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Brockway 2018, Unfiltered* (Tahoe200 clockwise edition)

September 26, 2018 by Ksenya Gusak 3 Comments

Tahoe 200 (Tahoe 206.7 is just not as catchy) is back in our ‘hood again. This year, the race is going in the opposite, clockwise direction — which gives something to do for those who have run counterclockwise previously, gets in the loneliest farthest afield crewless miles – last (right as you’re 2- to 4-days delirious — depending on your speed), and hits the Brockway BnB aid station at just 50 (or, 52.5, as it were) miles into the course.

The Brockway aid station, presented to you by the Donner Party Mountain Runners (but let’s be real, presented to you by the family and friends of Mike Tebbutt), was up to the task from early Friday afternoon to the wee hours of Saturday morning. Due to the super fast pace this year (the winners obliterated the mens and womens records both in sub-50 hours — that’s half of the cutoff time!), there was no time for the delicacies of the a la carte menu, and thus, the model T assembly line food production (T for Tebbutt) was engaged.

[Mike’s van chock full of aid station gear; JP disassembling the tents and Naomi putting away the memory of what she saw in the sleep station. Photos by: Liz, Ksenya]

But seriously, the Tebbutt family crushed this race. Joel Tebbutt, dressed as Bacon, flipped 250 burgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers and made 250 quesadillas. Liz Tebbutt was on napper wake-up duty and collected fun quotes to remember after the sun rose (one runner, when asked how he wants his burger, requested “medium rare”. No, man, do you want mustard on it? The burger “how” has only two options: it’s either cooked or not cooked). Tebbutts-in-law (Andrea and John Ross, Liz’s parents) for the second year in a row accommodated all the food allergies, sensitivities, and preferences as they slung homemade chicken noodle soup, vegetarian chicken noodle soup, and gluten-free chicken noodle soup. John was also resident DJ and pyrotechnics guru. And Mike Tebbutt, a past year race participant, broke so many eggs for the breakfast burritos that there was still a small bathtub of yolks glistening in the glimmers of dayrise. Thank goodness for Burning Man happening the same month as T200, as the fam haven’t yet stowed away their playa arsenal, and so they rigged up all the easy-ups and warm lights and cozy rugs for all to enjoy.

[Los Tebbutts – Andrea Ross, Mike T, Liz T, Joel T, John Ross. Photos by: John, Ksenya, Liz]

They say that the Tahoe 200 is like a mullet — business in the front, party in the back. This year, at just a quarter of the way in, the staff here at Brockway BnB was operating in a time-compressed short haircut mullet, more of a side-swept bangs — there was quite a bit of business** and possibly not enough party. No runners were yet too wasted to say too many funny things (except for the woman in the dawn hours who with just an hour to spare to the cutoff left a dude sleeping on the side of the trail because she didn’t know how long he’s been napping and wanted him to get a good rest. Luckily he woke up and arrived pre-deadline as well), so we had to self-entertain.

[Leopard/cheetah Kathy D’Onofrio; Rossoup in action; Claire, not sure what she let me get her into. Photos by: John, Kathy]

Past year race participant JP Prince, predictably (as in all four previous years), was on clipboard duty at the front desk. JP warmly welcomed runners in and recorded their departures (“Bye, 123!”), and during long runner lulls, schooled new club member Claire Butler in a 2nd grade lesson on how to write legible digits (don’t hate the playa’, she was born after handwriting was a thing!). Diana Schlaff (a past year two-time race participant and an actual 2nd grade teacher) put in long hours solidifying the runner welcoming system before and after her midnight nap. Ginny LaForme, who holds the record for the longest consecutive and non-consecutive hours at any aid station (this year she hit up Stephen Jones, Brockway, and Spooner as a volunteer, and numerous other stations as crew for husband Eric Robinson), engaged in making the system work with perfect penmanship. When he wasn’t busy sous-chefing to chef Bacon in a bacon-matching shirt, Dylan Andrews did his darndest to lull the front desk crew to sleep with such invigorating music as Albinoni’s Adagio and Yo Yo Ma’s slower acoustic cello numbers. Several fans of the aid station visited for fun times and stories in the dark – Geoff Quine, Sean Flanagan, and Mats Jansson (who tried to entice folks to run a neighboring Nav-X course in the middle of or after their 200 miler, NBD).

