May 8, 2014
For immediate release
Hambrick wants Gold Rush runners to enjoy experience
Bill Hambrick has run in 90 ultras, including five 100-milers, so he knows what it’s like to be on your feet for too long, your body hurting and your mind trying to find the spirit to carry on.
So as race director for Saturday’s Gold Rush 100k/50k, he’s eager to make sure runners have everything they need to enjoy the journey.
“I want the runners to have the same kind of experience I would expect,” he said. “When I put my money down I want a good course, an accurate course and a safe event.
I want the runners well taken care of. I want them to have a good experience.”
The race, put on by the Sacramento Running Association, begins at 5 a.m. in historic Folsom. The 50k ends at the Magnolia Ranch trailhead on Highway 49 near Coloma; the 100k course turns around at the 50k finish and returns to historic Folsom.
Ask Hambrick what’s important to him when he runs an ultra and he emphasizes inviting aid stations and a well-marked trail.
“I like to come to an aid station and know I’ve got salts and sweets and fluids,” he said.
The race’s 17 aid stations will offer plenty to chow down on, with the menu including potatoes, soup, cookies, fruit, hard candy, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Coke, 7-Up, pretzels and potato chips.
Defending women’s 100k champion Jen Pfeifer of El Dorado heads the field of expected entrants.
The course, which follows the American River and Folsom Lake into the foothills, uses much of the same trail as last year’s Gold Rush 100k. It also features 5,600 feet of elevation gain.
Runners will start at the Walker Bridge in historic Folsom. The finish is a few blocks away on Wool Street in historic Folsom.
The second annual event remains a great training run for a variety of upcoming 100-mile races, including the Western States Endurance Run.
There is an 8-hour cutoff for the 50k and a 16-hour cutoff for the 100k.
A two-person team competition in the 100k will include $300 for first, $200 for second and $100 for third in the men’s, women’s and co-ed divisions.
Runners can register at www.goldrush100k.org. Cost is $200 for the 100k and $95 for the 50k, with registration closing on Friday at 7 p.m.
The Sacramento Running Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding ways to encourage people of all ages and abilities to run. The SRA is committed to developing new, quality running events that appeal to a broad variety of runners.