STORMY 67 (Squamish Test of Running Metal - Yeah!)
2004 race report

On the fourth running of STORMY, there were more starters but slightly less finishers than 2003 as the hot and humid conditions took their toll. A number of runners succumbed, but with great volunteer support and the expertise of Al Richer and his team from the Squamish Emergency Program, everyone got home safely, with no more than damaged pride.

Nearly half of the entrants were running STORMY for the first time with about one quarter of the field being locals. This means that there were many first-timers, and many out of towners, including visitors from Kamloops, Penticton, Campbell River, Winnipeg, Seattle and Portland.

The men’s race (and M40-49 category) was won by Portland’s William Emerson in a great time of 5hr 24 minutes. This is William’s 3rd 2004 win in the BC Ultra Trail Series, making him favourite to win his age group. Philippe Desilets also made a multi day journey (from Winnipeg) to race STORMY and experience the wonders of Squamish trails and hospitality.

Second overall and first Mu40 was Vancouver’s Scott McMillan, chasing hard in 5hr29. Third was Vancouver’s Andy Nicol, in a good 5hr 34, following an amazing sub 20 hour run at the Western States 100 miler earlier this summer.

First lady was Wendy Montgomery, in 8th place overall. Wendy broke her own ladies’ record for a third time win, in 5hr 54. Wendy had recently moved from the North Shore to live in Brackendale – just in case she needs some extra training on the course!

There were 5 finishers who challenged each other for bragging rights for the fastest 2004 combined TEST ride/STORMY run. The winner and first local in STORMY 2004 was Andrew Clark, with a run of 5h51 and a ride of 3hr08. Scott McMillan, Dwayne Kress, Tyler Jordan and Scott Paxton can also claim bragging rights for being totally insane and doing both races!

In the heat, the volunteers were doubly-appreciated as they coaxed tired runners to eat, drink, cool off with ice packs and get to the Brew Pub for the post race party where runners, volunteers, friends and family all shared war stories from the trail.

STORMY 2005 will take place on Saturday, August 13th.
Early, early bird registration forms will be downloadable from the website this week: www.stormytrailrace.ca