On August 28, 1999 48 runners participated in the DSE club's only ultra race. But oh
what  performances there were! Even though the winners were known hours before the end the
excitement grew to a giant crescendo by the end of 12 hours.

The weather was foggy with temperatures in the low 60's - a perfect day for a slew of
records to fall. Dr. Don Hackenberg led the runners in a prayer before the start. The doctor, as
race officials would call him, came all the way from Riverside. He was told by our running club's
founder, Walt Stack, to do an ultra. The funny thing is that this request was given 20 years ago.

At 7:03. They were off. Except for one runner, all 1st and 2nd place runners in all age groups
completed distances above marathon and most participants ran past the marathon distance.
Also, the race had a record 19 runners completing at least 50 miles. Collin Lee just
barely beat 10 hours for 50 miles. This race director had to prod him on. The last 50 miler was
completed by 74 year old Frank Rodriquez with only 20 seconds left in the race. Frank was
helped through the last 2 laps by Ken Fong who took 2nd in his 30-39 age group. Other top age
groupers in the 60's and 70's were Tony Stratta who completed a marathon distance and Bobby
Marty who completed over 35 miles. For the women the 60+ age group was won by Liese
Rapoza with 31.5 miles while in 2nd place was Ada Thomas who completed 27.5 miles. By the
way, did I mention that Ada is 85 years old! Liese and her husband Wally later convinced me to
do a run and shoot biathlon.

On the opposite end of the age spectrum was 17 year old Chikara Omine who completed almost 55
miles. Prior to this race, his longest run was 17 miles. Chikara learned many tricks about
ultrarunning, especially replacing electrolytes such as salt. This young upstart should make an
impact on ultrarunning if he continues.

 Fellow DSEer Richard Pon held off other DSE runners to capture second place in his
age group. The same situation occurred with Ken Fong as well who held off perennial rival Jeff
Houston. Jeff's race was also cut short by his very concerned wife. Fortunately, other runners
came to Jeff's rescue and he was able to go do the full 12 hours.

From Carmel came veteran ultrarunner Jean Paul Mazaud who captured his age group
and took 2nd place overall with nearly 75 miles, while his wife Stephanie, overcoming a foot
blister, took 2nd in her age group and 3rd overall by completing over 46 miles. In the
women's 50 year age group, Elaine Koga took 2nd while Soon Gaal completed 50 miles with only
10 minute left and took 1st in her age group and 2nd overall.

 In the men's 50 year group, David Kim, an ultrarunner who has earned his legend,
honored us with his presence and broke his age group record with over 73 miles which was good
enough for 3rd overall. Porterville resident Hal Williams was second with 55 miles. Alex Morton
came all the way from South Carolina to take 3rd in the 50-59 age group.
 
The overall woman's leader was never in doubt as Liz Brandt was the only female to
make 50 miles. She ended the day with 58 miles. A couple later, Liz took on another challenge
as she got promoted to master sergeant in the army.

But the biggest surprise and most deserving runner was the men's winner and newest
DSE member - Michael Wille. He was simply amazing. First, he was using our race to raise
money for cancer patients (He would eventually raise $1,500). Second, he achieved a personal
best in 50 miles with a time of 6:22:26. Third, he broke wide open the course record with 102
laps which was just over 80 miles. On his way to completing his 100th lap, friends and family
accompanied  him. Mike was labeled the "safari guy" as he spent time in Kenya, Africa working
for UNICEF. It was in this exotic land that Mike would train with the elements of heat and
altitude to toughen him up. Finally (and maybe best of all), Mike hide a keg of beer in the bushes
in which runners and volunteers were able to refresh themselves with.

Both Liz and Michael received rabbit statutes which were autographed by the runners. I
choose the rabbits as awards because rabbits are fast and they are humble creatures which I find
ultrarunners, especially the winners as they were gracious.

But there are other people to note who didn't place, but made great impressions. There
was Nadeline Chew who became an ultrarunner by completing over 33 miles. Nadeline has been
trying every endurance sport she can get into. Just 1 week before the race, she completed the
Xterra Triathlon in Half Moon Bay which had very difficult 15 mile mountain bike segment.
Later on, Nadeline will do a 46 mile in-line skating race in Georgia. Mark Williams, the only
finisher of the Barkeley 100, walked over 50 miles due to an injury. Finally, there was Eldrith
Gusney who donated money the DSE's children running program every lap. This wonderful lady
is going to make a lot of DSE children happy.

 This race would not be possible without the people. Co-race director Sally Buchmann
came through with the food and organizing the volunteers. Notable volunteers were Brian
Waddington and Ed Mahler who put in more time than they should have. Ed was instrumental in
getting Ken Fong to help Frank Rodriquez to make 50 miles.

And finally there were the sponsors who help to create that extra incentive to come race.
Ultrarunning and Marathon and Beyond Magazines donated subscriptions while Runner's World
donated prizes/ Finally, Sports Basement donate $25 gift certificates.

This race was characterized by the good feelings and support that runners and volunteers
had for each other and appreciation for the existence of this race. There was considerable
positive feedback. Next year's edition is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 26, 2000

Note: Extra souvenir pins are available for $4.00. Orders for customized t-shirts will still
be taken until November 1. I can still be reached at 650-992-9120 or email at
george2@gobi.com