2013 Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55km a huge success and thank you's!

Thank you everyone for participating and especially to all of our wonderful volunteers in this years Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55km. We couldn't do it without all of a volunteers, especially to the Friends of Capitol Forest (FOCF) and the South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue (SPSMSAR)!! We are once again proud to donate our proceeds to FOCF for all the generous support on the trails in Capitol Forest and for their continued support at the race at Falls "Tequila Bar" Creek.  And to SPSMSAR for their continued support in radio communication at the race and for acting as the leading SAR team throughout Capitol Forest. 

As many of you are aware the 50 mile and 55k course was the same course for the past 3 years.  This year the weather was also very cooperative with stellar views of Mt Rainier, St Helens and the Olympics!   Here is a race recap.

The 50 mile course was fast and furious with many impressive finishes! 

• 87 finished the 50 mile
• The 50 mile had 2 senior finishers including: John Zeier and Mike Kuhlmann
• 5 year finishers for the 50 mile include: Thomas Riley and Glenn Mangiantini
• The women's 50 mile race was amazing! Darla Askew set a new course record of 7:45:58, winning by over an hour!  Genia Kacey took second with a time of 8:45.   Wendy Wheeler-Jacobs placed 3rd women (9:19). 
• The men's 50 mile race was also impressive. Zach Gingerich won with a time of 6:58:48.  Zach took the lead in the last 6 miles of the race.  Brandon Sullivan placed 2nd (7:01) followed by Aaron Ray for 3rd (7:16).  

The 55k also had impressive finishes...

• 51 finished the 55Km.
• The 55k had 6 senior finishers including: Wild Bill Voiland (our T-shirt guru!) and Clem Lacava
• The 5 year finisher for the 55k goes to Juan Dominguez   
• Benoit Gignac from Vancouver, BC won by over 30 minutes with a time of 4:25:01! Followed by Phil Kochik for 2nd (4:57) and Patrick Johnson for 3rd (4:59)
• Krystal Seger won for the women with a time of (5:44:21) and 2nd was Shamai Larsen (5:56) and third was Iris Priebe (6:35). 

We are indebted to many volunteers who also came forward to participate in this years 50 mile and 55km. 

Those that came to aid in trail work efforts in February, March and April include:

Rob Dengel, Jen Edwards, Melissa and Matt Klungle, Dave Molenaar, David Mora, John Pearch, Heidi Perry, Herb Reeves, Jim Szumila, Brandon Williams, and the Friends of Capitol Forest.  All made a huge effort in getting the trails cleared this year in Capitol Forest! 

Several people made several "double dipping" efforts to help make Capitol Peak a great race!  Thanks go out to the all the volunteers for all their huge support (please forgive me if I don't have everyone):

• Course Markers: Jen Edwards, Patrick Johnson, David Mora, Dave Molenaar and other Olympia Trail Runners
• Thursday Packet stuffing party: Heidi Perry, Herb Reeves, David Mora, Dave Molenaar, Kris Ryding, Rob Dengel, Ulrike Krotscheck, Jim Holbrooks, Melissa and Matt Klungle and Julie Kamerrer
• Soup Prep: Bill and Helene Pearch (my wonderful parents!)
• Packet Pickup at South Sound Running:  Heidi Perry, Kris Ryding, Karen and George Wiggins, Jen Edwards
• Thanks also to South Sound Running for letting us once again use their store as a packet pickup location!
• David Snyder and FOCF for setting up their event tent on Friday
• Aid Station supplier, driving and setting up aid stations: Kent Holder and Kris Ryding
• Race Day Registration: Roger Michel, Rob Dengel and Julie Kamerrer 
• Post race meal:  my parents wonderful parents Bill and Helen Pearch, Heidi Perry and Jim Szumila
• Photographer: Glenn Tachiyama on Capitol Peak summit
• Aid Station A1/A9: David Mora, Holly Knowles,  Kathleen Krouse and  SPSMSAR
• Aid Station A2/A8: Eric Klunder, Josh Morse and FOCF and  SPSMSAR
• Aid Station A3/A4: Melissa and Matt Klungle, Ulrike and Jim, Anne Larsen and  SPSMSAR
• Aid Station A5/A7:  Rick Blacker, Olga Nevtrinos, Nicolay Anikevich, Marge Kohm, Michelle Roose and  SPSMSAR
• Aid Station A6 turnaround: Kris Ryding, Tho Le  and Laurie Rich and  SPSMSAR
• Sweepers: Dave Molenaar (1st 30), Kris Ryding (last 20 miles), Brandon Williams (Capitol Peak to Falls)
• Finish line Timing: Tony Seabolt, David Mora, Greg Bargmann and Allen Skytta  
• Thanks also to Route 16 for letting us borrow their clock and other gear for timing.
• Thanks also to Ultra Signup and Mark Gilligan for providing their excellent timing system!

