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Lead Stories: Friday, August 29, 2008

Podcast 63: Elite ultra endurance and trail runner MICHELLE BARTON

Posted July 9th, 2007 at 2:39 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts

Episode 63 of The Final Sprint Podcast was done in conjunction with TrailFit.com; a comprehensive trail running, ultra- marathoning, and adventure racing publication and the newest member of the TFS media network.

Today’s guest is Southern California’s MICHELLE BARTON; an elite ultra distance and trail runner with an intoxicating love for the sport, eternally positive spirit, and incredible athletic ability.

These gifts have propelled her to ultra-marathon finish lines, such as the 2006 Orange Curtain 100k, ahead of not only the women but also every male runner in the field. Most recently, Michelle was victorious at the Holcomb Valley 33 Mile Trail Run on June 10th and then two weeks later had the honor of pacing Gordy Ainsley at the legendary and infamous ultra that he founded: the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run (WS100).

Download the interview to hear Michelle discuss her experience at Western States, how she trains, staying fueled on a vegetarian diet, the differing training and mentalities for ultras, trails and road races, Dean Karnazes, plans for the future, the booming and supportive ultra-endurance community and much more!

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Host: Adam Jacobs
Guest: Michelle Barton
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 16.7 MB
Length: 24:20

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Koerner ends winless streak; earns top honors at Western States 100mi Endurance Run

Posted June 25th, 2007 at 8:00 PM by Jessica Galvano

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Running & Training, Cross Training

Sixth time’s a charm. For Hal Koerner, a sixth attempt at the Western States Endurance Run brought a long sought after victory. A five-year streak without title ended for Koerner Saturday night as he crossed a finish lined with spectators. At 9:12 p.m., Koerner received a winner’s welcome from a host of camera flashes and a freshly star-studded sky.

Although he finished third in 2004 and ninth in 2003, Koerner has returned to the renowned 100-miler each year with an eye for first. In his previous races, Koerner had remained with the pack, matching their steady pace rather than setting his own. Saturday, however, the Oregon ultrarunner ran almost every mile without the company of his fellow competitors.
His 2007 strategy: run alone, take the lead and keep it.

Read the rest at our partner site: TrailFit.com

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Kimball retains title at Western States Endurance Run

Posted June 25th, 2007 at 6:44 PM by Jessica Galvano

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Running & Training, Cross Training

Nikki Kimball, first place women’s finisher in the 2004 and 2006 Western States Endurance Run, approached the start of this year’s 100-miler with hopes of a third title. Despite her previous successes in California’s notoriously challenging ultramarathon, Kimball was not convinced of certain victory.

Like many of her peers, the Montana runner regards the Western States 100 as one of the most prestigious ultradistance events. As expected, this year’s female field boasted established athletes from across the United States and around the world. With fierce competitors all eager to be the first across a very distant finish line, not even Kimball’s years of experience could calm her pre-race nerves.

Read the rest of this race recap at our partner site: TrailFit.com

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VIDEO: Koerner, Kimball win 2007 Western States 100 Endurance Run

Posted June 25th, 2007 at 10:41 AM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Running & Training, Cross Training

Congratulations to Hal Koerner and Nikki Kimball on winning one of the world’s most grueling, athletic events: the 100 mile Western States Endurance Run.

Koerner was able to top an intense challenge from Erik Skaden and edged out 2006 champion, Graham Cooper, to win in 16 hours, 12 minutes and 16 seconds. On the women’s side, Kimball blew away the competition and won in 18:12:38; two hours ahead of runner-up Karine Herry.

WS100 reports that nearly 300 runners battled through the weekend and successfully completed the legendary, ultra-endurance event.

WS100 Top Finishers [Name-Time(Age-Gender)]:

MEN:
1. Hal Koerner - 16:12:16 (M-31)
2. Erik Skaden - 16:36:49 (M-35)
3. Graham Cooper - 17:11:41 (M-37)

WOMEN:
1. Nikki Kimball - 18:12:38 (F-36)
2. Karine Herry - 20:12:38 (F-39)

Watch a video of the top finishers crossing the finish line and much more at our partner site: TrailFit.com

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34th Western States 100-mile Endurance Run

Posted June 15th, 2007 at 11:30 AM by Jessica Galvano

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Running & Training, Cross Training

Beginning in the Squaw Valley and finishing in Auburn, the Western States Endurance Run spans 100 miles of rugged California trails, ascends to an elevation of over 15,000 feet, and attracts some of the world’s most dedicated outdoor runners.

As one of the longest-running and most prestigious ultramarathons, the Western States 100-miler boasts over 400 entrants for its upcoming 34th year.

Description: 100 miles of raw, rocky trail running. Runner-reputed “best” ultramarathon.
Start: Squaw Valley, California (June 23, 2007 5 a.m.)
Finish: Auburn, California (June 24, 2007 until 11 a.m.)
Male Favorites: Graham Cooper (CA), 2006 winner; Brian Morrison (WA), 2006 race leader, physically unable to finish; Greg Crowther (WA), this year’s 50 and 100K USAT Road National Champion; and Lon Freeman (CA), set new record at Miwok 100K this May.
Female Favorites: Nikki Kimball (MT), first-place finisher 2004, 2006; Anne Lundblad (NC), UltraRunning magazine’s 2005 & 2006 North American Runner of the Year; Beverly Anderson-Abbs (CA), champion of 2006 Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run; and Kami Semick (OR), winner of the 2007 Miwok 100K.

Read the rest of this article at our partner site: TrailFit.com

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