the docks lately and just happened to be around when a box fell off a truck. This might explain how a Sopranos DVD ended up in the booty….

If this year was any indicator of things to come – watch for this race to fill up early on next time as folks sign up to find out just how it is this race really does get faster at the end!