Like I mentioned in a Facebook post a few days after race weekend, over 100 volunteers stepped up and delivered on race day. Without them, this event would not have been as successful as it was. Special thanks to the Coconino Amateur Radio Club and Coconino County Sheriff's Search and Rescue for keeping us all safe. I owe much to an awesome race management team. Joel Axler, Scott Bajer, Emily Harrison, and Ludo Pierson were the glue that kept the event and race director together. Tom Wilson, the American Conservation Experience's liaison, drove more than 700 miles on back country dirt roads delivering port-a-johns and assembling and preparing four aid station teams. Bill Cordasco, from Babbitt Ranch, supplied precious course recon, awards, and aid station support. Neil Weintraub, with the Kaibab National Forest, facilitated our communications with both the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests and operated the remote Moqui Stage Aid Station. Matt Nelson, the Executive Director of the Arizona Trail Association, was instrumental in saving this race huge costs, promoting the event, and providing crucial supplies. All of these peeps were tied to this race deeply and emotionally. They all volunteered their time on race weekend and clambered to solve the myriad of issues that any first year event would have.
It is because of this dedication and passion that I suspect the Stagecoach will only grow in numbers and reputation as the next few years come to pass. We learned much in year one. We'll apply these ideas to year two. We thank all the runners, volunteers, crews, pacers, and spectators for participating in our first run. I know the event was a success, simply due to the fact that I can't wait for next year!
Here, I'll let the 2013 Stagecoach play out in photos and video. Thanks to Kristin Wilson for this wonderful array you're about to witness.
Relay teams and solo runners complete race day check-in.
California's Tamara Johnson and Ann Trason pass the final moments with discussion.
Final instructions.
Matt Nelson promotes the Arizona Trail and gives thanks to the US Forest Service and Babbitt Ranch.
Your 2013 Stagecoach 100 Mile soloist pose before the start.
Only seconds before the 100 mile runners set off.
The relay teams started 10 minutes later.
I have to admit that holding and firing the starter gun was fun!
Dominick Totino, Suzanna Bon, and Stew Kelly descend from Aspen Corners.
The lead pack (Chris Westerman, Michael Versteeg, Brian Tinder) runs into The Hart Prairie Preserve aid station.
Colorado's Jon Clinthorne
Eventual winner Michael Versteeg
Chris Westerman dons war paint.
Team Localeikki's first leg runner, Greg McMillan passes under Mt. Humphrey's.
Red Rock Running Company and Flagstaff High School Cross Country tag team aid station duties.
Keith Rusin and Eric Clifton
Eventual runner-up Bret Sarnquist
Flagstaff's Mark Thurston treads over familiar territory.
Dominick Totino likes what he sees.
Runner-up Maggie Beach is smiles.
Montana's Emily Judd and FranZelenitz
100 mile newbie David Martin.
Team J.E.L.L.'s Leslie Grabel and 100 mile runner Ann Trason share trail time.
100 mile extraodinare Dan Brenden
Oregon's Carrie Brant and Frank Page
Sunset at Cedar Ranch aid station
Moonrise on Babbitt Ranch
Clinthorne embarks on some night mileage.
Bonfires were a hit.
Looking down on runners from the Grandview Fire Tower.
Maggie Beach is all waves and smiles.
Arne Ceramic Pottery for relay team finishers.
Buckles to the 100 mile finishers.
Shea Tinder from Tinder Touch Massage works on a familiar patron.
Some of American Conservation Experience's relay team chill at the finish line.
The Arizona Trail Association's lead force Matt Nelson works the finish line booth.
Post-race recovery.
Men's winner Michael Versteeg. Winning time: 17:41
Women's winner Suzanna Bon. Winning time: 21:01
Suzanna sums up her weekend,
"A few tidbits of my experiences at each a/s
The Nature Conservancy- cross country girls- eagerness and smiles
Cedar Ranch- apologizes for baring my butt and thanks for the warmest welcome
ever, at any aid station
Tub Ranch-broth and quesadillas, more smiles
Dirt Tank- thanks to the sweet girl who helped me with the strap to my headlamp
and sorry for being cranky!
Tub Tank- isolated and cold- I hope those dudes stayed warm
Boundary- the best custom pb&j made by a very hospital guy with a cool accent
Moqui- luminarias, jack-o-lantern, explanation of the historical significance of
the site in relation to the stagecoach route and some awesome homemade caramel
brownies, warm encouragment
Russell Tank- man I wanted one of those PBRs but settled for a turkey and
potato quesadilla that really hit the spot
Hull- feeling kind of sad on that descent knowing I'd have to climb back up but
appreciated the great service while I was there
Watson- the sweet kid dug into her private stash of tootsie rolls cuz nothing
else sounded good
Reed Tank- 'just a walk in the park from here'...
Finish- personalized blister care, awesome massage, some fine beer and of course
exceptional company.
After 6 years I took my Angeles Crest buckle off my belt and replaced it with my
shiny new Stagecoach Line."
Colorado's David & Carey Martin take home their first 100 mile buckle. I enjoy seeing first-timers getting it done!
And Finally, Your Moment of Zen
Stagecoach 100 Mile race management: (left to right) Emily Harrison, Ian Torrence, Joel Axler, Ludo Pierson, Scott Bajer. Zoroaster and Bee played supporting roles. Thanks you all!
