Update 2:
Through Big Mountain (39.4 miles) Kyle Skaggs is in the lead about 40 minutes ahead of a pack of three that includes Mike Wedemeyer (Looks like I’ve got my work cut out for me tonight!), Jasper Halekas, and unidentified runner. Kyle has gone from about 20 minutes ahead of course record pace at Francis Peak (18.4) to 10 minutes ahead of CR pace at Big Mountain. “Falling of the pace”… but still absolutely flying. Rumor is he’s not eating much. However, if he can keep his legs under him, his summer in Silverton should have him primed to run well at the higher elevations from Upper Bigwater to near the finish.
Update 1:
Kyle Skaggs came through the first aid station (Francis Peak – 18.4) just over 20 minutes ahead of a pack of a half a dozen runners that included my buddies, the Mikes.
A lake on the climb up Catherine’s Pass
not long after mile 75 on the Wasatch 100 course. (take 9/6/06)
In just over four hours, a gun will fire to start the 2007 edition of the Wasatch 100. I’ll be sleeping in until in hopes of being well rested enough to pace Mike “Weed” Wedemeyer to a top 3 finish. The current plan is for me to jump in at the Upper Bigwater Aid Station (mile 62) and pace Weed to the finish. My traveling companion, Steve, will be crewing for my buddy, Mike Mason.
You can track the runners’ progress here [broken link removed].
Wedemeyer is #79.
Mason is #243.
While it’s his first 100, Kyle Skaggs is the favorite to win. #21
Leland Barker (mentor) and Ty Draney (protege), both veteran mountain 100 racers, should put in strong races. #34 and #111 respectively.
Other strong runners should include Brandon Sybrowski (#7), Dave Terry (#17), Scott Jaime (#36), Hiroki Ischikawa (#116), and Kevin Shilling (#128).
My dark horse pick for the strong finish is 50 y/o Rob Landis. #1
You can track the leaders easily here [broken link removed].
