journey here to there
XAIPETE NIKΩMEN
A Here to There, LLC event
What's New for '09
(18 January 2009)
Over the three years that the Ghost Town has run I've made some changes (biggest one in the course and the time we start). All along the way I've listened to your comments and suggestions. One has been to add or not add (there are many opinions on this subject) a race of a different distance. Well, I like my 38.5, oddball number that it may be. However...our own Bill Halm is now 80, and he's an inspiration to everyone involved with the Ghost Town. Since 40 is where the Masters Divisions start, I thought it appropriate to offer a Double Masters race. Thus the new:
The Ghost Town Double Masters Ultra - an event of 27 miles from my place to Station 3 with NO SPURS. Must be 80 or older to enter.
The Bill Halm Award - for the winner of the GT Double Masters Ultra.
The Jeff Johnston Award - for the runner with the most improved finish time between any two consecutive years. So, in '09, you've got to do better than you did in '08 and you've got to improve by more than anyone else from '08!
Why Jeff Johnston? The chart below explains it all:
Name time in '07 time in '08 difference
| Johnston, Jeff | 10:04:50 | 8:18:27 | -1:46:23 |
| Cawthon, Larry | 8:44:00 | 7:42:58 | -1:01:02 |
| Simpson, Jim | 10:39:20 | 9:45:03 | - 54:17 |
| Madrid, Steve | 8:29:28 | 7:37:43 | - 51:45 |
| Rice, Reagan | 8:17:07 | 7:34:05 | - 43:02 |
| Keogh, Dianna | 12:06:17 | 11:26:44 | - 39:33 |
| Williams, Todd | 9:20:32 | 8:42:50 | - 37:42 |
| Nashelsky, Marcus | 8:35:50 | 8:12:30 | - 23:20 |
| Heller, Ed | 6:20:18 | 6:06:00 | - 14:18 |
| Breyfogle, James | 7:25:04 | 7:09:46 | - 13:18 |
| Maddieson, Ian | 8:47:25 | 8:40:41 | - 6:44 |
| Duchow, Marty | 6:37:05 | 6:32:11 | - 4:54 |
| Boeh, Elise | 6:25:03 | 6:26:21 | + 1:18 |
| Keogh, Bobby | 7:39:11 | 8:10:30 | + 31:19 |
| Hoiland, Shannon | 7:33:44 | 9:09:09 | + 1:35:25 |
Shannon was our walking/running wounded in '08, so it wouldn't surprise me if he takes the Jeff Johnston award in '09, but then again, the list will be longer for those eligible. This should inspire you all to get out there and train, and when '09 comes around to compete against yourselves for the clock will definitely be ticking!
New cap on registrations: I'm capping the race at 60 for '09. The cabin is small, my kitchen is smaller, and I like the intimacy of the event. Get your registrations in early as people will be wait-listed after we reach 60!
Looking toward 2010: Many of you have been with me since the beginning. In 2010 it will be 5 yrs. for the Ghost Town 38.5. Anyone who's gutted it out from that always awkward first year, through the course change, all the shifting of this and that, and of course the ups and downs of my beloved hills - well - 5 consecutive years gets you something special to take home. I'm already planning and pondering. This doesn't mean that those who joined us for the first time in '07 and manage to go 5 straight won't get something in '11, it's just that I know we're good through 2010. Matt and I are set on it. We love you and the event too much to waiver in our commitment...so hang in there for a couple more and we'll reach that 5 yr. anniversary together.
Until then...safe and happy running! See you in before long! susan
This event is sponsored by Here to There, LLC which organizes and promotes walks, treks and runs of varying lengths in beautiful places.
XAIPETE NIKΩMEN (c)2005 Here to
There, LLC