2002 USA 50K Trail Championship on August 24 

August 4, 2002

The Golden Gate Headlands 50K will host the USA 50K National Trail Championship for both Open and Masters runners on August 24, 2002. The race will be run on coastal trails and fireroads a few miles north of San Francisco. A national class field is assembling and it is anticipated that both the men's (3:59:34) and women's (4:29:11) course records are likely to fall. A list of registered runners is available on the race web site at http://www.headlands50k.org. 

The race, in it's fifth running this year, welcomes runners of all abilities and ages, with a single moderate cutoff of 7-1/2 hours at the 25 mile mark. USATF National Championship Open awards will be presented 10 deep in the men's and women's divisions. USATF Masters awards will be presented 3 deep in 5 year age groups starting at 40-44 for both men and women. USATF team competition is also offered in both the men's and women's divisions. In addition to well-staffed aid stations and friendly volunteers, there is a promise of either great views or some nice air conditioning in the form of coastal fog. If past history is any example, runners will most likely experience some of both. Extreme heat, or rain, are unlikely. 

The course has seven significant climbs and descents, but otherwise good footing. In an attempt to provide something for everyone, there are few hundred yards of beach running, lots of single track and fireroads, a short ladder, a few steps, three or four downed trees, a couple of short technical sections (rooty or rocky downhills) and even a few hundred yards of pavement. According to Peter Franks, the race's championship coordinator, if a strong uphill runner, a downhill specialist, a technical trail runner, and a roadie are all together at the bottom of the last and steepest hill in the race (around the 29 mile mark), the lead might change four times before the finish! 

Registration is still open and will be until race day. Only USATF members will be eligible for USATF Championship awards. USATF membership is available online at http://www.usatf.org. 

There are various lodging options in the area from twenty minutes to an hour driving time from the start, including camping, a hostel, and many motels both in Marin and on the San Francisco side of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Additional information, including how to register, is available at the race's website, http://www.headlands50k.org.  Or, feel free to contact the Race Director Guy Palmer at guy@the.dipsea.net or Championship Coordinator Peter Franks at peterfranks@attglobal.net. 

Additional Contact Info: 

Lorraine Gersitz 
USATF MUT Running Council 
bruceandlo@earthlink.net 
714-526-5340 

Peter Franks 
Golden Gate Headlands 50K Championship Coordinator 
peterfranks@attglobal.net 
415-381-4363 

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Last updated: 09/14/05
Web Author: Lorraine Gersitz