The Robert and Linda Mathis Memorial Run

 A foggy morning in Auburn, and a hundred or so runners gathered at the Overlook for the second Robert and Linda Mathis Memorial Run. This gathering has become a wonderful running event, and I can't think of better motivation to get out for some mellow miles on familiar trails with smiling faces.

A group of us carpooled down from Truckee for the 9:00 am start. Let's hear it for late starts in January! Jen Dicus read a heartfelt letter from Robert and Linda's families, and we headed off down the singletrack.

Helen, JP, Me

 The four or so miles downhill to the river were spent in pleasant conversation and concerted efforts not to slip and slide on our backsides down the mud. I was happy to keep the pace quite casual through this section.

After leaving the aid station at No Hands, I made the turn up K2. This is not the official course for the run, but I was pleased to see that every runner in my vicinity made the same choice for the big hill. I mean, why not, right? 

Down at the river, it had seemed we were actually below the fog. Halfway up K2, and it once again enveloped us. It lent quite a surreal atmosphere to the surroundings, and to be honest, I had a bit of trouble staying oriented. Since I'd veered off the marked course, this made me slightly nervous. Luckily, I could see a runner ahead who ran with the air of an assured local. I stayed close enough to keep and eye on him through the fog, and when he turned, I turned. Soon enough he led me into familiar territory, and we found ourselves at the turnaround at the Cool fire station. My strategy worked!

I made the return trip with two men whose names, in my usual fashion, I promptly forgot as soon as they were relayed to me. Sorry, guys! Nonetheless, they made great companions. We chatted about Miwok and Javelina as we picked our way down the wet trail. A light drizzle kept reminding me of my last race I did with Robert and Linda, on this very trail, and the memory kept me smiling. I decided to run strong up the climb from No Hands since I'm starting to get back into shape. The legs felt great, and all in all, it was a beautiful day!

The Truckee Carpool: JP, me, Geoff, Pete, Helen

There was a potluck at the end and an amazing slew of raffle prizes to be won. RD's and organizations really came through with impressive donations for the raffle! (Sadly, I came away empty handed, but a lot of my friends were lucky winners!)

And look who I ran into in the parking lot!

I think Auburn is the capital for serendipitous trail running experiences. Jamie and I made plans for our snowshoe race the following day (Our plan was to run slow!) and we all stood around snacking on a few of the potluck goodies before heading back up to Truckee.

Thank you so much to Jen and everyone who helped to put on this event. I think this is a perfect way to remember two wonderful people who were such huge contributors to this trail running community. I still miss Robert and Linda, but I think they would be pleased with they way they are honored - by a group of people getting together to enjoy a few miles on the trails.

Robert and Linda Mathis Memorial Run

Pulling into the parking lot of the Overlook Park in Auburn on a Saturday morning, it was much like the start of many other races. I greeted friends as I walked across the lot toward the tables and tents. Runners were filling bottles and putting on hydration packs. It was exactly the same scene, the same place, as when I last saw Robert and Linda Mathis. They were the reason we were all there this February – to share memories, and honor their legacy by – what else? – going for a run.

Race shirts from Robert and Linda's races

I added my homemade cupcakes to the spread for the finish line pot luck and immediately began passing out hugs. It was so wonderful to see friends that I hadn’t seen for so long like Peter and Catherine. It’s truly a statement on the connections that Robert and Linda made with their runners, and the passion they shared with us all, that so many people came from far and wide for this memorial run.

Catherine and Peter before the start

Aaron Summerhays began by inviting folks to say a few words. Several people spoke, sharing what great experiences they'd had at Robert and Linda’s events. They were greatly appreciated for having generous cut off times at their races, and it just made me smile to hear about that, as I recalled Robert talking about it one day at Jenkinson Lake. He said he didn’t see any reason to pack up the finish line and tell folks they had to go home when there were still people out there running. He didn’t mind waiting.

Mathis family

Aaron invites people to speak.

Norm Klein talks about what an excellent race director Robert was.

It was wonderful to have the Mathis family present, and once they released the balloons, we were off!

I ran the first downhill to No Hands with Clare and Scott and we talked about our days running Lake of the Sky and other ultrarunner.net races. Like the majority of people present, I sported a shirt from one of Robert and Linda’s races; mine was from River City Marathon.

Running down to the river

Aid station at No Hands Bridge

I let Clare and Scott go ahead shortly before No Hands and eventually fell in with a group I didn’t know. Aside from seeing old friends, my favorite part about the day was making new friends. I met Rodney, whom I’d first spoken with just after hearing of Robert and Linda's deaths. I met Karen and Natu who are running UTMB this year. I met the ultrarunner podcast guys. Since it wasn’t a race, no one was in a particular hurry. When we approached the training hill (K2), we all decided to diverge from the marked route and go up. Why not? That’s the way Robert and Linda always made us go!

Mathis family at No Hands Bridge

When we returned to the Overlook, there was a feast awaiting us. I was glad the weather was beautiful and we all stood around generally making pigs of ourselves and sharing stories. Bev and Alan Abbs were training for Barkley, and Alan regaled us with tales from his run there last year. Epic stuff, indeed.

Post-run time with friends

Old friends, reunited

I’m so thankful for the community of ultrarunners that put this event together – a community that Robert and Linda had a big part in forming. It was a perfect way to honor them and everything they did for us.

There are plans for this to be an annual event, and I love that idea. I can’t imagine much better than being here every February, running with friends in the Auburn sunshine, remembering the couple that brought us all together.I think Robert and Linda would appreciate that.

As far as Robert and Linda’s races go, I was excited to receive an email from Elemental Running and Training informing me that they will be putting on the ultrarunner.net events. Here’s the pertinent excerpt from their email:

 

“ERT is proud to announce it will be assuming the calendar of events from Robert and Linda Mathis.  As many of you are aware, Race Directors Robert and Linda Mathis were tragically killed on December 30th, 2011, when they were struck by an impaired driver while crossing a crosswalk in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.  Longtime pillars in the running community, Robert and Linda directed many well-known and long-standing events, such as the River City Marathon and Half, Lake of the Sky Trail Runs, Cool Moon 100M, and many others in northern California.

While we remain deeply saddened by this unexpected and painful loss to our community, ERT is happy to report that their races scheduled for 2012 will continue, and wishes to thank the Mathis Family and friends for placing their trust in ERT to honor Robert and Linda and continue their legacy.

Registration for the River City Marathon and Half has been reopened, and the remainder of the 2012 events will reopen soon.  If you have already registered, your entry will be transferred and you do not need to take any action.  Existing race websites will stay active, but news and information will also be located here, on ERT's website.  Any questions or concerns regarding the events may be directed to Jimmy and Carmella at elementalrunning@gmail.com.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support as we transition these races to new management.  Given the body of work Robert and Linda leave behind, the task is considerable, but rest assured that every effort is being made to meet the highest standards of service and experience that you have come to expect from not only Robert and Linda Mathis' events, but from Elemental Running and Training.

We look forward to an exciting and successful 2012!”