Gilroy - Every late August at Gilroy's Mt. Madonna Park at Sprig Lake, the masochists show up.
Runners from Morgan Hill, Gilroy, San Jose, Los Gatos and even as far away as San Luis Obispo hit the dirt trails to torture themselves on two rigorous courses. They labor up steep inclines in the midst of hot weather, while gobs of bugs, dust and sweat obstruct their progress. The 12K and 6K races are geared not for the fainthearted or for couch potato wimps. These long and winding roads are pretty tough. The Mt. Madonna Challenge, aptly named, is a benefit for the South Valley Symphony. Veteran runner Bill Flodberg and Live Oak High cross country coach Dean Raymond are the driving forces behind the 30-year-old athletic event.
The first segment of the race is the 6K Salamander Walk, which sounds safe enough until you actually run the thing. It's no cakewalk. It will build up the calf muscles and get those lungs pumping pine-scented air.
Steve Sokol and his son Alex, a father and son team from San Jose, drove up early Sunday morning to test their mettle on the shorter distance of the race. Never mind that Alex is six years old - he knew he could tackle the hills without any problems, with his father at his side feeding him racing strategy. The other runners and walkers mentally perked up and toed the line before the sound of the air horn signifying the start. Some had no idea of the sharp hill that would greet them at the beginning of the route, while others were prepared since they'd done it before.
Before the 12K Mt. Madonna Challenge race, the eager, hardy souls talked about their past races and expectations regarding the upcoming trial. Veteran competitor Dave Boulen, 74, from Los Gatos, has defied the mountains since the first race 30 years ago. Despite an unfortunate encounter with a swarm of hornets at a previous Mt. Madonna Challenge two years ago, he still confronts the precipitous course with enthusiasm.
Newcomers to the scene, Tom and Leesa King, patiently stretched and warmed up as they contemplated the physical demands of the competitive event. These Morgan Hill residents have trained with the South Valley Running Club and also on their own near Uvas Reservoir. They planned to keep an even pace throughout their journey. After they finished the race, they received awards within their age divisions.
The racers crossed the finish line - weary, happy, relieved and much wiser with regard to hill running. Morgan Hill's 14-year-old Olivia Duran completed the rugged 6K under 34 minutes and was thrilled to take first place overall in the women's field.
"Uphill was my favorite part because it makes my legs stronger," Duran said.
San Martin resident Rich Benner finished second in the men's division for the same distance with a time of 26:57. This was his first time competing in the race.
The men's division winners in the 12K were first timers, Michael Matthews from Los Gatos and Cupertino's Andrew Murray. Matthew's impressive 51:32 finish firmly put him in an elite category. His wife, Kimberly, placed second overall in the women's division in the 6K.
Murray finished in 56:18.
Morgan Hill's Lisa Herrera, a freshman from Live Oak High School, won the women's division in the 12K with a 69:38. The 63-year-old Sally Adam, from San Luis Obispo, placed second overall with a 74:31.
Third-place finisher Gretchen Yoder-Schrock summed it up best regarding everyone's feelings toward the challenge: "I finished tired, but I did well ... I hope I can say the same for the upcoming school year!"
Race Results
12K Men
10-18: l. Allen Chan 57:00; 2. Jesus Atanacio 58:38; 3. Kenn Benner 60:52
19-29: 1. Ryan Reed 53:35; 2. Matthew De Benedetti 72:00
30-34: 1. Christopher Bosso 71:54; 2. Frank Diard 75:51; 3. Moises Hernandez 52:32
35-39: 1. Michael Mattthews 51:32; 2. Andrew Murray 56:18; 3. Ismael Luna 88:06
40-44: 1. Raymond Rodriguez 56:47; 2. David Enney 75:55; 3. Ted Durham 78:13
45-49: 1. Doug Meier 61:46; 2. Bill Christopher 73:36; 3. Robert Steelman 77:02
50-54: 1. Dan Anderson 59:17; 2. John Darling 67:28; 3. Gar Chan 70:12
55-59: 1. Jose Garcia 63:48; 2. Robin Dickson 68:32; 3. Tom King 96:13
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