Kimball retains title at Western States Endurance Run at Trail Fit

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Kimball retains title at Western States Endurance Run

Posted June 25, 2007 at 07:00 PM by Jessica Galvano

Section: Destinations, U.S.A., News, Race Recaps, Trail Running, Ultramarathons

Nikki Kimball 2007 Western States Endurance Run female champion Nikki Kimball, first place women’s finisher in the 2004 and 2006 Western States Endurance Run, approached the start of this year’s 100-miler with hopes of a third title. Despite her previous successes in California’s notoriously challenging ultramarathon, Kimball was not convinced of certain victory.

Like many of her peers, the Montana runner regards the Western States 100 as one of the most prestigious ultradistance events. As expected, this year’s female field boasted established athletes from across the United States and around the world. With fierce competitors all eager to be the first across a very distant finish line, not even Kimball’s years of experience could calm her pre-race nerves.

Once the race began, Kimball settled into a leading pace and her uneasy start surrendered to assured strides. Early on, Kimball matched the times of the leading male runners; at the first checkpoint, almost eleven miles into the course, she trailed third-place male finisher Graham Cooper by only three minutes.

California’s Beverly Anderson-Abbs, the female runner-up in last year’s race, again proved to be Kimball’s biggest competition. Although Kimball led for almost the full 100 miles, Anderson-Abbs equaled the defending champion’s pace for the first ten. By the time Kimball entered the Red Star Ridge aid station, however, she had managed to pull away from the California contender. After 16 miles of unforgiving trail, Kimball’s lead—originally only seconds—had become minutes.

Relatively cool temperatures no doubt eased the typically warmer mid-day miles, allowing Kimball to maintain her ambitious pace. She continued to extend the margin and entered the final miles with an insurmountable advantage.

In Auburn’s Le Febvre Stadium, a dedicated crowd eagerly awaited the night’s first female finish. At 11:12 p.m., Kimball delivered the winning performance. A time of 18:12:38 not only bettered her personal best on the California course, but also won her the honor of a spot in the overall top-10.

Anderson-Abbs secured a second-place finish in 19:31:18, an improvement of over thirty minutes from her 2006 time.
And while the native West-coasters took first and second-place, third-place went to French runner, Karine Herry with a time of 20:12:38.

Research sources and for more information:
[Auburn Journal], [WS100 Official Site]