25th TRTER Ultra Runs Introduce New Race, Welcome WNC Runners, Produce Close 100-Mile Finish

Western Nevada College News

The silver jubilee edition of the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs (TRTER) hosted by Western Nevada College welcomed a new race and even included a couple of college employees completing the arduous 100-kilometer course.

Race Director George Ruiz introduced the 100K race for 25^th anniversary of TRTER and the ultrarunning community responded in great numbers.

"It came in as a Western States Endurance Run qualifier, so it was an immediate success," he said. "I capped it at 300 runners and it filled with a strong waitlist."

Among the participants were WNC Construction Project Management Professor Nigel Harrison and Learning & Innovation Circulation Manager Cameron Carr. Both completed the demanding 62.14-mile course through the Sierra backcountry, finishing in 21 hours, 29 minutes and 31 seconds and 23:29:34, respectively. They were among 230 competitors who finished the first-time race won by Connor Rosenblatt of Davis, Calif., in 10:01:52. South Lake Tahoe's Peter Nocka and Jake Lawrence each cracked the top 20, taking fifth (11:47:23) and 19^th (13:21:20), respectively.

"As always, the most satisfying thing is seeing runners accomplish a dream," Ruiz said. "Too many to mention, but by far was seeing a friend complete his 10-time finisher journey and receiving his 10-year 1,000-mile special buckle. As always, the post-event comments are gushing praises of the event's organization, the volunteers at aid stations and the beauty of the course."

Lindsey Dwyer of Larkspur, Calif, earned props from Ruiz for making a strong bid to overtake 100-mile winner Kyle Roberts of Granite Bay, Calif. Their times were 21:57:13 and 21:58:58.

"If Lindsey Dwyer had another mile, she would have won," Ruiz said.

Josh Kivi of Reno was third in 23:24:43. Brian Stephens of South Lake Tahoe came in 18^th (26:47:43) and Chris Barber of Reno was 20^th (27:27:03). Colton Fraizer was Carson City's top runner, placing 44^th among the 110 participants who gutted out the tough course deemed "A Glimpse of Heaven, A Taste of Hell."

Carson City's Christian Finkbeiner took first in the 50K race, winning by nearly 7 minutes (5:18:17). Rachael Knudson of South Lake Tahoe, Kevin Peterson of Reno, Julia Raffaini of South Lake Tahoe, Chloe Hataway of Carson City, Erica Viloria of Dayton, Emily Warfield of Truckee, Lyndsey Taylor of Tahoe City, Aaron Ortbals of Reno all finished in the top 20.

In the 23K race, Grant Hotaling of Healdsburg, Calif, posted a dominating victory, winning by 27 minutes in 1:51:17. Finishing in the top 20 were Robert Davis of Fallon, Nicholas Grage of Reno, Richard Maynes of Carson City, Michael Gillham of Carson City, Gennady Stolyarov of Carson City, Tia Angeles of Carson City and Jennifer Burke of Carson City.

WNC President Dr. Kyle Dalpe welcomed TRTER five years ago and the event has found a home at the college like many students have for 55 years.

"Western Nevada College is proud to be the home of the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs and to celebrate this remarkable 25-year milestone with the ultrarunning community," President Dalpe said. "The dedication and perseverance demonstrated by every runner, including our own Nigel Harrison and Cameron Carr, reflect the same spirit of determination we see in our students every day. Beyond the incredible athletic achievement, the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs bring people together, showcase the beauty of our region and make a meaningful difference through their support of local organizations and community causes. We are grateful to George Ruiz, his volunteers and everyone who has helped make this event such a special part of Northern Nevada."

From registration revenue, Ruiz donates thousands of dollars to Carson High School cross country and Senator cycling teams, the Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation and the Northern Nevada Food Bank, and trail maintenance associations.

"There are more donations depending on funds available after donations to those causes mentioned," Ruiz said.