Rogue Valley Challenge Relay

 

Nov. 21,2009  

 

Nov. 21's surprisingly fine autumn day found many of Southern Oregon 's premier runners again charging over hill and dalei n the Rogue Valley Challenge 50K and 100K Relays. The relay courses pass through some of the Bear Creek Valley 's most scenic terrain: the 100K through the foothills encircling the Bear Creek Valley to Ashland , on the Bike Path in the Bear Creek Greenway, out into Agate Desert , and along the Rogue River before returning to Jacksonville to finish. The 50K heads north from Jacksonville through the rolling farmland east of Central Point before joining the longer course at Tolo.           The weather was genuinely pleasant for another year with some early fog, followed by warm sun. And the stunning weather made a great day for the new standard of 21 teams, up from 12 last year.           The overall 100K winning squad this year, with a time of 6:55:20, was Amanda and the Boys. This team consisted of Mike Davis, Zach Hibbs, Amanda Cordes, Tyler Davis, and Max Hamilton. The Running Tigers from South Medford claimed the High School Division with a time of 8:11:55. The 50K race was won by 3 Yanks and a Brit: Jon Buel, Tyrone Raber, Chris Redtfeldt, and Chris Combs in a mark of 3:27:09.           Runners were again treated to hot chicken soup and sourdough bread at the climax of this successful relay. Participants' comments were very favorable for the course, and the expected snow and rain stayed away.           Next year's relay will be held on Nov. 20 and fliers will be included in the Southern Oregon Runners' newsletter and available at our local running stores and clubs. Sincerely, Clayton Gillette, race director (Note: The numbers in the Divisions indicate the combined ages of the team members)

 

100K

50k