Mud, Sweat, and Hydrangeas: The Ultimook Experience
The Ultimook Race is one of the best cross-country experiences in the country, and for good reason. Hosted each year by the wonderful Pat at the Hydrangea Ranch, it’s a truly unique event. The race's website captures its spirit perfectly: “The emphasis of this course is to offer a ‘REAL’ cross country experience without sacrificing a quality, race-able course. It features 2 river crossings (shallow water, but wide crossing), a mud pit (be sure shoes are securely planted on feet to avoid losing them to the suction), a mile of wood-chipped trails, and of course a bunch of beautiful flowers.”
Ephraim Moore (Olympia High School)
This course is as fun as it is challenging, winding through various parts of the ranch. The starting chute is lined with hay bales and packed with parents, teammates, and fans, all waiting for the infamous starting bell. As soon as the runners thunder past, a wave of spectators rushes to the mud pit, eager to see who will emerge unscathed. Some runners escape relatively clean, others are caked in mud from head to toe, and a few are left with nothing but gritty smiles. From there, athletes venture through two river crossings before running through fields of flowers. The finish line greets them after a quick descent, marked by a large wooden arch reminding them that they've conquered the “Ultimook” Race.
I have no idea how much ground I covered running around the course all day, but my hips are sore, so it must have been a lot! Last year, I stayed at the mud pit because I didn’t know the course well, and it was a fantastic spot for photos. This year, I moved all over, even standing barefoot in the river to capture some unique shots. It's one of the most memorable experiences I've had as a photographer, and it’s clear that all the kids love it, too.
Caden Durocher (Olympia High School)
Notable Performances
My performance of the meet goes to Quenton Lanese, a freshman from Olympia High School. This kid was full throttle from the start, finishing an incredible 3rd overall in the 5A-6A Varsity race with a time of 15:31.40 on a slow course in his high school debut. He finished just behind two phenomenal athletes, Carson Buergey (Thurston) at 15:10.70 and Yosuke Shibate (South Eugene) at 15:20.20.
On the girls' side, my pick is freshman Evangeline Johnson-Hess of South Eugene, who took first place with a time of 18:49.40. South Eugene is one of those schools I wish I lived closer to during the XC season—they always have a stable of great athletes.
Evangeline Johnson-Hess (South Eugene High School)
Next up: Olympia XC Classic
