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Donner Party does Diamond Peak

July 28, 2019 by Helen Pelster Leave a Comment

After 36 hours on my feet, I awoke from a solid sleep to a honking horn. I was confused as I tried to understand the empty road between me and the traffic signal. I had fallen asleep while driving home from the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs (TRTER,) and I hadn’t even run the race.

The Diamond Peak Aid Station at TRTER is a huge event within the event. Nearly 500 runners in the 100-mile and 50-mile races pass through at mile 30 mid-day on Saturday. The 100-miler pass through again (mile 80 for them) at all hours of the night. It is one of the few opportunities that crew and spectators have to see their runners.

When Donner Party Mountain Runners were offered the chance to take over the aid station, I didn’t hesitate to say yes and offer myself as captain. It feels like coming full-circle to the event that was my first ultramarathon (it was called a 50k back then, but we all knew it was 55k,) and then my first 100-miler. And I’m not alone in the DPMR family in feeling this way!

I can’t name every DPMR who was out there on the TRTER course or helping in other capacities, as I would certainly miss too many, but I want to take a moment to highlight a few of our Board of Directors who displayed exceptional performances.

Lesley Dellamonica, our steadfast Secretary, helped setup Diamond Peak on Friday, then returned at 6am on Saturday. By 6am on Sunday, after 24 hours on her feet with no sleep, we experienced our only major hiccup, and I had to send her out to sweep 11 miles of the course, including the huge climb up Diamond Peak itself!

Diane Frederic and her husband Mark spent Friday driving around begeebies to pickup runner drop bags and a trailer with 500 pounds of ice. This was after they ensured that our new wagon wheel sticker looks amazing on the gear trailer. Diane spent the rest of the weekend on her feet helping runners as well.

Carol Lindsay, club medical director, took all of our blankets to the laundry mat to wash off any possibility of spreading poison oak from the last race we helped with! Carol helped set up and tended to runners’ needs all day as well. The entire medical team was delighted with the new cots that DPMR supplied to the aid station.

Renee Jacobs shared a shift of her time despite an already jam-packed schedule. Another volunteer commented that Renee surely PR’d her “step count” for the day, as she was constantly in motion to serve the runners.

Special mention to JP Prince, who put in a solid 24 hour shift and was hallucinating himself by the end. (Who says you have to run 100 miles to hallucinate?!)

And I can’t forget our board member runners, each finishing the 100-miler in time to earn the sub-30-hour buckle: Jenelle Potvin finished her 5th TRTER 100-miler, earning the spectacular 500-mile belt – how will she fit 5 buckles on it?! Sean Flanagan chalked up his second TRTER 100-mile finish, despite throwing out his back last month.

I also want to mention that our 2020 spot running the TRT Endurance Runs goes by raffle to Jesse Ellis, who lives out of the area now, but came up to Tahoe just to volunteer with us overnight Saturday. He is beyond ecstatic to have won the “opportunity” to dig deep into the 100-mile territory.

That’s a wrap for 2019. We can’t wait to go back and be part of this very special race next year – hope to see you all there!

photo by Diane Frederic
Modern day pioneers: Lesley, Helen, Bill, Kathy and Diane. photo courtesy of Diane Frederic
photo by Helen Pelster
Renee (red bonnet) helps keep the runners cool. photo by Helen Pelster
A quiet moment in the night. photo by Helen Pelster
Enjoying a drop bag message from a 2018 Castle Peak 100k finisher! photo by Helen Pelster
Jenelle and crew – the only time she sat down! photo by Helen Pelster
Sean and pacer Bob Wright! photo by Helen Pelster
photo by Helen Pelster

Filed Under: Aid Stations, General, Happening Now

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2023 Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon

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5:30 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
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Mar 28 @ 5:30 pm – 6:45 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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NOW AT 6PM! DPMR Weekly Social R... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Apr 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
NOW AT 6PM! 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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6:00 pm NOW AT 6PM! DPMR Weekly Social R... @ 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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Want to race free for a whole year? The top 10 DPM Want to race free for a whole year? 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. Don't miss out! Become a volunt(hero) today! Link in bio for more info. 
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Want to race free for a whole year? The top 10 DP Want to race free for a whole year?  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. Don't miss out! Become a volunt(hero) today! Link in bio for more info. 
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Attention all runners! If you're searching for a t Attention all runners! If you're searching for a trail marathon that caters to all levels of runners, look no further than the Pt. Mariah Marathon! This exceptional event will be held on August 5, 2023 and features a multi-loop course that leads you through five unique segments of the breathtaking Royal Gorge terrain. And the cherry on top? You can run it solo, as a 2-person partner relay, or as a 5-person team!  Register today! Link in bio.
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Cold weather running ti 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Cold weather running tip: Invest in a good beanie ❄️😂 Our beanies are not only functional but stylish too, so you can look good while staying warm on those chilly morning jogs. Check out our beanies and other groovy gear in our online store. Link in bio. 
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We need you! Link in bio!  #dpmr #unafraid #canyonsenduranceruns
Attention DPMR members! Save the date! We are exci Attention DPMR members! Save the date! We are excited to announce our exclusive member-only summer picnic coming up soon! This is a wonderful opportunity to socialize and connect with other DPMR members, while enjoying the beautiful summer weather. Not a DPMR member yet? It's not too late to join and take part in this fun event. Visit our website for more information on how to become a member today.
The Trail Running Film Festival is back on tour. The Trail Running Film Festival is back on tour.  In partnership with Tahoe Mountain Sports, we are excited to host you at Alibi Ale Works on April 13th for a night of adventure, inspiration, and fun! Doors open at 6:00 PM and the show will run from 7:00-9:00 PM. This event is free for DPMR members or $20 for non-members.  In addition, we will be accepting donations for DPMRs trail stewardship fund and you will also have a chance to win some amazing prizes.

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Calling all volunteers! Join DPMR at the Canyon En Calling all volunteers! Join DPMR at the Canyon Endurance Runs. The event takes place from April 28-29th, and we need volunteers to help with the aid station at Cal2. There are volunteer shifts on Friday through early Sunday morning. It's a fun way to get involved with the local trail running scene and support fellow runners. (* Please use password: DPMR when registering) 
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Calling all trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts! Calling all trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts! Get ready for an epic cinematic adventure that will take you to the wildest and most breathtaking trails around the world. In partnership with Tahoe Mountain Sports, we are excited to announce our upcoming Trail Running Film Festival, where we will showcase the best and most inspiring films of the year that capture the essence of trail running and the beauty of nature.

Join us at Alibi Ale Works on April 13th for a night of adventure, inspiration, and fun! Doors open at 6:00 PM and the show will run from 7:00-9:00 PM. This event is free for DPMR members or $20 for non-members. In addition, we will be accepting donations for DPMRs trail stewardship fund and you will also have a chance to win some amazing prizes.

From heart-pumping adventures to soul-stirring journeys, these films will leave you inspired, energized, and ready to hit the trails. Save the date, invite your friends, and get your tickets now to secure your spot at the festival. Link in bio.

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