Courtesy: Dann Brannen, Running USA

What was touted as the best ultra trailracing field not only in USA Championship history, but in American trailracing history period, lived up to its billing as William Emerson, 37, from Redmond, Wash. and Ann Trason, 40, of Kensington Calif. took their first U.S. trail titles.

Runners before the race joked that the White River 50 Mile course had "only two hills." But each would climb almost 5,000 feet, and each lasted a relentless seven miles. And each was matched by about 5 miles of merciless, unending downhill pounding. In between were rocks, roots, rivulets, thick old-growth forest with barely a trail wide enough for a single runner to squeeze through and cliff edges with 1,500 foot sheer drops.

Mt. Rainier itself remained hidden throughout the day, as early morning thick clouds and rain finally gave way to occasional bursts of sunshine. Temperatures on the ridge lines were in the low 40s, and the weather remained unusually cold throughout the day.

A special guest in attendance to experience this historic race was USA Track & Field president Bill Roe, the first president of the National Governing Body to attend and watch a USA Ultra Championship race.

The men's competition could hardly have been deeper or more exciting. Seven men, including the finest trail ultrarunners from around the country (and Canada) remained within a minute for the first half of the race. Only near the end of the second long climb, after 38 miles, did local hope William Emerson and pre-race favorite Dave Dunham pull away, both scorching the following 5 mile gravel road downhill (the only non-trail section of the course) at under 6 minutes per mile.

Emerson had led the way, exhibiting one of the most unexpected phenomena in the sport. Specializing in fast-packing and long-range power- walking, Emerson was actually able to WALK away from a running Dunham (one of the world's top-ranked mountain runners), on the steepest uphills. The two were never more than two minutes apart, and at 44 miles Dunham had closed to within 30 seconds. But this was Emerson's turf and he was not to be denied, responding by pulling away to a close but secure victory over the last 6 miles of gnarly, rocky trail along the raging White River.

The women's race brought an ever bigger surprise, as America's living ultra legend, multiple world-record holder, world champion, 11-time winner of the Western States 100 mile Ann Trason found herself in the unusual position of following an "unknown" woman for more than 35 miles. Another Pacific Northwest local, Bonnie McReynolds had run only a single 50K before this national championship race. But what only a few of the locals knew was that McReynolds is a 2:34 marathoner (5 minutes faster than Trason's best). Only on the final, steep approach to the second summit at 37 miles did McReynolds finally falter. The experienced and patient Trason seized the moment and pounced, putting the race in the bag as McReynolds, spent, slogged into the finish for the silver medal.

The top Open and Masters finishers earned $10,000 in prize money. The national champions, Emerson and Trason took home $1400.

White River 50 Mile Trail Run: USA Championship

White River, WA, July 28, 2001

MEN

1. William Emerson, 37, Redmond WA, 6:58:14

2. Dave Dunham, 37, MA, 6:59:19

3. Clark Zealand (Canadian guest) 7:07:56

4. Dennis Polheco, 40 (1st Master) 7:17:17

5. Eric Clifton, 43, 7:17:51

6. Ed Kostak 7:18:35

7. Courtney Campbell 7:21:53

8. Nick Hamlin 7:35:35

9. Tom Moritz 7:40:07

10. Leland Barker 7:41:59

WOMEN

1. Ann Trason, 40, CA, 7:57:52 (Open plus Masters champion, 21st overall)

2. Bonnie McReynolds, 37, WA, 8:16:00

3. Ann Heaslett, WI, 8:37:56

4. Tania Pacez, 42, WA, 8:40:01

5. Luanne Park, CA, 8:46:38

6. Amanda McIntosh, TX, 8:56:14

For more information on the White River 50 Mile Trail Run go to: http://www.whiteriver50.org