2008 Race Director Report – Jim Skaggs

The third running of the Antelope Island Buffalo Run took place on March 22 with over 230 runners participating in the three races, 25K, 50K, and 50 mile. Once again, the weather cooperated with temperatures in the low 30’s at the start and ending up in the upper 400’s by the afternoon.

The 50 mile runners left the start in the dark at 6:00 a.m. and an hour later were treated to a full moon setting over the Great Salt Lake while the sun was rising over the Wasatch Mountains to the east. Probably the most beautiful race start we’ve had yet. There was still snow on the ground in the upper reaches of the island, but the trails were clear and runnable. The 50-mile course changed substantially this year and most runners were glad that they didn’t have to climb the Sentry Trail twice this year as they did last year. The men’s 50-mile race changed leaders several times over the course of the day with Erik Storheim taking charge at about 22 miles and never looking back. Erik broke the 50-mile record that he set last year on his way to a win for the second year in a row with a time of 7:04. The women’s race was won by Milada Copeland in a time of 8:55.

The 50K runners left the starting line at 8:00 a.m. with Brad Mitchell taking the lead and never letting go. He successfully defended his 2007 title and set a new course record as well. His winning time of 3:49 works out to a 7:27 pace. Very fast given the nature of the course. His pace for the 50K was actually faster than the winning pace for the 25K winner. Kevin Shilling, the previous course record holder was hot on Brad’s heels the entire race and also broke his course record. On the women’s side, Eve Davies won the 50K with a time of 5:27:26. Eve has run the 50K every year and always brings her dog, Mesa to run with her.

One of the more enjoyable moments during the day was when John Mollmer, long time ultrarunner, fellow island Trail Patrol member, and all around good guy crossed the finish line for his 50 mile race. John was followed for the last couple hundred yards to the finish by Chris Haramoto, the Assistant Park Manager, in his park ranger truck, red and blue lights flashing and siren howling. Another runner asked what all the commotion was about and John replied that the Park Ranger had run his bib number through the NCIS database and Chris was being nice in letting John finish before he took him away.

Once again runners were treated to huge amounts of buffalo stew. Every runner is required to bring a can of veggies and the race supplies the buffalo stew meat. This cooks all day while the runners are on the course. Hot stew is good stuff after all that running in the cool weather. Once again I want to profusely thank all of the wonderful volunteers, Trail Patrol members, and park staff for making this a successful event. Let’s do it again next year, its way too much fun.