Race Directors January 2011 Newsletter

Click Robert and Maria Vangilders photos of the 2011 Mt. Wilson Trail Race

4th Saturday in May, Sierra Madre, CA, 7:30 AM Start.
Starts at the corner of Baldwin and Sierra Madre. Course is an out and back up the Mt. Wilson Trail to Orchard Camp. It is one of those local races you have to do at least once. Most hate it or love it, but you wont know til you do it. Foothill Flyer Sharon Pevsner, shown right, was first female finisher in 2003 and 2004.

Click Application and mail it to 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre CA 91024 or call 626-355-5278 for app and info. Race fills up typically by April 1 and is also a deadline if you want the Tech Shirt.

This is an unusual event. An 8.6 mile out-and-back trail run, with a 2,160 foot elevation gain. Starting in downtown Sierra Madre at 840 feet, it goes to Orchard Camp, on the Mt Wilson Trail, at 3,000 feet. That translates to about a 9-1/2% grade average (9-1/2 feet up for 100 feet horizontal). The grade average is the same as the Mt Baldy climb, but this is half downhill; Baldy is all up.

The unusual part of this event is that the trail is rather small except for the first and last miles. The first mile on the street has a real grade that serves to thin out the crowd pretty well by the time you get to the trailhead. You do have to be prepared to pass and be passed on the trail. And almost all of us have to be ready to yield (When you hear "RUNNER" called out ahead of you) to the faster participants who come down running on the same narrow trail we are trudging up.

The dirt trail itself is rough in spots, sandy is some, and rocky in others. As with Baldy, it is sometimes a very long way down to the side of the trail. Most of the trail is desert-mountain, on the east-face slope. Much of it catches the morning sun, so it can be HOT. Sunscreen is a thought. The top mile is mostly under trees. There is aid at about halfway up (also down), and at the turnaround. Search and Rescue personnel are up on the trail in several spots, just in case.

That half of the event is downhill is the usual double-edge sword; strong Quads and good knees really help. The downhill running also kicks up some gritty dust. Those of you with contact lenses may want a pair of light-colored, wrap-around sunglasses. Use a pale amber lens that allows you to still be able to see on the shaded portions of the trail. Clear safety/shooting glasses could be utilized.

This is very nice small-town event. Only a few hundred people running from and back to a quaint village downtown. They do limit participation, so commit early if you have your heart set on it. As with all trail runs, scouting the run ahead is of great value. .

Kersting Court (start/finish line) is a great place for friends and spouses to hang out while you are out on the race. There are some great places for breakfast, just coffee or even the Sierra Madre Brewrey. Many have outside tables but with the number of people, it is best to bring your own folding chair. Don't fall asleep though, remember this is the movie location of The Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

Tips from the Race Committee:

1. Going up the trail, stay to the right so people can pass you. When overtaking someone, it's always good to say (politely) "To your left." And if you are being overtaken, give the runner behind you room so he or she can get by.

2. Downhill runners have the mountain side (to the their right); if you are still going up, allow them enough space to pass you on your left side.

3. Watch for sharp objects from fallen trees and stumps.

4. Drink! There is water at First Water (2.0 miles up) and at Orchard Camp (4.3 miles at the turn around).

5. Thank all the volunteers, including Search & Rescue, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, who are all there on their own time to make sure you are safe. Have fun and look out for each other; we are all in this together!