Thanks also to all of our sponsors who provided merchandise and goods for either our awards or food/drinks:

• Hammer Nutrition
• Scott Sports
• Patagonia
• South Sound Running
• Route 16 Running and Walking
• Seven Hills Running Shop
• The Balanced Athlete
• Ultra Signup
• Ultrarunning Magazine
• Trail Runner Magazine and the Trail Runner Trophy Series
• Roger Michel and Evergreen Trail Running
• San Francisco Street Bakery
• Pat Ackley and Starbucks 
• Olympia Food Coop
• Wild Bill Graphics (for printing the tshirts)
• Mug Revolution (hand crafted age group mugs)

Thanks also to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources for continued support and permitting this event! 

And to USATF for sanctioning this event!

Results, Photos and stories about the race can be found here:

https://capitolpeakultras.com/cp50mile.html

Please let me know if you would like to add your blog with any stories about your experience at Capitol Peak!

If you would like to purchase a high resolution photograph, please see Glenn Tachiyamas photos:

http://smu.gs/10lFwOy

Thanks for your support in making Capitol Peak another successful race! See you all next year for the 10th Anniversary!!

John Pearch

RD- Capitol Peak Ultras

2013 Capitol Peak update

Greetings!  

Here are a few things to know for Capitol Peak on April 27! 

1) Everyone needs to have a Discover Pass to park your car during the race or camp the night before.  Please purchase a Discover Pass before you try and drive up to the start. http://discoverpass.wa.gov/  They DO NOT have a place to pay at the campground and we won't have extra to purchase.

2) If you plan spending the night in a hotel in Olympia, you might want to book now. Olympia's Arts festival and Procession of the Species is happening on Friday and Saturday.  Check out some hotels on the event website: https://capitolpeakultras.com/Race_Info.html  We also recommend a hotel either in Tumwater or West Olympia!  Or camping is free at Margarette McKenny campground (first come first serve basis- no reservations but a Discover Pass is required to park for camping and all day at the race on April 27.  Please make sure you purchase a Discover Pass online. 

3) You should consider coming to Olympia earlier, pickup your packet at South Sound Running between 3-6pm .   South Sound Running is located at 3409 Capitol Blvd in Olympia.  http://www.southsoundrunning.com/

Then go check out the Arts Walk in downtown Olympia! Here is information about the Arts Walk: http://olympiawa.gov/city-services/parks/community-events/artswalk

4) If you already registered but still want to order a Patagonia tshirt you may order on Ultrasignup at http://ultrasignup.com/shopping.aspx?did=18071 before 12:00 midnight April 1, 2013!  

These Patagonia tshirts are women and men sized! Tshirts not available after April 1st! 

Also, please spread the word for anyone that hasn't registered for Capitol Peak and want to save $$ and want a tshirt!  Registration IS STILL available after April 1, just no tshirts.
http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=18071 

5) We've updated the course information regarding cutoff times on our course site:
https://capitolpeakultras.com/Course.html (see aid station planning for respective distance you are running).
Regular start is at 6:30am.  However, we are also allowing both 50M and 55k runners to take the early start at 5:30 am.  Please email me if you are taking the early start.  See the Aid Station spreadsheet with cutoffs at respective stations.
The plan is to run the same course as last year, but pending trail conditions on race day. 

Capitol Peak also provides a chance for everyone to finish! If you start as the 50mile and decide its not your day or whatever other reason, you can still finish on the 55k course after A4 and still get a finishing time for the 55k (but not eligible for 55k awards).
But there are a couple reasons to go for the 50 mile finish:
50 mile is only apart of the Washington Ultra Series! The 55k is not.

And the 50 mile you can only earn the First to the Peak award (1st men and women each who reach the summit of Capitol Peak and then still finishes all 50 miles!)

