Dirty Half, The ladies odds

Last year I ran in the Lithia Loop Marathon and Karl Meltzer threw out some pre-race odds as a fun way to hype the race. Stealing his idea, I thought it would be fun to lay some odds out for the 2009 Dirty Half Marathon. Keep in mind, this is with limited research and just for fun.

Women's Open

Unless there is an out of town runner that is fast enough to beat most of the guys in this year's field, once again a familiar name will likely be standing atop the podium. Like the men's race, this should come down to two runners, Lisa Nye and Katie Caba. I have a feeling the course record will be going down.

Lisa Nye: 2-1 Former US record holder in the women's steeple chase and course record holder of just about every local race, Nye is still at the top in Bend. From trustworthy sources, she is said to be training hard for the Dirty Half this year. Her 10k speed and hill climbing are on track as shown in her Larkspur Lollipop and Salmon Run 1st place finishes. If her training is on track for a finish time similar to last year, she should be in good shape for the win.

Katie Caba: 3-1 This is Katie's second season now without either being pregnant or nursing a baby and it seems to be showing. Her speed is back and her legs are feeling stronger. She has already shown her 5k speed as she cruised to the Light of Hope victory. The scary thing is, she feels stronger as the distance of her run lengthens. She is still likely a step behind Nye, but if I had a dollar...

The battle for 3rd place is where the women's race really heats up. It's an interesting mix of experienced Dirty Halfers, improved performers and newbies. That coveted third spot should keep them all focused.


Shannon Edwards: 7-2 Shannon is a relative unknown to the Bend running community. She might be hoping to come into the Dirty Half and surprise a few folk at the finish line...who was that fast runner from Yamhill anyway? Unfortunately for Shannon, she didn't escape my internet search. She is a former collegiate trackster and current member of the Eastside track club and has posted solid race times all the way from the 1,500m to the 1/2 marathon. She has the youth and speed to battle with the big two and should be at the front of the pack. But can she handle the single track?

Ahna Jura: 4-1 Ahna fits the categories of experience and improvement. Her second place Horse Butte finish this year shows her improvement and she is a veteran Dirty Halfer. Needless to say she is competitive. Just ask Megan Wrightman who has Ahna's footprint on her back after falling on the trail in front of her. Just kidding, Ahna politely helped her to her feet then threw down the hammer to finish her off. If Ahna continues to train as she has, she might find herself atop the Dirty Half podium for the first time.

Megan Wrightman: 4-1 While a veteran to running, Megan is a newbie to the Dirty Half. Fresh out of competitive cross country racing at Seattle Pacific University, Megan has brought her speed back home to Bend, and intends to put her mark on the Dirty Half. Megan has been witnessed pushing the pace at TPG and is a top 3 Horse Butte finisher showing she can maintain the speed over distance. Will it be enough to hold off the rest of the field?

Kristin Riley: 5-1 Kristen is a veteran Dirty Halfer and top 5 finisher from last year. She can throw it down with the best of them on any given day. She was a few steps off the pace of Jura and Wrightman at this year's Horse Butte, giving them the nod with the odds maker. I wouldn't count Riley out though as she is a proven competitor. Will she seek revenge?

Whitney Woods: 6-1 Whitney has both speed and endurance. She is capable of going sub 1:30 at the 1/2 marathon distance, but the Dirty Half is a whole new beast. I think Whitney will hang tough through mile 9. It's then any one's race. If she's feeling it, she just might throw down the hammer at that point and finish off the competition. I don't think the rest of them will let her off that easy though.

Jen Sventek: 7-1 We know what Jen will run. She apparently runs the same time each year. Consistency is her middle name. The question is, will it be enough on race day to grab that third podium spot? Crazier things have happened. One thing is for certain, Sventek will give it her all, and if you're unfortunate enough to be battling with her, look out.

Mary Primrose:8-1 Possibly the best speed of the group. Give her a 5k-10k and she'll fly. If she can keep her legs for the 1/2 marathon distance, she should place well.

Wildcards: Renee Scott, Amy Freeman- These gals are keeping a lid on their training and are trying to stay under the radar. Renee however, has been caught flying through interval workouts at TPG, but Amy so far has escaped the public eye. We'll just have to wait and see on race day.

Masters Women

Amy Peterson: 3-1 Assuming Amy is Amy, fast, fit and determined, she has to be the favorite in the masters division. She posted a solid 1:36 at the Dirty Half last year as a youthful 39 year old. Now that she is over the hill, can she keep the pace? If so, plan to see Amy wearing a new "masters" crown.

Laura Fritz: 4-1 Over my dead body says Fritz! This wolf in sheep's clothing won't let a newbie master like Peterson waltz in and claim victory without a fight. Fritz is always solid and was able to taste sweet victory last year on the winning Cascade Lakes Relay team. Once victory has been experienced, second place isn't so much fun. Look for Fritz to push Peterson to the end.
Chris Vergona: 5-1 Not quite as crazy as her husband, but rightfully crazy enough to be married to him. Chris is the sleeper in this race. She has been methodically putting in her speed work at TPG, but all under the guise of having fun. Ya right. This Aussie is out for victory. Look for that wicked leg speed she has been building to blast her down the hills. If she can keep from talking and laughing throughout the race, she could be your winner.

Nancy Abraham: 6-1 So what can a 52 year old really bring to the table? How about a 1:34:18 smoking fast half marathon! Scary thing is, you give her a lake and a bike and she'll beat you down even more. We'll see how this talented multi sport athlete takes to the challenging single track. Beware young masters to be educated by the master master.