The Escarpment Trail Run, Sunday, July 25, 2004
"Beautifulous!" was the cry heard coming from Bob Gillis at the finish line at North Lake after completing the 18.6 mile Escarpment trail race this year.
By race day, the original field of five Team Gloucester runners had dwindled down to two because of illness, lack of training, and one who just thought that hanging out in a Winnebago was more his lifestyle than running three mountains. In the end, it was Bob Gillis and Wes Lassen who went out represented the team; they were accompanied by Dave Geary, who did not get a qualifying run in last year but still decided to go and be the chauffeur as well as water boy/photographer/support group.
Our journey started around 2pm on Saturday when we left Gloucester and made our way to the thriving metropolis known as Tannersville, in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Upon arrivial (about 4 hours later) we made a bee line for the Last Chance Saloon and Cheese store. We all went with the recommendation of Bob’s and got the meatloaf and if was definitely the best and largest meatloaf I have ever had. True to the folklore we all have been hearing about the last few months, the Last Chance did indeed have the largest beer selection I have ever seen. I actually indulged myself in a very stout ale named Geary’s while Wes and Bob planned their strategy for the next morning.
Upon finishing up we made our way to the lap of luxury known as the Snowed Inn-- kudos to Steve for scoring this place it was a four star accommodation by Tannersville standards, especially after doing a drive by of the Silver Saddle. We all settled into the Snowed Inn and then began watching one of Bob’s favorite movies, The Attic (best Picture 1979), but after about 40minutes and still no plot line we all decided to retire for the night.
The next morning we awoke to mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine-- just a beautiful day for a trail race. After a few wrong turns we finally arrived at the start line at the trail head on Rt.23 in Windham. After picking up their numbers (and Bob going to talk to a man about a horse) both he and Wes were race ready. The start was actually across from the parking area, and it was a single track trail. Picture 175 runners going from about 10 across down to one and you have what is known as a cluster at the start.
Once the race began I got back over to the finish at North Lake in time to be able to get out on the course for a little run myself-- just enough to entice me back for next years race. The course is definitely tough but is runnable and the views are breath taking. After completing my run I was able to get back on the course in time to see the winner Ben Nephew go flying by capturing his fifth win in a row and a new course record in 2:45:20.
I then set up in an area where I could get some good pictures as the runners ascended down a rock covered hill. I did not have to wait long for the Team Gloucester runners to come into view. Wes came down the hill looking in good shape and wanting to know what place he was in. He was even a gentleman out on the trail and let the first woman pass by and have the trail. He crusied to a great finish in 28th place in a time of 3:46:07. After going down to the finish to see how Wes was doing I went back up the trail to see Bob coming down the hill and decided to run in with him with his 43rd place finish in a time of 3:57:20.
After a few slaps on the back and good jobs exchanged, Bob and Wes made their way to North Lake to soak the old legs and relax. It was time then to make the glorious journey back to Gloucester in victorious fashion. Overall Team Gloucester did well, this race is definitely one for the schedule next year (for those not doing Iceland). Hopefully we can entice the entire crew into going-- maybe we can even rent a Winnebago.
