The Golden Gate Dirty Thirty is one of the best local races in the Boulder area and as such attracts a lot of runners from Boulder and beyond. This year was no exception and saw a large contingent of green shirts descending on Golden Gate State Park to tackle the 50K or 12M distance, both of which promised some gnarly, steep, beautiful and unrelenting terrain.
If there is one thing that RMR likes more than running, it’s hanging out together, drinking, eating and camping. And so, what perfect way to get around the long drive up the canyon in the morning than to camp out the night before a mile or so away from the shuttle buses.
RMR Mobile HQ
Marshmallow flavor VFuel gel perhaps?
The Craic
Give the proximity of the camp to the shuttle buses we could afford the extra beer or two! Following much fun, conversation, laughing, eating and drinking, the RMR gang turned in for the night to get some much needed beauty sleep. Morning came and soon enough the gang were lined up at the starting line eager to get into the mountains, engage in some therapeutic suffering and of course some mandatory post race beverages.
Some of us actually look like we enjoy this!
Smiling because we have short term memories of how much this race hurt last year
Without much fuss the race was underway with a procession of runners making their way up the first climb towards the back side of Windy peak. Dan and Kerrie both took the lead right away setting a formidable pace.
If beards and short shorts make you fast then I guess chest hair makes you extra fast
Kerrie grabs the reigns early on
Following hot on their heels the procession of green RMR shirts was a beautiful thing to witness. Everyone seemed super happy. Then again this was only mile 0.75.
John getting a quick run in before he moves house later that day!
Jason stretching the limits of the RMR mens medium.
That guy couldn’t walk 6 months ago. Impressive stuff from Mike Randall!
Things soon settled down as RMR got down to business. And we like our business.
Shortly after this Alberto decided to throw in some bonus miles.
Andy cruises through the first aid station looking smooth
That’s one smiley guy. He must like running.
Malory tackling her first Ultra!
As the race went on, the scenery did not disappoint. Aspen groves, ridge lines, steep climbs, rocky descents and of course sweet sweet single track. This race has it all.
Evan getting down to business. The business of crushing it.
Andy with his game face
Business time
Sitting at the finish line and watching the steady progression of finishers is always a great time. RMR had some stellar performances with a win in the 12M mens race for Marty and a closely fought 2nd in both the women’s and men’s 50K race.
After leading for much of the day, Dan ran a smart race to finish 2nd
Kerrie had a close battle in the final mile to finish 2nd for the second year in a row
Hang on a minute, I though this guy was retired! Mike cleaned up the carnage to finish 5th! Welcome back!
Ryan finishing his 3rd Dirty Thirty!
Another solid race by Evan
The Western States duo finishing their last warm up race before the Big Dance
Eric getting in some Hardrock training
Malory is stocked to finish her first Ultra
Climbing, mountain biking, crushing 50K’s, this guy does it all!
Jess and Andy finishing together
This guy is ready for Western!
What a fantastic day as usual. There really isn’t such a thing as a bad race when you get to run it in such an incredible environment with such a great bunch of people.
Running makes us happy!
After all the action was over, the gang hung out at the post race festivities to swap war stories over beers, food and good company!
Representing!
Dan taking 2nd place honors and a bonus $100 for the first aid station prime
Marty earns a Benjamin for his 12M win
If you want to read more about the race then checkout two of our RMRers personal blogs. Read about Mike Randall’s impressive comeback from a ruptured Achilles tendon at the end of last year in The Road Back – Dirty 30(ish) Race Report . Also, read about Eric Lee’s quest to prepare for the Hardrock 100 in Training & Racing.
If you’ve never run in a club before, you are missing out. I’ve always found that I’ve got the most out of running when I’ve been part of a club. Both in terms of performance but more importantly in terms of happiness. The camaraderie, the laughs, the competition, the pride and above all else the fun. This is what club running is all about. If there isn’t a club near you that works for you, start your own one. You won’t regret it.
A few of the RMR contingent. What a blast!
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