Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Special Consideration at WS!

One of those most interesting and compelling names to pop up on the Western States Entry list post-lottery is Kilian Jornet. Clearly, assuming he is healthy, he could make a run at the Course Record. Going to be interesting.

15 comments:

Jasper Halekas said...

Hahahahaha.... and it begins! Didn't take them long...


Well, it should be a hell of a race next year. I'm surprised at some of the names that are missing from last year, like Kaburaki and Sullivan. But, it should be a great field, especially once the MUC fills it out a bit (it already has to some degree, with Roes, Freeman, etc.). If they could add in, for e.g., the Skaggs kids and Tony Krupicka, Dave Mackey, Michael Wardian, maybe Graham Cooper and Todd Braje. What a race. And similarly on the women's side.

BTW, if the board is already giving out special consideration, how about some love for Graham? Nobody deserves it more.

Nick said...

Wow, really. I guess some are more equal than others ... I suppose that one comes under the "international special consideration"?

I'm registering as a Brit next year.

Bryon Powell said...

Nice catch, AJW! Kilian seemed stoked about the idea of running Western States when I ran with him on the Tahoe Rim Trail. This past weekend, Meissner and I were discussing what kind of time we thought he could run under good conditions. If anyone has a shot at going low 15s at States, it's him. I can't wait!

Kurt said...

You know I have no problem at all with it. I signed up and did not get in, oh well next time I guess. I am all about the race having the top people like Kilian there. Having people like that there who can bring LOTS of good press is a good thing for the overall for the sport to keep growing.

Will Thomas said...

Ed from http://trailrunningsoul.com/ bumped into Killian a few days ago and Killian made mention of both WS100 AND Hardrock 100. Not sure how he would go about getting into Hardrock, but would love to see him pull a AJW double. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=844390&id=1311778791

AJW said...

Jasper,

I thought you'd like that. I am guessing Sullivan and Kaburagi are opting out for similar reasons as you are. And, I really admire that.

I am thinking Anton will gain entry through the MUC and probably a couple other big names.

And, indeed, Graham should be let in if he wants in but I think he'll be happier pacing Suzie this year.

Paul Charteris said...

No hiding the fact here, I'd love to see the first non-American winner of this race in its storied history. The depth of US trail ultra-running is phenomenal. Even someone with the credentials of Kilian is no guarantee to break the foreign drought, especially, if Anton and the Skaggs brothers line up with Hal (and others) to mount an American defense.

Cheers, Paul

AJW said...

Paul,

While I know you are bummed a foreigner has never won WS I think the performances of Tsuyoshi and Jez ended any foreign "drought" at WS. And, remember, I was the guy out front telling people that foreigners had never done well at WS. I don't plan to make that mistake with Kilian. If he's healthy (and more importantly, heat trained!) I think he has a chance at the CR. Of course, he'll need to beat Geoff to get it:)

AJW said...

and Hal!

Unknown said...

Viva Espana!

Joe Kulak said...

Bla, blah. And in the beginning...

saschasdad said...

I'll throw my prediction on the table right now - Kilian wins, regardless of temp. Assuming average heat year, low-15s. He specifically told me he runs well in the heat, though, and also wants to run BW. Hm, how about a WS / HR / BW Triple. I DARE anyone to even attempt it!

Rod Bien said...

I ain't doubting again. Hal 3 peats.

Brian Morrison said...

Hal seems to have this race pretty figured out at this point. He'll be my favorite on race day.

I've already expressed openly my man-crush on Hal, so take this as you will, but nobody looks better finishing than Hal. In my mind, that means he's not struggling nor suffering a great deal. Like the great ones, he makes it look easy.

Unknown said...

Journet would be vulnerable at WS because it's a relatively fast course and there are probaby a lot of guys with better leg speed out there. However, put him at HR and he'd be tough to match. Maybe Roes, or Anton (if he can forget LT), or Kyle (if anyone can find him) among few others could beat him.

More importantly, how about US elites trying to win at UTMB. As big of a deal that WS seems in the U.S., UTMB is a far bigger event in many ways.

GMack