The Bel Monte Endurance Run, one of the Southeast's most popular early season ultra races, happened March 28th on the beautiful trails surrounding Lake Sherando near Charlottesville, Virginia. Over 300 eager participants gathered around the starting line in the wee hours of that chilly and foggy morning. All participants, either competing in the 25k, 50k or 50 miler, all hit the slippery trail right at 6:30am.

This year, the Bel Monte challenged new comers and old friends as this course had something new to offer. In the five years of directing this race, Francesca Conte, has never experienced the same weather. In the past runners have experienced everything from balmy, perfect weather to knee-deep snow, wind, and sub-freezing temperatures. This year it was mist, light rain, cool temperatures and a mystical fog. In the words of James Erikson, winner of the 25k, the course looked like a 'fairy land'. After climbing out of the White Rock Falls trail and onto the Slacks toward Bald Mountain, the runners found themselves above the fog and clouds. The rocks and boulders acquired a greenish sheen and the tops of the mountains seemed to disappear into the clouds. Fortunately, the rain held until late in the 50 mile race.

Each race enjoyed very impressive performances on both men's and women's sides. In the 50 mile race, Bradley Mongold from West Virginia, set a new course record with a blazing time of 7:56:38. Those who have run the course understand how incredibly fast this time is as we rarely see the 8-hour barrier broken at BMER. Any Sproston from Washington also set a course record in 9:26:23. In the 50k race, old champion, Sean Andrish, came close to reclaiming his old course-record title. Eileen Kickish took the women's title in 5:58:28. The 25k was dominated by local cross country runner, James Erickson, who won even after missing a turn and running a couple extra miles. Riva Johnson took the women's title in 2:33:49.

Prior to the race, David Snipes, a local trail running coach, hosted a consumer clinic at Charlottesville Running Company. Dave discussed important notes for the race as well as highlighted some of the newer Vasque model trail shoes available at the store. Lisa Green, the acting Charlottesville Vasque ambassador, assisted Dave during the clinic and stayed after to help runners and participants understand more of the technical details of the Vasque shoes. Lisa, a gear junkie, I believe found her calling. Runners were also given coupons for a pair of the award-winning trail shoes equipment with the BOA lacing system, the Aether Techs.

Many thanks to directors, Gil and Francesca, Vasque ambassadors, Dave and Lisa, Joseph Kilian of JMK photography, and to the number of volunteers that dedicated hours of their time to help to make the event possible. Happy Trails and we look forward to more Great Eastern Trail Races! Visit http://www.badtothebone.biz/index.php for a complete listing of other Vasque sponsored events near Charlottesville.