6) NEW for 2013!! Capitol State Forest has a new map! You can download the map on your iPhone or Smart phone from the following link: http://washingtondnr.wordpress.com/2013/03/05/top-5-reasons-to-download-the-new-capitol-state-forest-map-onto-your-smartphone/

Or purchase a hard copy map at the following link:
http://washingtondnr.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/new-capitol-state-forest-map-is-hot-off-the-presses/ (we may have some on race day to purchase for cheaper price if interested)
Note: Trail names have changed on the map and in the forest, but when in doubt just follow the yellow/red flagging or other course marking to follow the course. 

7) As of right now there is virtually no snow in Capitol Forest.  If you are in the area and want to come join the Olympia Trail Runners for a run and some trail work, it would be great opportunity to get some idea about the race course and give back to the trails.  You can also earn a Capitol Peak pint glass for your help!

Here are a few trail work opportunities:

Saturday April 13 Great Gravel Pack-in- a trail work day working together with runners, hikers, backcountry horsemen, mountain bikers and motorbikers and other recreation users of Capitol Forest. Meeting place is at the Margarette McKenny campground at 9am.  We will run on portions of the Capitol Peak 50 mile course after working on trails.

Sun April 14 8:00am Meet at West Olympia Top Foods/Starbucks for trail work and more  trail run. We realize that some might be running other races that weekend but thought we'd have both days open to anyone interested since we will be going out anyways that weekend to catch up on trail work and trail runs. Please email me if interested in one of these days and I will let you know more details.

If interested, you can join the Oly Trail Runners facebook page and find out other trail runs in Capitol Forest! https://www.facebook.com/groups/207133992724092/

8) If you have a friend or family that might be interested in helping at an aid station, we would greatly appreciate their help.  Please email me if you have any interest in helping!  All volunteers will earn a Capitol Peak pint glass for their help!

9) Hammer is proudly sponsoring Capitol Peak Ultras again this year.  Aid stations will be stocked with Gels, HEED, and E-Caps, and Fizz electrolyte supplements. 

10) We also have our special Capitol Peak hand crafted mugs for our age group winners...thanks to Mug Revolution!
http://handmademugs.blogspot.com/2012/03/test.html

Good luck in your training!  Please let me know if you have any questions about your training or other details about Capitol Peak Ultramarathon!

Thanks to all our sponsors, volunteers and Friends of Capitol Forest who helped make this event a success over the years. Friends of Capitol Forest will again be there to help provide the large event tent and also will be working the Falls Creek Aid Station and if you dare, with Tequila!

Thanks for your interest in Capitol Peak!

John Pearch

RD-Capitol Peak Ultras

capitolpeak@gmail.com

2013 Capitol Peak Mega Fat Ass ready to go!

Greetings!

We are very excited that the Mega Fat Ass is all ready to go this Saturday January 19, 2013.  We were successful in marking the course this past Saturday.  The 17 mile course is completely snow free so far.  However, the 34 mile course has about a foot and a half of snow that is all above 1800 feet.  The snow this past weekend was frozen which if the weather holds like it has been should be ok to run over.  For those planning to run the 34 mile, come prepared with yak tracks and running gaiters and other cold weather gear.  The weather forecast calls for sunny and clear and in the low 40s next Saturday. But you never know what might change, so be prepared for the worst!  It is a relief that we don't have a forecast like we did last year!!

Here are a few things to prepare for this weekends race.

If you haven't already done so...take the time to go online and purchase a discover pass. This may be for the person's car (with individual license plate) you may be carpooling with..HINT HINT!!  The Discover Pass is NOT covered in the entry for the Mega Fat Ass or the Capitol Peak 50 mile/55k in April, so if you are planning to run either of these races or any other races that are on Washington state land (including WA state parks), you might as well purchase an Annual Pass.

http://discoverpass.wa.gov/ 

See the Discover Pass website FAQ site that will help answer any questions you may have. http://discoverpass.wa.gov/faq/

Also, we have decided to preserve the same course as last April's 55k for this years Mega Fat Ass 34 mile and 17 mile. However, there are new trail names that DNR have been out updating in the forest to reflect the new map, which is still in the works of being published.  Some of the trail names on this map have been changed throughout Capitol State Forest, to reflect the new (not yet

published) DNR Capitol Forest Map. When in doubt, follow the red/yellow flagging or orange spray paint arrows to follow the Fat Ass course.  https://www.capitolpeakultras.com/uploads/CPFatAssmap2013.pdf

Please thank the South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue (SPSMSAR) for their continued support for Capitol Peak Ultras events! SSMSAR will be stationed at all the 3 checkpoints with water, but with no food...remember this is a fat ass so bring your own food.  If you have a drop bag, we will have your drop bags taken to the Falls Creek station but not the other stations...so plan accordingly!  Please clearly mark your name on your bag, otherwise you may not see it again. 