[Refugee camp. Photos: Ksenya]

Meanwhile, In the seating area, a scene from a bona fide refugee camp was unraveling. We have never seen this many runners here at once, and they didn’t even have any pacers with them because pacers were only allowed from next aid onward. Runners were sitting in all the chairs, on all the cots, on all the tarps, on all the rugs, in all the dirt. Previous year race 3rd place finisher Kathy D’Onofrio provided personalized tea service in a fashionable cat mashup getup (white leopard / cheetah). Last year’s race 10th place finisher (and first in her age group) Naomi Plasterer trained during last year’s event for the long haul of this aid station, and thus stayed for a double shift, including clean-up and wrap-up with Diana, JP, Liz, Mike, the Ross’s, and current race participant Drew Smith. Absolutely nothing in the training, however, prepped Naomi for the sight of a “fully naked man — no blanket — in the sleep tent, and he farted on the man sleeping beside him” (direct quote). Laura and Kathy Millon brought popcorn, to reminisce on the good times we’ve had with her daughter — our friend, long time Brockway BnB volunteer, and last year’s race participant — Julia Millon <3. Kathleen Foster-Wendel from Iowa was not only our medic (along with Angel Mathis) for the 200+ blistered and chafed runners all night, but she also later swept the Brockway to Tunnel Creek section. As a pediatrician, she’s used to long shifts and crybabies (and now so are we, having to kick out the last of the cursing stragglers into the wild at cutoff time after walking around the sleep tents blasting Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go”). Many thanks to other volunteers throughout the day and night – Kim Kortz, Amanda, Sharon – and also Karen and Adam Kimble who sprinkled a little trail magic on Mike by showing up just at the right moment to break down the remains of camp. A shout-out to all the above and all those whose names I forgot to include.

[Popcornmania w/Sharon Fong and Kathy Millon; Bacon-shirt + Chef Bacon; Ginny, Queen of the Aid Stations. Photos by: Naomi, Ksenya]

Watching a 200 mile race progress is like watching my 401k increase in value — it’s a long game. Just like last year, it wouldn’t have been as fun if not for the SPOT trackers, so that we could track Donner Party Mountain Runners (and local party runners) on the go. In Tahoe City, Drew Smith (who got in precisely 0 running miles in the last 6 months and was training exclusively via mountain biking, fishing, and drinking beer) cordially freed himself from the agony of scraping whatever un-callused skin there was left, and me from the agony of sleeplessly driving around the lake for 4 days. Eric Robinson (who earned his entry into the race by numerous nights of volunteering at Brockway BnB in previous years) stuck it to the man by walking the whole 200 mile course without running a single step in 80 hrs — he was very efficient at aid stations. Katie Wyatt has risen from the ashes of her October ankle surgery to maintain an impressive front of the pack domestique advantage for a large portion of the race and finish 5th woman midday Monday, assisted by various pacers, including Sharon Fong for 38 miles. And Kelly Barber (another Brockway alum who earned his entry by volunteering), paced by Kaycee Green and Sean Flanagan, swooped in on an 8th overall and 7th man place early Monday morning under 70 hrs (his SPOT tracker, curiously, finished later that afternoon). Congrats to all the runners!

[Drew, Eric, Katie, and Kelly at various aid stations and summits. Photos by: Ksenya, Kaycee]

Interested in partaking in the race but not yet ready to run? Join the volunteers at Brockway BnB in 2019!

[The sleep deprived cleanup crew, Drew, Ksenya, Naomi, Liz, Mike, Diana. Photo: JP] 

*This is Brockway, Unfiltered. A little sleep deprived. I wanted to capture the beauty and generosity and fun of this aid station by a real photographer, but Scott Rokis said that I, too, can do nighttime photography by now, so I backpainted this scene with my headlamp light for y’all, and took many grainy pics. Someday we will add a link to Scott’s more beautiful photos from his stopover on Friday night.

