It's worth noting that Abby Hall (WSER F1) and Tara Dower (Javelina 100 mile CR) are already in WSER so the tickets will roll down if they are in the top 3-4 spots. The most likely scenario for Molly grabbing a ticket is sneaking into a ticket at 4th-5th because this a strong field.
Thank you for mentioning this. I think while Molly certainly won't win, she has a good chance at a ticket if she runs well and gets well into the top 10.
Related, is this race now considered a major one? I ask because as someone that definitely is not hardcore into ultras, I've seen a bunch of fairly big names running it and talking about it.
Related, is this race now considered a major one? I ask because as someone that definitely is not hardcore into ultras, I've seen a bunch of fairly big names running it and talking about it.
It's a Golden Ticket race and a World Trail Major with over 1,000 entrants. It's also extremely popular among non-elites trying to get a qualifier to the WSER lottery.
The depth of the elite field is only matched in the US by Canyons 100k(also a Golden Ticket race) and WSER. Add in Hardrock which is more prestigious, but has less elite depth and Black Canyon is comfortably either the 3rd or 4th most prestigious ultra in the US.
I've run it plenty of times. Hardly qualifies as a technical route.
Dude, get off it. No one is saying it's a highly technical course. We're saying it's more technical than people tend to think. And you're apparently one of those people. Have already seen several falls from the top pros (Puppi and I think Tara Dower), and that was in the less-technical first 20 miles.
The second half will be a test for Molly beyond the distance because it's winding and bumpy and a little bit technical.
It is more technical than states. Still not technical.
more to the point, apparently Molly has been training on the course, so it likely won’t be a surprise. The only question is will others be more efficient on the trail, to overcome the presumed fitness/talent gap.
I've run it plenty of times. Hardly qualifies as a technical route.
Dude, get off it. No one is saying it's a highly technical course. We're saying it's more technical than people tend to think. And you're apparently one of those people. Have already seen several falls from the top pros (Puppi and I think Tara Dower), and that was in the less-technical first 20 miles.
The second half will be a test for Molly beyond the distance because it's winding and bumpy and a little bit technical.
And, to the point about course being more technical than people think, Molly gave up the entire 45 seconds plus more about 5 miles into the more technical section. Still short of the halfway point, so too early imo to think it has anything to do with the distance.
It is more technical than states. Still not technical.
more to the point, apparently Molly has been training on the course, so it likely won’t be a surprise. The only question is will others be more efficient on the trail, to overcome the presumed fitness/talent gap.
I now predict Tara Dower age 31, womens Appalachian Trail thru hiker record holder beats Molly Siedel, age 31 bronze olympic marathon holder at the 100k distance today.