For those running the 34 mile only, you can start at early (preferably 7am "on the nose" prior to the regular start) but please let us know you are starting early and remember there is no guarantee you will see your drop bag when you get to Falls Creek the first time.

Post-race potluck: please bring a can of chicken noodle soup or butternut squash soup (if vegetarian).  We will cook it all together and be hot and ready at the finish.  If you forget soup, we will also have Ramon noodles, hot coco and coffee also.

We have also received permission from DNR to use the new camp host shelter at Margaret McKenny campground for our finish post-race party.  This camp shelter was built and funded from a joint effort of volunteers and DNR, which Capitol Peak Ultras supported the cause. 

Camping will also be available for anyone wanting to stay Friday night January 18. Please make sure you have a Discover Pass. If the gate is closed, it will only be latched and not locked. Please relatch the gate after you enter the campground Friday night. Please park in designed parking or campground but not immediately next to the finish line shelter. There will not be camping available Saturday night, since this event is specially permitted for Friday night and Saturday only.

Also, we will also be giving out bib numbers before the start.  Even if you already registered, please come early  (prior to 7:30am) and you will receive a bib number upon a receiving your signed DNR waiver.  If you haven't signed up yet, online registration will be available  until Thursday 1/17/13 at 11:59pm at the following link: http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=18068

Or if anyone misses the online registration, there will be day of race registration available.

Additional donations to Friends of Capitol Forest will also be much appreciate...FOCF are the ones who help built the new shelter at Margaret McKenny campground and have worked hard on many hundreds of hours each year on trail projects in Capitol Forest!  They will also be out at Falls Creek to cheer you all on!

See you all soon this Saturday!

Thanks for all your continued support!

John Pearch

capitolpeak@gmail.com

360-250-2006

https://capitolpeakultras.com/Mega_Fat_Ass.html

Buy a 2013 Tribute to the Trails WTA Calendar and a chance to win a free entry at Capitol Peak

For those interested in getting a free entry into Capitol Peak Ultras 50 mile or 55km on April 27, 2012, buy a "Tribute to the Trails" Calendar Project " calendar for you or as a gift. You can purchase at Zombie Runner http://www.zombierunner.com/store/product4412.html or can be purchased at The Balanced Athlete in Renton or at Fleet Feet Sports in Seattle. On the back of the calendar you purchase is an entry for you to send in before the drawing on Jan 6. And yes, you can still win a free 2013 Capitol Peak entry even if you have already registered for the race!

Thanks to Glenn Tachiyama for all the awesome photographs and a great cause towards the Washington Trails Association!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

 

John Pearch

2012 Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55km ANOTHER HUGE SUCCESS!

Photo by Glenn Tachiyama

Capitol Peak Ultras once again hurdled many obstacles to make a successful turnout for the Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55k on April 28, 2012! In January, the Mega Fat Ass was cancelled due to record braking snow fall (3+ feet) and ice fallen trees. Where did that leave us?...A whole lot of trail work! So hats off to many people for all their efforts in scouting out and working on trails in February, March and April this year! Friends of Capitol Forest (FOCF) a non-profit group who put forth in maintaining trails in Capitol State Forest has conducted trail work parties once a month since 2006...amounting to 1000's of hours of trail work to make it a great place to run and recreate. Capitol Peak Ultras also put forth a great deal of effort in cooperation with FOCF.  And as a result of excess post-race funds we donate to give back to the trails...give back to FOCF for all their efforts they have given throughout the year.   Capitol Peak Ultras give pride every year to put on the Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55k as a fundraiser for FOCF, as this has helped maintain trails in Capitol State Forest and is our mission for years to come.  FOCF were again at our Falls Creek aid station who provide a huge contingency of support and enthusiasm (and tequila for those really in need;`)  FOCF also provide the large tent and other equipment at the finish.  We also donate to South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue (SPSMSAR), who graciously provide radio communication at all the aid stations and vehicle transportation/first aid support for any potential emergencies during the race. 

 

As many of you are aware the 50 mile and 55k course were the same course as last year (with exception of adding the new 6A trail near the finish).  This year the weather was also very cooperative with fog on the Peak and sunshine at the finish!  

