W$, Bryce and Bighorn: Blue Train Out West

VHTRC members took on the record snowpack, mud, heat, and elevation of the Bryce, Bighorn, and the Western States runs with impressive results.

At the Bryce 100, Jared Byrd (31:26) and Sara Davidson (32:17) prepped for their upcoming Tahoe 200 adventure by enduring high elevation and searing heat.

At the Bighorn 100, rain and snow overnight and “the worst trail conditions in history” did not deter Enrique Rubio (32:09) from redemption of his 2015 Bighorn 100 DNF. Sophie Speidel was second in the 50+ age group in the 52 miler.

A week later in Auburn, CA, John Andersen and Stephanie Dempsey were the top VHTRC finishers at the Western States 100. John nabbed a coveted silver buckle in 23:11 and Stephanie, just three weeks from her win at Old Dominion 100, finished in 27:44. She will be running the entire Grand Slam this summer, with Vermont 100, Leadville 100, and Wastach Front 100 next. Scotty Mills was running as a recipient of the first “Silver Legend” spot in the race, awarded to a runner over 60 who has given unselfishly to the Western States run. He finished in 29:44 and also won the oldest male finisher award for his hard-earned effort.