03/03/2007: "2nd annual Orcas Island Trail Runs"

ig_Trail-Run_Orcas_07 (77k image)

Wind, sleet and snow did not stop 113 trail runners from starting the 2nd annual Orcas Island Trail Runs at Moran State Park. Runners chose one of two distances - 25 kilometers (approximately 15 miles) with 3700 feet elevation gain or 50 kilometers and 7700 feet elevation gain. The good turnout slowed the registration, and delayed the scheduled 8:30 a.m. start by about 10 minutes. Runners who assembled at Camp Moran checked their equipment, clothing, water and food choices. Family and friends wished them well. For some it would be a long day.

Sleet fell and high winds were expected by the afternoon. Snow was seen through the clouds on the upper elevations of Mt. Constitution - where most of the run would occur. The trail had been marked the day before with tape, and in response to concerns raised last year, no directions were painted on the ground. The race started with the ringing of the bell and the runner easily ran downhill across the meadow and promptly got their feet wet and muddy for the first time. After 2 miles, near Cascade Falls, the runners split into two groups.

The 50K group took the Southeast Boundary Trail to the summit of Mt. Pickett, then ran down to Cascade Falls, and then to Camp Moran to re-supply. From camp they made their way to the North Arch and climbed nearly to the top of Mt. Constition via the famously steep "Power Line" Trail. Joining the seldom used North Boundary Trail they ran down to Mountain Lake before again climbing Mt. Constitution this time taking the Little Summit Trail. Finally the runners dropped down to Twin Lakes and once again wrapped around the backside of Mt. Constitution and made their final descent down to the finish at Camp Moran.

The 25K group took a shortcut, saving themselves the extra 16 miles of running the 50k folks would do. The shortcut led the 25k runners along cascade creek up to the Mountain Lake where they then proceeded to go straight to the top of Mt. Constitution following the Little Summit Trail.
At the 25K distance, Todd Brittain, 22 of Bellingham was the first to arrive in two hours and twenty two minutes(2:22); the first female runner, Jenny Knight, 35 of Vancouver, arrived in 2:43.
At the 50 K distance Kyle Skaggs, 22 of Los Alamos, New Mexico, arrived in 4:30; the first female runner, Merita Trohimovich, 40, of Gig Harbor arrived in 6:22..
The last runner arrived after 9:22 hours on the course. There were runners of all ages and experience levels including a good number doing something like this for the first time ever and eight runners over 64 years young with the oldest at a spry 78!

When they returned to Camp Moran the runners found smiling faces to greet them, a warm fire and fresh homemade soup. But with these type of runs there are no awards, no medals, and not even a free t-shirt. The runners come for the challenge, the camaraderie, and for the simple fun of it.

Few trail runners were slowed by the weather. "Bad weather makes you run faster," remarked Randy Gaylord, who completed the 25K. "Besides there wasn't a view to take in but the up-close scenery with the snow was splendid," said Gaylord.

Many of the runners were making their first visit to the San Juan Islands. There were runners from four western states, two Canadian Provinces and one runner from Sweden.

The Race Director, James Varner of Olympia, was pleased with the turnout He credits the beauty of Moran State Park and the San Juan Islands for the growing popularity of the event. And quite a few of this year's participants are already excited to return again next year.

Varner wanted to thank Park Ranger Chris Guidotti and the staff at Moran State Park for their support and clearing many blow downs from the trail, and Rolf Erickson and Erling Manley for their help.

To find out more information about the run, others like it in the northwest. and general information on trail running, one can check out the website: and also talk to a person at: (360) 507-4819.

50 K Finishers:
There were no runners from San Juan County that finished the 50K run

The final times and names of the local finishers for the 25K are listed below:

2:59 Randy Gaylord m 49 Eastsound

3:09 Jane Hutchinson f 44 Friday Harbor

3:10 Paul Hopkins m 46 Friday Harbor

3:15 Chris Schoff m 30 Friday Harbor

3:16 Ru Rorabaugh m Eastsound

3:18 Kris Skotheim m 18 Friday Harbor

3:24 Dennis Dahl m 59 Eastsound

3:51 Pete Moe m Eastsound

5:01 Clark Gilbert m 52 Friday Harbor

5:01 Laura Tretter f 37 Friday Harbor