Rogue Valley Challenge Relay

 

Nov. 20, 2010 

 

        Nov. 20's surprisingly fine autumn day found many of Southern Oregon 's premier runners again charging over hill and dale in the Rogue Valley Challenge 50K and 100K Relays. Though the TV meteorologists had again called for ‘The Storm of the Century', and the day dawned cool and overcast with snow threatening, nary a gust of wind nor a drop of precipitation fell as runners made their way under clouds and under bright sun. The stunning weather made a great day for the 21 teams, the same number as 2009.

          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 from Jacksonville to Ashland , on the Bike Path in the Bear Creek Greenway, out into Agate Desert , and along the Rogue River into Gold Hill 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 overall 100K winning squad this year, with a time of 6:20:00, was Tony's Striders, consisting of Mike Davis, Tyler Davis, Zach Hibbs, Tony Gil-Juarez, and Max Hamilton. The Wood-Cock from South Medford High claimed the High School Division with a time of 7:53:46. The 50K race was won by Injured Reserve, featuring David Jordan, Chris Combs, Chuck Whitely, Jon Buel, and Tyrone Raber in a mark of 3:35:49.

          Runners were again treated to hot chicken soup and bread at the climax of this successful relay. Volunteers included Connie Gillette, Lois Williams, Jane Podolski, Laura Raber, Bruce DeVine, and Meg Rawlings. Participants' comments were very favorable for the course, and the mugs for all finishers were greatly appreciated. Next year's relay will be directed by in-coming director Mike Davis and fliers will be included in the Southern Oregon Runners' newsletter, on the web-site (www.sorunners.org), and available at our local running stores and clubs.

          Sincerely,

          Clayton Gillette, race director 1996-2010

(Note: The numbers in the Divisions indicate the combined ages of the team members, "NDR" indicates a New Division Record was set this year))

 

100K

 

Team
Division
Time
1. Tony's Striders Male 100-199 6:20:00
2. Rogue Valley Runners (Old Division) Male 200-249 6:21:13 NDR
3. Five Fast Females Female 100-199 7:39:00 NDR
4. Stinking Fast Mixed 100-199 7:48:20
5. Wood-cock High School 7:53:46
6. Physical Fliers Mixed 100-199 8:36:08
7.Scalded Dawgs Mixed 100-199 8:40:00
8. #9...#9...#9 Female 250-299 8:50:14 NDR
9. Faded Genes Mixed 250-299 9:15:05 NDR
10. Mad BS Female 100-199 9:16:08

 

50k

 

Team
Division
Time
1. Injured Reserve Male 100-199 3:35:49
2. MIA Steve and Stella Mixed 100-199 3:43:03 NDR
3. Wizards Of OZ Mixed 100-199 3:47:49
4. Jacksonville 5 Mixed 200-249 4:09:41
5. Poster Girls Female 100-199 4:15:13 NDR
6. Slow Motion Mixed 100-199 4:24:00
7. Not Your Father's VA Mixed 100-199 4:30:02
8. Siskiyou Runners Male 200-249 4:41:26
9. Last Hurrah Mixed 100-199 4:44:33
10. Play Runners Female 100-199 4:48:27
11. JBV and the FBGs Mixed 100-199 5:16:00