Friday, September 5, 2008

Results: 2008 Grand Teton Ultras

With afternoon highs predicted in the upper 80's, the Grand Teton 50 and 100 mile races set off early on a clear and already warm morning on Saturday, August 30.  The 100 mile race quickly broke down to a small group of contenders, with Nevadan Josh Brimball shaking off the disappointment of the scuttled Western States and taking the win in 19:59:07.  Brimball, running with minimal crew and no pacers, threatened but ultimately couldn't beat the course record of 19:35 set by Andy Jones-Wilkins the previous year.  Women's winner, Ronda Sundermeier, finished third overall, taking over where Bimball left off, setting a course record in 25:40:50.

The women's 50 miler was dominated by Michele Jensen, who finished fourth overall in a time of 9:38:20.  Men's winner, Ty Draney, set a blazing fast course record in 8:17:53, despite repeatedly vomitting on the paved climb between miles 36 and 39.  The race began as a battle royale between Draney and last year's runner up, Brad Mitchell, until Mitchell had to drop due to injury at mile 25.  

Grand Teton 100 Winners
Men
Josh Brimball 19:59:07

Women
Ronda Sundermeier 25:40:50

Grand Teton 50 Winners
Men
Ty Draney 8:17:53

Women
Michele Jensen 9:38:20

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