Get Ready for October 2012!
We would like to thank everyone for participating in the poll we presented last summer to register interest in adding a 100K/100M to the Baker Lake 50K Trail Run. By extending the 50K to longer distances, our intent was to be able to offer 100K/100M runs in a beautifully forested, remote, fall setting that did not require long, arduous climbs. From the positive results we received, we made plans and secured permission to provide this running opportunity in 2012.
However, as some of you may know, since early September Jeannette has lived in the Spokane area, working as the business manager with our two older daughters who all three purchased a veterinary clinic in Medical Lake. She has become an integral staff member in developing the practice, and likely will not return before Baker Lake, 2012. After many hours of discussion over the holidays and the past several weeks, we have decided to temporarily shelve the plan for offering the 100K/100M options, at least for this year.
Instead, for this year we would like to offer the 50K with no entry fee required. We will continue to offer registration through Ultra Signup, and runners may make a donation if they choose, but it is not required, and certainly not tracked. As in past years, we will provide aid at the Baker River Trailhead Turnaround aid station. There will also be hot soup at the finish. Sign up for this fall's run will start Memorial Day, 5/28/12.
Since this is a free event, we will not be able to provide age group awards (Baker Bears). However, we will continue to record division winners and any age-group course records. Additionally, in our attempt to make it as cost free as possible, we will not be able to offer the t-shirt option this year. In future years, we may choose to return to last years' format, extend the distance options to include the 100K/100M, or continue this low key format.
Our hope is that ultra trail runners will choose to come to Baker Lake the first Saturday of October, for a fun trail run in the forest.
Dave and Jeannette Dutton, Co-RD's
