Top Ultra Runners Coming to Lake Sonoma for 50-Miler

If you're out for an early morning drive around Lake Sonoma on Saturday, don't be surprised if you find 300 runners sharing the road.

Many of the nation’s top ultramarathon runners will be competing in the 5^th annual Lake Sonoma 50-Mile Endurance Run on Saturday, April 14.

2011 ultra runner of the year Dave Mackey of Boulder, Colorado heads the men’s field along with defending champion Hal Koerner of Ashland, Oregon. Seven of the nation’s top ten ranked men will compete, making the race one of the most highly competitive in the country.  Krissy Moehl of Seattle, Joelle Vaught of Boise, Idaho, and Tyler Stewart of Novato are expected to contend for the women’s crown.

Top Healdsburg runners Leigh Schmitt and will also compete. Aziz Zhari, the popular general manager of the H2 Hotel, will be attempting his first 50-mile run.

The race, which circles the Warm Springs arm of Lake Sonoma, starts and finishes at the South Lake Trailhead on Skaggs Springs Rd., near the visitor's center at the end of Dry Creek Rd. The field of 300 runners will start at 6:30 a.m., with the winner expected to finish about 1:30 p.m.

Runners are allowed 14 hours to complete the rugged trail course, which includes more than 10,000 feet of climbing in addition to the 50 miles.

The race is a benefit for the Children of Vineyard Workers Scholarship Fund and is organized by the Healdsburg couple John Medinger and Lisa Henson. Local sponsors include , , , , VinePro Vineyard Management, Valdez and Sons Vineyard Management, and.