• 66 finished the 55Km with about 8 who started as 50 mile and took the 55k finish option at Capitol Peak.
• The 55k had 6 senior finishers including: Kent Holder (70+), James Betts, Tim Hunnicutt, Wild Bill Voiland, Chris Ralph and Tom Ripley
• The 5 year finisher for the 55k goes to Barry Hopkins   
• The 55km overall winners were fast! Rod Bien from Bend, Oregon broke last years course record (the same course as 2011) by almost 40 minutes (4:18:08)! 
• In addition, the top 4 men also broke last years winners time time, with Gary Robbins for 2nd (4:35), Brandon Sullivan for 3rd (4:44) and Tony Hawkes (4:57) for 4th. Rod, Gary and Brandon managed to finish within the top 10 finishing times of the history of the race.
• The womens 55K field was even more impressive for the battle for the win when Kathleen Eagan won by less than 2 minutes (5:45:59) and Hillary McKinstry finishing 5:47:33.  Both Kathleen and Hillary were neck-and-neck the entire race!  Ann Larson placed 3rd women (6:07), followed by Dana Samis (6:23) for 4th. Kathleen, Hillary and Ann managed to finish within the top 10 finishing times of the history of the race.

The 50 mile course was also fast and furious with many impressive finishes! 

• 83 finished the 50 mile, with 98 starters (about 8 took the 55k finish option at Capitol Peak and 7 DNF's)
• The 50 mile had 2 senior finishers including: Rainer Schulz and Mike "Bushwacker" Burke
• 5 year finishers for the 50 mile include: Eric Barnes, Mike Burke, Rainer Schulz, Jeff Wright and Lorie Alexander. 
• The women's 50 mile race was amazing! Jen Edwards managed to take the lead with only about 6 miles to from the finish and won with a time of 8:55:47. Tasha Hogan took second only minutes behind Jen with a time of 8:58:51! Tasha was First to the Peak, who was the first woman to reach Capitol Peak summit (at mile 20) and finish the 50 mile distance. Both Jen and Tasha finished within the top 10 finishing times of the history of the race. Gili Katzman placed 3rd women (9:33), followed by Wendy Wheeler-Jacobs (9:54). 
• The men's 50 mile race was also impressive. Nicholas Triolo won with a time of 7:06:57. Dan Olmstead placed 2nd (7:15) followed by Trevor Hostetler for 3rd (7:30) and Ethan Linck for 4th (7:38).   Nicholas was the First to the Peak, who was the first male to reach Capitol Peak summit  (at mile 20) and also finish the 50 mile distance.  Nicholas and Dan managed to finish within the top 10 finishing times of the history of the race.

We are indebted to many volunteers who also came forward to participate in this years 50 mile and 55km. 

Those that came to aid in trail work efforts in February, March and April include:

Rob Dengel, Jen Edwards, Melissa and Matt Klungle, Dave Molenaar, David Mora, John Pearch, Heidi Perry, Herb Reeves, Charles South, Jim Szumila, Brandon Williams, and the Friends of Capitol Forest.  All made a huge effort in getting the trails cleared after the big ice storm and other wind storms this year in Capitol Forest! 

Several people made several "double dipping" efforts to help make Capitol Peak a great race!  Thanks go out to the all the volunteers for all their huge support (please forgive me if I don't have everyone):

