Last year, Hannah McLean, who lives in Olympia, Cascade Crest 100 at 69 miles.
After changing his mindset and training for another year, McLean, along with eight other Ollie Trail Runners members, took on and completed the race in the most demanding conditions. The course, which was already 160 miles long, was made 102 miles using a modified route, with runners climbing over 23,000 feet in elevation in soaring temperatures.
“It was really big to finish on a particularly difficult track,” McLean said. “I was trying not to remember what happened last year and to motivate myself to keep working hard.”
Olympia resident Michael Marchand said the ‘failed to finish’ rate was a testament to how difficult this year’s race, which took place from July 21-22, was. Of the 184 runners who started, 70 ended up tapping out, about 15% higher than in previous years, he said.
“Considering the DNF rate, it’s even more surprising that there were nine area runners and they all finished,” he said. “I was like, ‘Is everyone done?'” That’s funny. That never happens anywhere. ”
the road to success
Marchand has had off-and-on relationships for most of her life. He ran cross-country in high school, held a position at Runner’s World, completed the Boston Marathon, but took a hiatus for about a decade to start a family and change jobs.
When he chose to start running again, he got to connect with people in the area and explore trails in the area. And on his 50th birthday he set his goal to complete a 50k. From there, the distance increased steadily.
“I always wonder, ‘How far can I really push myself physically and mentally? What are the limits?'” he said. To begin with, there are very few limits that really exist other than the ones you put on yourself.”
As a father, Marchand made many sacrifices for his training, sometimes waking up at 2 a.m. to fit long runs into his tight schedule. But he also places importance on training efficiently with the resources he has. On weekends he would lap a 2-mile hilly course near Watershed Park until he reached 35 miles.
For Montesano resident Phyllis Stanley, running is a more natural experience. Stanley, who grew up in Arizona as a member of the Navajo tribe, said the sport is a big part of her heritage and culture. She appreciates her natural beauty and uses running as a way to process her own emotions.
“Varying where you run always helps,” Stanley said. “We are so lucky and blessed to have Capitol Woods. …We have a whole trail system here and the beauty of these trails is endless.”
Still, one thing Stanley and other runners are pledged to is long runs. Runners typically run long distances over the weekend and repeat the run the next day.
McLean said the technique increases endurance and helps runners get used to working out with tired legs.
“I actually love running streaks the most, and I love doing them,” she said. “I really like being in the woods. It’s great to get out of your head and into your body and enjoy spending a few hours in nature.”
big day
The Cascade Crest 100 was the first distance race for Olympia runner Sean Hubby.
He said the race had many challenges, especially the altitude. His leg pain forced him to hike most of the night, leaving him behind the pace he hoped to keep on track.
“We have to find a little way to deal with it,” he said. “Some races are like that. You end up doing a little problem solving along the way.”
Stanley, who has run other 100-mile races before, said he’d heard from friends about the difficulty of Cascade Crest, but didn’t expect it to be this difficult. The terrain was “rugged” and she tried to navigate between jagged rocks, fearing dehydration.
She persisted and looked like she could record it in less than 30 hours. However, she was exhausted by the final peak, and in the end she finished in 32 hours.
“I’ve never been so cursed on a course. That last peak seemed like forever,” Stanley said with a laugh. “I was barely limping. The last 100 meters or so was unbelievable and I was sprinting just to see God.”
Having run 100 miles in 23 hours so far, McLean finished the race just 34 hours after it started, further demonstrating the difficulty of the race. She said she could barely handle her situation after crossing her finish line and that she was just happy to see the ice water and take off her shoes.
But for Marchand and Hubby, the moment they crossed the finish line was euphoric, especially after all the hardships they had endured.
“I felt like I was flying in the last few miles,” Hubby said. “I was relieved, but I was also excited and proud that I made it.
all about people
These nine runners achieved great feats, but they had a network of support. Countless volunteers worked at various aid stations, and Ollie Trail Runners hosted its own aid station at his 40-mile mark to provide resources for all racers.
Herb Reeves, president of Ollie Trail Runners, led the aid stations, which provided snacks and electrolyte drinks. He said he finds inspiration year after year in helping people move around, as the station gets crowded in the late afternoon and early evening.
McLean started running with Olley Trail Runners in 2017 and found a community of people who enjoy the sport just like her. When not racing, it’s common to attend parties where the spectators cheer on the members. I also enjoy interacting with other runners who are trying their hand at trail running for the first time.
“All the members of the club are really sweet, really kind and want to be there for you and support you,” she said. “Especially when it’s hard.”
Due to his busy schedule, Marchand doesn’t often hang out with runners, but he enjoys training with them when possible. He provided support throughout most of the course, leaning on his fellow members and cheering them on every step of the way because he knew the challenges they had overcome to get there.
“It was both a blessing and a curse, but what made me feel so good was that a few friends ran by me like Hannah ran by me in the last mile. that’s it,” he said. “She was very happy to see her because she dropped out last year and it was a really tough race for her and I’m really happy she finished this year.”
Stanley said meeting fellow runners was uplifting. She’s been with the group for at least 10 years and she enjoys seeing familiar faces among the different races she’s been a part of.
She relied on her group of people as pacers and crew throughout her adventure.
“They have become another family for me,” Stanley said. “Knowing you’re sharing this crazy effort with someone else gives you even more confidence.”
