I am very pleased to announce big changes to the R2R: we now have a new Race Director, Rob Hester, and Assistant RD, Eric Barnes.

Rob has a long list of credentials in the running community, including Volunteer Coordinator for the Tacoma City Marathon, President of the Fleet Feet Running Club, and Running Mentor for the Y-runclub. He has completed 36 marathons and 51 ultra-marathons since 2002, including two 100 milers and ten 50 milers, including two Rainier to Ruston 50M finishes with a personal best of 7:58:25.

Eric complements Rob's experience and skills. He is currently on the Advisory Council of the Mel Korum Family YMCA, and founding and current President of the Y-Run Club. He was elected Volunteer of the Year: Mel Korum Family YMCA in 2003 and was on the advisory board and Course Director of the Puyallup City Blast 5K last summer. Eric has finished 42 marathons and 37 ultras since 2002, including the Cascade Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run in 2007, two 100K ultras, and five 50 mile ultras, the first being the Rainier to Ruston 2005. Eric is training to run Western States in 2010.

Both Rob and Eric are eager to work together to us grow the Rainier to Ruston and continue its success as "One of Washington State's "Ten Great Races To Get You Motivated." - The News Tribune

I would also like to thank our past Race Director, Markus Dennis, for helping us get to where we are today. At our September 2009 meeting, the Foothills Trail Coalition board cited and applauded the strengths and achievements which Markus brought to bear on behalf of the R2R - his numerous personal connections in business, political and running communities; his contagious enthusiasm for the event; his outstanding public speaking abilities and performance as M.C.; his creation of awards for the High School Challenge, Collegiate, Founders and Gatchel awards; and the establishment of a Race Committee to help manage the event. Thank you, Markus!

Another big change is that we are moving the course back to the original route - starting at the Tacoma Mountaineers' "Irish Cabin" parking lot about 1/2 mile from the Carbon River entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park and going down Gale Canyon between Wilkeson and So. Prairie, not out to Buckley and back as in 2009. This change results in much less pavement and more beautiful, creek-side, secluded, unpaved trails. Many believe this trail is the prettiest section of the entire Foothills Trail.  Parts of it are also pretty rough and (like leg 2, Fairfax to Carbonado) should be assigned to runners and walkers who are comfortable on backcountry trails.
 
Another welcome route change is in Fife where we will leave the levee at Frank Albert Road and cross the Puyallup River on the Eells Street (Pacific Highway) Bridge -- no more crawling under RR trestles! (New leg maps will be posted asap.)

Now we're off and running toward our goals of expanding and enhancing the R2R and completing the Foothills Trail from Mt. Rainier to Puget Sound. Come join us on National Trails Day to celebrate our past achievements and experience the unique, Rainier to Ruston Rail-Trail Relay and Ultra, "An Adventure in Your Own Back Yard!"

John S. Selby, Founder email: JohnandDottieSelby@att.net

Eric Barnes and Rob Hester after running 40 miles.
Photo by Steve Stoyles.