• Course Markers: Jen Edwards (16 miles), Dave Molenaar (6 miles), David Mora (18 miles)
• Thursday Packet stuffing party: Heidi Perry, Herb Reeves, Marilou Powers-Russell, David Mora, Dave Molenaar, Kris Ryding, Rob Dengel, Ulrike Krotscheck, Jim Holbrooks, Melissa and Matt Klungle
• Soup Prep: Karen Wiggins, Roberta Woods and Jim Szumila
• Packet Pickup at South Sound Running: Graham Johnson, Heidi Perry, Kris Ryding, Karen Wiggins, Roberta Woods
• Ulrike and Jim for picking up bakery goods at San Francisco St Bakery
• Thanks also to South Sound Running for letting us once again use their store as a packet pickup location!
• David Snyder and FOCF for setting up their event tent on Friday
• Aid Station supplier, driving and setting up aid stations: Herb Reeves
• EMT support: Serg Kagno stationed at Capitol Peak
• Race Day Registration: Heidi Perry, Roger Michel, Jason Leman, and Jennifer Love
• Post race meal: Karen Wiggins, Roberta Woods, Jim Szumila, and my parents Bill and Helen Pearch (arriving home from Greece the night before!)
• Photographer: Glenn Tachiyama on Capitol Peak summit
• Aid Station A1/A9: David Mora and Holly Knowles and  SPSMSAR
• Aid Station A2/A8: Matt Hagen and FOCF and  SPSMSAR
• Aid Station A3/A4: Melissa and Matt Klungle, Ulrike and Jim, Dillon Yanick and Serg Kagnoarts  and  SPSMSAR
• Aid Station A5/A7:  Jason Leman, Jennifer Love, John Bandur  and  SPSMSAR
• Aid Station A6: Bill Herzog and Club Oly Running  and  SPSMSAR
• Sweepers: Dave Molenaar (1st 25), Herb Reeves (last 20 miles), Melissa Klungle (Capitol Peak to Falls)
• Finish line Timing: Tony Seabolt, Rob Dengel, John Clark, Laurie Rich, Kermit Oglesby, and Heidi Perry
• Thanks also to Route 16 for letting us borrow their tent and other gear for timing.
• Thanks also to Ultra Signup and Mark Gilligan for providing their excellent timing system!
• Finish line awards: Heidi Perry
• Finish raffle: Heidi Perry, Elena Perry and her friend Sophia

Thanks also to all of our sponsors who provided merchandise and goods for either our awards or food/drinks:

• Hammer Nutrition
• Scott Sports
• Patagonia
• South Sound Running
• The Balanced Athlete
• Route 16 Running and Walking
• Fleet Feet Sports (Seattle)
• Ultra Signup
• Ultrarunning Magazine
• Trail Runner Magazine and the Trail Runner Trophy Series
• Roger Michel and Evergreen Trail Running
• Club Oly Running
• San Francisco Street Bakery
• Pat Ackley and Starbucks 
• Olympia Food Coop
• Wild Bill Graphics (for printing the tshirts)
• Mug Revolution (hand crafted age group mugs)

Thanks also to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources for continued support and permitting this event!

Results, Photos and stories about the race can be found here:

https://capitolpeakultras.com/cp50mile.html

Please let me know if you would like to add your blog with any stories about your experience at Capitol Peak!

If you would like to purchase a high resolution photograph, please see Glenn Tachiyamas photos:

http://www.pbase.com/gtach/capitolpeak12

Thanks for your support in making Capitol Peak another successful race! See you all next year!

