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2005 Valley Crest Half-Marathon Race Comments

Rhonda Kilfoyle - First Place Female: I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful opportunity to run in your race! I enjoyed every minute of it, including the quad bursting hills:) I was impressed by the family atmosphere that surrounded the event. Everyone from the volunteers to the competitors was like one huge extended family. I felt so at home on the run, I even shared my Gatorade mid-gallop down the hill from Nike with a fellow runner:-) The course was spectacular. After my last encounter with a rattlesnake, I had pretty much sworn off running trails until the snakes went into hibernation. However, running your race made me remember why I enjoy running trails in the first place...I think I will brave the trails at home again, but Ill stay to the more people populated ones;) I was told by my friend that I could possibly be a contender in this race, but after running several miles and only seeing the leader once, I had begun to doubt my ability to pull it off. As I was trudging up the mega hill to Nike, Rebecca came and matched my pace, then continued to glide up the mountain (despite telling me her legs felt like rubber). I told myself that 3rd was a respectable finish, and I was just going to do my best. After several minutes of climbing, I looked up to see if there was a turnaround in sight. Instead of the turn around, I saw the original leader and Rebecca about 50 yards ahead of me. Aha! The leaders, I can see them! That was the confidence booster I needed. I shifted gears and pushed up the rest of the hill and regaining the second position. I hurried past the turnaround in hot pursuit of Rebecca, to claim the lead for the first time in the race. I could tell Rebecca is a strong runner, she passed me going up that climb to Nike. So, I knew I had to open enough space between her and myself on the way down to the last deceiving hill before the rapid descent to the finish. I didnt know how close she was until we turned onto the steep downhill. She coached me to the left in order to make sure I maintained my footing. It was all I could do to keep myself upright for the last burst to the line. I was surprised and elated at once to see that I had finished as the first woman. I was also humbled to realize that everyone has their day. I compared my time to last years results, and I would not even have placed in the top three. It has been an honor to run against these talented runners. I look forward to next years race!

Keith Gayhart: Hello Nancy, Just a quick note to say thanks for another great run. What a wonderful group of people, on the trail, but especially among your crew of volunteers. You have it all very well organized and invest it with a warm and generous spirit. Well done. My only complaint was—all those speedy runners! I had the illusion that I might contend for a medal this year. My time, around 1:51, might have gotten me there in my advanced age group in years past—but was not nearly good enough this time around. I’ll just have to train harder and try again next year. Thanks for all.

Leslie Popplewell: I just wanted to write and say thank you to the race director and all the volunteers who make this such a special race! This was my first year to participate in the run, and I will definitely be back!

Gloria Roberts: Thanks to you, all volunteers and sponsors for another great Valley Crest run.

Jason Eskin: Hey, I ran Valley Crest today and just wanted to thank you guys for setting up such a great race. I’ve done two marathons, but this was my first trail run and first half-marathon so it was quite an experience. I started running about 2 years ago and limited myself to one marathon a year (the Los Angeles one). But, I read the book “Ultramarathon Man” by Dean Karnazes recently, and it rejuvenated my love for running. I immediately went on the internet and signed up for more races (Bulldog Run being one of them.) I’m sure a lot of time and effort went into planning the whole thing, so I want you to know it was all worth it- keep up the great work! Thanks again guys and I can’t wait for the Bulldog!

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