Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

Coming…Clarksburg Classic 30k/20 Mile Paul Reese Memorial

The Clarksburg Classic is the continuation of the oldest long distance running race in the whole of Northern California. Formerly the “Pepsi 20,” this was started by Paul Reese to give runners throughout the region a chance to test their training and motivation at a distance not quite a marathon, but still significantly long. Paul had run marathons in Southern California…and throughout the U.S., but here in the whole of the north state, we had nothing over about 10 miles as an option. Paul was one of the “fathers” of the long distance running boom, and this race was his treasured child.

For the last 18 years it has been a 30km to promote our evolution toward metric measurement (encouraged by PA-USATF coordinator John Mansoor), and it has also been a regional PRIZE MONEY race on the Grand Prix circuit.

The course and setting is virtually unchanged from it’s first hosting in Clarksburg, which was it’s third actual venue (earlier closer to Sacramento, but street safety….). Relive our running history by SUPPORTING and participating in the Clarksburg event this weekend.

Cross Country Finale in San Francisco

Undoubtedly several of the dedicated herd made their way to the city for the last race of the PAUSATF series? Results, unfortunately, are not yet available!

Apple Hill Runs…Coordt and N. Frazier Fly!

Another wonderful jewel in our local running was hosted this past weekend with the Apple Hill Runs. For well over 20 years this setting has seen upwards to 1000 runners migrate past the orchards and enjoy the home-grown products of this beautiful area.

Though the finishing half-mile of this course challenges the deepest elements of our training strength, runners are justly rewarded with great post-run goodies and the chance to further savor the food and drink of the area.

Susan Frazier (11) won her division and MARY COORDT won the race with a 54:00 finish (4th OVERALL) in the 8.5 mile distance. Cindy Scott (50) won her division, Judy Shipman was 2nd in the 60-64 group (? How did she run this AND the Helen Klein? WOW !!!!). Kal Lowden was 3rd in the 30-39 and 3rd OVERALL; John Nichols a closing 4th in the 40-44; Howard Ferris 2nd in the 60-64. In the 3.5 mile distance NATHAN FRAZIER (age 15) was the OVERALL WINNER in 19:41. Great Job to all finishers and especially to the FRAZIER family for superb group showing (Mom Linda was 11th of 84 in the women’s 40-49 division).

Helen Klein Asks More From Us @ 30k, 50k and 50 miles

Since runners have developed even more passionate dedication to their sport, there are many for whom 5 or even 9 miles of effort is only a warm-up. Helen Klein, even in her 80’s is one of these legends, and on Saturday her eponymic event was staged along the American River Parkway. Starting and finishing these days at the Cabot School (near Roseville) and coming all the way down to near the Guy West Bridge area, 112 finishers completed the full 50 mile challenge.

Chips were led by Mark Lantz (6:39:37) followed by Rena Schumann (6:55) and Erik Skaden (7:05). Amy (7:44) and Dee Dee Grafius showed up for a mother-daughter duo. Barbara Elia turned another solid 9:08 for this demanding distance and Becky Johnson finishes strong with a 10:38!!

At the 50k, Helen Hull ran 5:06, Ron Peck 5:56.

At the 30k, Steve Polansky (2:51), Shalako Wengronowitz and Mike McKee finished together (3:15), Dan Cox (3:16), Helen Klein and Lilian Shek together at 3:43, with Judy Shipman, Ron Adams and Glenn Millar also solid finishers at this smarter distance.

Congratulations to all and apologies for any missed.