John Pearch

RD- Capitol Peak Ultras 

Another update for 2012 Capitol Peak 50 mile and 55km Ultra

Greetings! The weather forecast looks promising this Saturday but plan on a whole lot of mud and fun on the trails! Please read this email all the way through for everything you need to know for Capitol Peak this Saturday April 28 (updated from my previous email in March). 1) Packet Pickup this Friday 4/27 from 3-6 pm at South Sound Running located at 3409 Capitol Blvd in Olympia (website: http://www.southsoundrunning.com/about/olympia.php) You should consider coming to Olympia earlier to pickup your packet! Thanks to South Sound Running for all their continued support as the packet pickup location, providing bib numbers and prizes! Even if you have already picked your packet, everyone must also check in on race day at Margaret McKenny start tent 5-6:20 am. Please be at the starting line for a pre-race briefing at 6:20am. Early starters at 5:20am. 2) If you plan spending the night in a hotel in Olympia, you might want to book now. Olympia's Arts festival and Procession of the Species is happening on Friday and Saturday. Here is information about the Arts Walk: http://www.thurstontalk.com/2012/03/22/olympia-arts-walk-xliv-2012/ Check out some hotels on the event website: https://capitolpeakultras.com/Race_Info.html We also recommend a hotel either in Tumwater or West Olympia! Or camping is free at Margarette McKenny campground (first come first serve basis- no reservations but a Discover Pass is required to park for camping and all day at the race on April 28: http://discoverpass.wa.gov/ . Please make sure you purchase a Discover Pass online. They DO NOT have a place to pay at the campground. We will have an extra laptop at the packet pickup for anyone that still needs to purchase a Discover Pass. A fair warning, the DNR enforcement were out last weekend giving tickets to anyone that didn't have a Discover Pass for either accessing or parking in Capitol Forest. This is a message to all running participants, crew, spectators, and volunteers! For those that are volunteering, please let me know if you need help in getting a Discover Pass. 3) If you ordered a Patagonia tshirt, you can pick these up at the Packet Pickup or at the race day checkin. If you cannot make the race please let me know if you want your tshirt. Otherwise we will sell the extra tshirts at the finish. 4) Online registration is still available to anyone until this Wednesday 11:59 PM April 25. http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=14719 After that, registration will be still be available in person at the packet pickup or at the race day (with $5 extra for either race). 5) As I mentioned before, we've updated the course information regarding cutoff times on our course site: https://capitolpeakultras.com/Course.html (see aid station planning for respective distance you are running). As you can see our regular start is at 6:30am. However, we are also allowing both 50M and 55k runners to take the early start at 5:30 am. We made some strict cutoffs for the 55k. Please understand why we had to change our cutoffs to keep our volunteers happy! So if you think it will take you longer to get to the aid stations (especially to the Falls Creek A2 or 9 mile aid station), please consider the early start. We don't want to disappoint anyone but just providing an opportunity for all to take the early start if needed. I included the "Station Opens" column on this same site so you can judge if will be too fast (for the 1st or 2nd aid stations) to do the early start and so you don't show up at the aid station before the station is even open. The open and closing times are based on last years first and last runners times at each aid station. 6) The course is all in great shape. Thanks to many people for all their help in trail work including Rob Dengel, Jen Edwards, Melissa Klungle, Dave Molenaar, David Mora, Heidi Perry, Herb Reeves, Charles South, Jim Szumila, Brandon Williams, and the Friends of Capitol Forest. All made a huge effort in getting the trails cleared after the big ice storm and other wind storms this year in Capitol Forest! 7) As we have done in the past, if you start the 50 mile and decide its not your day or whatever other reason-- you can still finish on the 55k course after A4 Capitol Peak station and still get a finishing time for the 55k. However, new for 2012-- all awards are to those that finish the distance they register! In other words, if you register for the 50 mile and take the 55k finish, you are no longer eligible for an award. And other reasons for the 50 miler entrants to go for the 50 mile finish: 50 mile is only apart of the Washington Ultra Series! The 55k is not. And the 50 mile you can only earn the First to the Peak award (1st men and women each who reach the summit of Capitol Peak and then still finishes all 50 miles!) 8) If you have a friend or family that might be interested in helping at an aid station, we would greatly appreciate their help. Please email me if you have any interest in helping! All volunteers will earn a Capitol Peak pint glass for their help! 9) Hammer is proudly sponsoring Capitol Peak Ultras again this year. Aid stations will be stocked with Gels, HEED, and E-Caps, and Fizz electrolyte supplements. Your packet will also have a packet of Recoverite that you can take after your hard finish. We are very thankful to Hammer for all their generous support! In addition, I am also individually sponsored by Hammer as a Ultracyclist. So, if your interested in ordering Hammer products for other events this year, please check out how you can save 15% on your first order: https://capitolpeakultras.com/HammerBeyond.html 10) We also have our special Capitol Peak hand crafted mugs for our age group winners...thanks to Mug Revolution! http://handmademugs.blogspot.com/2012/03/test.html 11) After you finish, check to see if you've won overall award, age group mug or other raffle prizes. We will also have homemade soup from my Mom and Dad's recipe who won't be able to make it since they are traveling in Greece. But thanks to Karen Wiggins, Jim Szumila and Roberta Woods for their commitment to making the soup! Thanks to all our sponsors, volunteers and Friends of Capitol Forest who helped make this event a success over the years. Friends of Capitol Forest will again be there to help provide the large event tent at the start/finish and also will be working the Falls Creek Aid Station! Also thanks to the South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue for their commitment to providing radio communication at all the aid stations! Here is a list of all our sponsors and supporters that we couldn't have done it without all their support: https://capitolpeakultras.com/sponsors.html Thanks for your interest in Capitol Peak and see you all soon! John Pearch www.capitolpeakultras.com/cp50mile.html

Greetings!


Here are a few things to know for Capitol Peak on April 28!


1) If you plan spending the night in a hotel in Olympia, you might want to book now. Olympia's Arts festival and Procession of the Species is happening on Friday and Saturday. Check out some hotels on the event website: https://capitolpeakultras.com/Race_Info.html We also recommend a hotel either in Tumwater or West Olympia! Or camping is free at Margarette McKenny campground (first come first serve basis- no reservations but a Discover Pass is required to park for camping and all day at the race on April 28: http://discoverpass.wa.gov/ . Please make sure you purchase a Discover Pass online. They DO NOT have a place to pay at the campground!


