Wednesday, 10 September 2014 08:27

Gemini News – 2014 Spring Season Recap

Overall Female Winner of Desert RATS 2014, Becky Kirschenmann

The 2014 Gemini Adventures spring season was one of the best we’ve ever had the good fortune to experience. The season kicked off in March with perfect weather and strong finishers at the 24hrs of Utah, everyone is always so happy to get back to the desert! After a year’s lay off, the 10 person team of Monkey Love was back in full force and had a strong showing. Deaf Kid (Ryan Guldan) kicked off his Gemini season at this race and won the 50K. For the first year the 100K category was an option and had some fast times. Yo Adrian (Adrian Stanciu) won it for the men in 11:48 and Team Junko (Junko Kazukawa) won it for the women in 12:42. This course is not easy.

 

In April the Desert RATS Trailrunning Festival was dedicated to the memory of Marcy Servita and had the most runners for the Festival to date. The addition of the 50K was a big hit and despite the mud on this year’s course, runners loved the new five miles. Once again Ryan Guldan showed up and placed first in his age group for the Double Marathon and second overall. Duncan Callahan had a strong race in difficult conditions and was able to win for the fifth time at this race. We were also happy to welcome back Rich Neslund, Karen Helfrich and Terry Schmalz, who all toed the line for the 10th time at this race.

In May we had a change of pace with the challenging new singletrack for the Desert RATS Classic MTB Race, the bikers loved it. Not only did this new section add a treacherous downhill it also added a dificult uphill. Shane Ozment from Golden, CO was able to pull out the win for the men while Rachel Milsop from Carollton, GA was able to win it for the women. Approximately 1/3 of the racers finished in under six hours to earn a Gonzo award. Both Patrick Nash and Bracken Christensen missed the Gonzo cut-off by less than a minute and earned themselves the Enduro finisher’s medal- so close. Riders also enjoyed the new non-time 50K. A great way to kick off the summer with no pressure.

In June we closed out the season with the 6 day Desert RATS Stage Race and the runners were incredible this year. We had the highest percentage of finishers and many course records were broken. Becky Kirschenmann, Jorge Rufat-Latre and Ryan Guldan, all earned sub 30 hour awards-Ryan earning his second win.

We’re all looking forward to the 24 Hours of Boulder in October and wishing Ryan Guldan good luck as he completes his Gemini season with the 50K there.