BY MIKE MALTAIS
The remedy must have worked for the team called Running to Cure Constipation last Saturday (May 11), because the entry from Wenatchee posted the overall best finish at the 33rd annual 2013 Sunflower Trail Marathon and Relay in a time of 2 hours, 59 minutes and 52 seconds.
The winner was among 208 teams and individuals comprising more than 650 entrants that turned out in record numbers for the marathon and relay.
The record turnout was due in part to a departure from the traditional team structure that has been a trademark of the Sunflower in years past, said Danica Ready, program manager for the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association, which organized the event.
Along with the traditional relay team that required one member to be under 14 years of age, one over 40 and both genders represented, the organizers allowed a new Open Team category without restrictions, and that drew the runners in droves.
The men’s marathon winner was Ryan Hill of Shoreline followed by Erik Brooks of Winthrop. Hill declined to accept his first-place award owing to a little disorientation that took him briefly off course and suggested it be given to Brooks instead. In the end, first place was not awarded but Ready acknowledged that by their very actions both men are clearly winners.
The best local team finish came from Cross Country Speed, of Winthrop, which placed fourth in 3:24:20. Other local entries that completed the run included:
Zeus Lazers, Winthrop, 13th, 3:52:19
The Searchers, Mazama, 20th, 4:00:52
Grrrrrrr, Winthrop, 30th, 4:07:48
Two Wolf Creekers, Winthrop, 38th, 4:14:17
Salty, Twisp, 50th, 4:25:17
Eastside Bashers, Winthrop, 58th, 4:28:47
Stoked Sisters, Mazama, 61st, 4:29:43
Curtis’ Army, Winthrop, 62nd, 4:29:52
Laura McCabe (40-49), Winthrop, 28th, 4:06:35
Katie Stege (20-29), 80th, Winthrop, 4:37:37
Son Runners, Twisp, 88th, 4:42:01
Malt & Vine, Winthrop, 95th, 4:44:43
Chris Hogness (50-59), Winthrop, 178th, 5:35:04
The Queen Bee and Her Mini-Me, Winthrop, 194th, 5:58:31
The 26.7-mile marathon course ran from Mazama at 1,900 feet elevation to Twisp at 1,600 feet. In between, runners climbed to 2,600 feet at two points and passed through private as well as public property.
Ready stressed “how much MVSTA appreciates cooperation from private landowners to accommodate the race.”
Ready added that it might be a good time for runners interested in the popular Cutthroat Classic coming up in August to register now.
“The race is almost full,” Ready said.
