Arcata to Willow Creek Run 12/12/09

December 12, 2009

Directed by Bill Daniel <drd@reninet.com>

Big THANK YOU’s to Jorge’s family (wife Angelica, daughter Angelica & friend, son Malik, and Jorge’s parents), Gary Timek, Yoon Kim, and Yoshi Uemura for taking care of the runners all the way, coming out to root for the runner, and all sorts of support. CONGRATULATIONS to all three runners, Jorge Matias, Bob Beede, and Dale Bagley, winner of 2009 Arcata to Willow Creek 40 mile run.

The weather gods smiled on us, or at least grinned a bit, and let us complete the race minus the predicted wind and snow. There was an occasional shower, but all agreed that things could have been much worse. Three runners started and finished this 40 mile run, thus preserving the status of Willow Creek as one of the oldest continuing ultras in the USA.

Dale Bagley, Jorge Matias and Bob Beede towed the starting line and crossed the finish line some time later. Dale started out strong, building up a 5+ minute lead at the first check point, and never looked back. Though victimized by a wrong turn, Jorge ran an evenly paced race and came in second to the cheers of his proud family. Bob never could seem to get it going, even considering dropping out of the race, but gutted it out, breaking the eight hour barrier. The times weren’t particularly fast, but again all who started finished, and the race continues.

The three runners agreed the race was a little more difficult than they thought it would be and may not have been as well prepared as they should have been. For those contemplating participation in this race, you should train as you would for a marathon, and make sure to have your own support crew there to provide whatever you may need.

Much thanks go to Yoon, who provided transportation, aid and photography, and to Gary whose volunteer efforts throughout the entirety of the event allowed us to avoid disaster. Another big thank you goes to Angelica and family and friend for their cheerfulness and willingness to share their supplies with other runners. Finally, thanks to Yoshi, who offered vocal support, at least part of the way.

We’ll see you next year, though there will be one rule change. Runners who don’t have a support crew will not be allowed to enter the race. -- Bill Daniel

Place Name Sex Age Time(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

1 Dale Bagley F 49 49:53 1:36:37 2:37:03 3:11:58 4:41:50 6:14:32

2 Jorge Matias M 42 55:40 1:47:38 2:56:57 3:35:00 5:07:42 6:50:54

3 Bob Beede M 57 61:30 2:00:20 3:23:05 ?? 5:51:00 7:46:55

Arcata to Willow Creek Breakdown

Leg (1): West end of the Blue Lake off ramp 299 (6.65 miles)
Leg (2): West end of North Fork Bridge (12.35 miles)
Leg (3): Lord Ellis Summit (18.75 miles)
Leg (4): East side of Redwood Creek Bridge (23.35 miles)
Leg (5): Berry Summit (29.85 miles)
Leg (6): Willow Creek (39.95 miles)