[city at night, city at niiiiiiight. Photo by: Ksenya]

**And now for a sample of true dedication, look closely at the photo of this man — his bladder broke on his flight over to the race, so he has a strange number of water carrying things and contraptions that he had constructed the night before the race. Don’t try this at home.

[Randy (runner #145) and his patented hydration system. Photo by: Naomi]

Filed Under: Aid Stations, General, Race Reports, Races

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ginny says

    October 1, 2018 at 7:11 am

    A report for the ages, Ksenya!

    Reply
  2. JayPea says

    October 1, 2018 at 10:31 pm

    Laughed out loud . Funny !!!!! Your summation was spot on !!! Thank you for the PTSD .

    Reply
  3. Willow says

    January 27, 2019 at 5:23 am

    Hahah! Awesomeness Randy! That hydration system rocks!

    Reply

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2023 Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon

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Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
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6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
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Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
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Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Location TBD. Keep an eye on[...]
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Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Oct 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
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Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plen Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plenty of fun)!

📍 : @donnerskiranch 
⏰ : Saturday September 16th, 8am
🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ : Judah Loop and continue on the PCT.
Run the Judah loop for ~6 miles, continue to Anderson peak for ~13miles (or further on the PCT if you want to go longer)
🗺️ : https://www.strava.com/routes/3135724872218937730
🎉 : Rejoin at the Donner Ski Ranch Old 40 Bar & Grill after the run (and there may be some sweeeeet giveaways...).
🙋‍♀️ : The Judah Loop is a trail adopted and actively maintained by DPMR as part of @truckeetrails' Adopt a Trail program

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Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOM Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOMORROW?!! DPMR is so excited to bring you this second edition of the race that promises to be bigger and better than last year! RD Chris Cloyd and team have been working so hard all week with final prep. The course is in great shape with some beautiful fun flowy singletrack. He said he'd love a few more volunteers so checkout the signup genius on our volunteer page, but otherwise wants everyone to please come hang out, cheer, and join the party! 
Unique to this race is the 5 segment course that utilizes a central aid station and can be done as a 2 person or 5 person relay, in addition to challenging yourself to run the whole thing solo!
Registration is still OPEN in person until 6pm tonight with bib pick-up at @tahoemountainsports with reg remaining open online til 1159pm. Race day bib pickup available in the morning 6-730am. No Race Day Reg. 

Thanks to our amazing sponsors this year, every participant will be eligible for a prize giveaway and get a pair of @darntoughvermont socks and @drinklmnt hydration.

