Chihping Fu    http://picasaweb.google.com/ultrail2009/090321Diablo50K#

  "Everything about the event was terrific, and I can't think of anything that could be improved.  Folks in the bay area are fortunate to have a new fine ultra event and more important, a beautiful mountain with loads of open space.  The aid station details etc were perfect (for ex. multiple types of salt tabs for different preferences) and no shortage of encouraging volunteers.  Having Bob (Coomber) talk at the start was very inspiring for everyone, and whenever I was hurting on an uphill, I thought about him climbing that same hill in his chair.  Also, some of the trails on this course particularly east of Finley Rd, are under-used, and this event will undoubtedly stimulate folks to come out and enjoy them more now that they've seen how beautiful the area is.  Thanks for all you do in saving the mountain for our use and holding this event. I'm looking forward to next year. "        Beth

 "I want to thank everyone for their efforts in making the Diablo Trail 50K progress from an idea to an actual event .  No one receives the monetary compensation they deserve for the labor they give in making a race happened and in minimizing mishaps on race day."

"The runners I talked to enjoyed the course.  So I think Save Mt. Diablo should continue to support it for a couple of years and see if we can increase the number of participants.  In this Internet Age  a race's popularity is still reliant upon old school word of mouth from other runners during their training runs and at the other races they do.  The runners I talked with yesterday loved the course and were amazed at the support we had for them.
The Search and Rescue teams in operation would be the envy of most race directors on the planet."

"I really enjoyed working as the timer for this inaugural point-to-point 50K in Walnut Creek, CA  The runners were treated to a nice day (sunny, but WINDY at various spots, and a bunch of mud on the trail), the predicted rain held off, and it seemed like a good time was had by
almost all (of the 48 starters, there was only one DNF.)  This race is tough (~8000 ft climb), but lots of people said that the views were spectacular in a number of places.  The organization was top-notch (race management could easily have hosted a couple hundred
runners with the supplies they brought for 50, it was that well done.)  Times were a tad slow (overall winner Mark Tanaka ran a 5:42, and I'd expected he'd be closer to 4:30, while second overall and first woman Beth Vitalis ran 6:06(?)), but I think that had mostly to do with the
toughness of the course and the wind.  Of course, the fact that the course was right around 33 miles instead of 31.1 might have had something to do with it, too! ;-)

Anyway, if you want a great early-season run on a really good course
in Northern California, put this one on your list!"

 "You and the Save Diablo volunteers did a super great job putting on the race and introduced many people, including me, to beautiful trails that we never knew existed.  The aid people were plentiful and enthusiastic. 

"I came for inspiration and self-revelation through a mixed feeling of suffer and grand breathtaking scenery. I felt touched at every steps and every bit of service from the volunteers. Thanks to all who helped make our day!!" 

"I love the concept of going through  at least 5 parks-from Round Valley to I believe Los Vaqueros Watershed to Morgan Territory into Mt Diablo State Park and veering into Shell Ridge Open Space before finishing back up at Castle Rock Park.  I especially appreciate all who put the event to together and made it happen such as Mike Palmer and the Save Mt Diablo Committee.  And a special thanks to those who marked the course-they did a Great Job!-I usually go off the course in almost every 50 K I’ve done-this one I remained on the Course the whole way."

My name is Roberta McGraw.  I was a participant in yesterday's FABULOUS event!!  I am also an employee of Forward Motion. 

"I look forward to running the event next year.  I will now be able to give more info to my customers about this wonderful event!  You all did a great job from start to finish.  I am so happy an organization is in place so that we all can have this wonderful mountain to play on."                                                        Roberta McGraw, employee of Forward Motion

 "Thank you to everyone involved in Sunday's run.  Although I was cursing a little toward the end, a day later I am reflecting back with a very happy and positive feeling.  The aid stations were great, the volunteers were even better.  All the volunteers had infectious energy all the way through to the end!  The hills and views were the best I've seen on any course and I had a feeling of pride, running (and completing) the first official Diablo 50K.  The course was beautifully challenging (and the wind didn't make it any easier). "