2) You should consider coming to Olympia earlier, pickup your packet at South Sound Running between 3-6pm . South Sound Running is located at 3409 Capitol Blvd in Olympia. Then go check out the Arts Walk in downtown Olympia! Here is information about the Arts Walk: http://www.thurstontalk.com/2012/03/22/olympia-arts-walk-xliv-2012/

3) If you didn't get a chance to order a Patagonia tshirt you may order on Ultrasignup http://ultrasignup.com/shopping.aspx?did=14719 12:00 midnight April 2, 2012 is our cutoff time for ordering Patagonia tshirts! These Patagonia tshirts are women and men sized!
Also, please spread the word for anyone else interested, save $$ and register before April 2!
http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=14719

4) We've updated the course information regarding cutoff times on our course site:
https://capitolpeakultras.com/Course.html (see aid station planning for respective distance you are running).
As you can see our regular start is at 6:30am. However, we are also allowing both 50M and 55k runners to take the early start at 5:30 am. Please email me if you are interested or debating taking the early start. We made some cutoffs more stringent for the 55k since in the past we have had to have 2 sets of sweepers. By allowing the 55k runners to start the early start, it will allow more time to get to the aid station and both races will be more in sync. Please understand why we had to change our cutoffs to keep our volunteers happy! So if you think it will take you longer to get to the aid stations, please consider the early start. And please no fast runners in the early start! I included the "Station Opens" column on this same site so you can judge if will be too fast (for the 1st or 2nd aid stations) to do the early start and so you don't show up at the aid station before the station is even open. The open and closing times are based on last years first and last runners times at each aid station but about a half hour later, since the race starts a half hour later.
The plan is to run the same course as last year, but pending trail condition and potential trail damage from winter storms. There is one small revision near the finish, on the new 6A trail, thanks to the Friends of Capitol Forest!


Also, you can also see that if you start as the 50mile and decide its not your day or whatever other reason you can still finish on the 55k course after A4 and still get a finishing time for the 55k.
But there are a couple reasons to go for the 50 mile finish:
50 mile is only apart of the Washington Ultra Series! The 55k is not.
And the 50 mile you can only earn the First to the Peak award (1st men and women each who reach the summit of Capitol Peak and then still finishes all 50 miles!)


5) As of right now there is still some snow above 1500 feet in Capitol Forest. We are waiting to do more trail work in the upper area of the forest once the snow melts. But there are other areas that we plan to do trail work in the lower portions in the mean time. If you are in the area and want to come join the Olympia Trail Runners for a run before the trail work, it would be great opportunity to get some idea about the race course and give back to the trails. You can also earn a Capitol Peak pint glass for your help!


Our next trail work is on Sunday April 1. We will meet at Top Foods in West Olympia at 9:00 am


Sat April 14 and Sun April 15 we will also have 2 days of trail runs and trail work. We realize that some might be running other races that weekend but thought we'd have both days open to anyone interested since we will be going out anyways that weekend to catch up on trail work and trail runs (scouting for trail work). Please email me if interested in one of these days and I will let you know what time and the location of our meeting.


6) If you have a friend or family that might be interested in helping at an aid station, we would greatly appreciate their help. Please email me if you have any interest in helping! All volunteers will earn a Capitol Peak pint glass for their help!


7) Hammer is proudly sponsoring Capitol Peak Ultras again this year. Aid stations will be stocked with Gels, HEED, and E-Caps, and Fizz electrolyte supplements. We are very thankful to Hammer for all their generous support! In addition, I am also individually sponsored by Hammer as a Ultracyclist. So, if your interested in ordering Hammer products to prepare for Capitol Peak, please check out how you can save 15% on your first order:
https://capitolpeakultras.com/HammerBeyond.html

8) We also have our special Capitol Peak hand crafted mugs for our age group winners...thanks to Mug Revolution!
http://handmademugs.blogspot.com/2012/03/test.html

Good luck in your training! Please let me know if you have any questions about your training or other details about Capitol Peak Ultramarathon!


Thanks to all our sponsors, volunteers and Friends of Capitol Forest who helped make this event a success over the years. Friends of Capitol Forest will again be there to help provide the large event tent and also will be working the Falls Creek Aid Station and if you dare, withTequila!


Thanks for your interest in Capitol Peak!

John Pearch
RD-Capitol Peak Ultras
capitolpeak@gmail.com