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #trailmarathon #trailrace #pointmariah #pointmariahtrailmarathon
Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in th Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in the works.  We’ve been collaborating with Alibi Ale Works to release a co-branded beer (YES!).   Join us for a social run next Tuesday, where we'll have the pleasure of running alongside Alibi's head brewer, Matt Garcia! We'll hit the trails together, and afterward, we'll gather at Alibi to brainstorm the perfect brew that represents our club.  And since the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, we're adding some extra fun to the mix. We'll also be assembling course markings during the event. It's going to be an unforgettable night! Hope to see you there!
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Ent 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Enthusiasts! Join Us in Supporting the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️
The Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, and we need YOUR help to make it a roaring success! 🌟 This incredible event brings together the running community and showcases the determination and passion of athletes from all walks of life. Now, we are seeking volunteers to be an essential part of this memorable experience!
📅 Event Date: August 5th
⏰ Volunteer Dates: Several different shifts available from August 2nd - August 6th
🤝 We firmly believe that it takes a village to organize events like these, and YOU can be a crucial part of this vibrant community effort! No prior experience is required—just bring your enthusiastic spirit, and we'll guide you every step of the way.
📍 Positions Available:
1️⃣ Course Marking: Help ensure that the runners stay on track and have a smooth route to follow.
2️⃣ Finish Line Support: Cheer on our amazing athletes as they cross the finish line and celebrate their achievements.
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Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! Link in bio.
Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at the Diamond Peak aid station this weekend at the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs.  Everyone out on the course really appreciated all of the support!!! Stay tuned, we will be posting the Volunt(hero) leaderboard soon!  In the meantime, we're seeking more incredible volunteers to join our team at the upcoming Pt. Mariah trail marathon, and we promise it'll be an experience you won't forget! 😄
Sign up today! No experience needed. Link in bio.
The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going strong with more than 60 volunteers out helping runners get through our various aid stations this year. What is the Volunt(hero) program? The top 10 DPMR volunteers with the most hours logged in 2023 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win free race entries for a year, up to $1000. We will be posting our leaderboard soon but only a few hours separate those at the top.  Adding a shift can catapult you in to one of the coveted top 10 spots to be included in the raffle.  So come and join us THIS WEEKEND out at TRT! There are still openings overnight, morning clean up Sunday, and sweeps for TRT (Double points for morning clean up).
All volunteers that work at least one 6 hour shift will be entered in to our lottery for a race entry in to the 2024 TRTER race. You get one entry for each 6 hour shift you work. Overnight shifts get a bonus with two entries! Winners of the lottery can choose the distance but 100 milers still must have a qualifying race.
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Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! 🙏🏻 Link in bio for more info!
Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane h Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane has been a DPMR member since the inaugural year (2014).  She has been a board member for 5 years with the last 3 at the helm. Diane loves a good joke and believes life is a whole lot better if you don’t take things too seriously.  She also believes that trail time is best shared with dogs and friends. And friends with dogs.  Diane is a recovering graphic designer but will come out of retirement for a good race logo opportunity (thank the cosmic forces for that!). Diane will be out on the course for the TRT100 next weekend - so if you see her out there, give her a big hello and high-five! Good luck Diane! #unafraid #dpmr #girlboss #100miler #paincave #yougotthis
Hey friends! DPMR is on the hunt for a trail-runni Hey friends! DPMR is on the hunt for a trail-running-obsessed artist extraordinaire to transform our boring old 3D foam sign for Pt. Mariah into a mind-blowing piece of art. Picture this: foam sculpture meets artistic genius equals immortalizing Pt. Mariah in your artistry.  The project consists of 30” letters, which are 4” thick, and spell Pt. Mariah.  The letters can be picked up in Truckee after Jul 3rd and need to be complete by August 3rd. This is a commissioned project with a budget of $500. 

Are you ready to unleash your creative beast? Then don't hesitate! Slide into our DMs faster than a trail runner chasing a PR. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create something truly legendary.
The Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs are almost here The Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs are almost here!!  Please consider volunteering with us.  We have many shifts available from Friday, July 14th through Sunday, July 16th! 
All volunteers that work at least one 6 hour shift will be entered in to our lottery for a race entry in to the 2024 TRTER race. You get one entry for each 6 hour shift you work. Overnight shifts get a bonus with two entries! Winners of the lottery can choose the distance but 100 milers still must have a qualifying race.
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR! 🔥🔥🔥

Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! 🙏🏻
Link in bio for more information. 

P.S. If you are racing, let us know so we can cheer you on!!
What are you waiting for? Register today to take p What are you waiting for? Register today to take part in a unique, fun, multi-loop style course with five segments that tour different parts of the Royal Gorge land. Race solo, with a partner, or as a 5-person team!  There is something for everyone! Register today! Link in bio.
Congratulations to Courtney Dauwalter on absolutel Congratulations to Courtney Dauwalter on absolutely shattering the women’s course record at Western States 100 today! Such an inspiration to all. We know you are the GOAT but tell us the truth Courtney… is your secret weapon the DPMR pancakes?!?
Huge congrats to Tom Evans for his win at Western Huge congrats to Tom Evans for his win at Western States 100 just now. Incredible performance landing him the 4th fastest time in the history of the event!  Well done Tom!
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