Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Church romps to third in Western States 100-miler

By Dick Sparrer

Shirley Church is hoping for a very special gift for her 60th birthday.

A belt buckle.

It's not something her husband, Robert, can give to her... it's something she has to earn on her own. And that's just what she plans on doing--in the year 2002.

Church has just completed her fifth Western States Endurance Run, a 100-mile run from Squaw Valley to Auburn. And her plans are to complete five more over the next five years to join the prestigious 1,000-mile club.

"Shirley's ultimate goal is to earn a 1,000-mile belt buckle winner's position," said her husband. "She has 500 miles run, earned five brass buckles, and is halfway to her 1,000-mile goal."

Church completed the 100 miles in impressive fashion, finishing third in the 50-59 age group in 28 hours and 41 minutes.

It was the second third-place finish in five years for Church. She boasts a first, second and fourth to go with the two thirds in her five years competing in the event.

Church, 55, was the oldest female finisher in the field of runners competing on the rugged course through the Sierras.

There were 369 runners who took from Squaw Valley at 5 a.m. to begin the climb over Emigrant Pass.

"In less than 10 miles runners will be close to 8,000 feet and face another 90 miles of freezing temperatures, 100 degree heat, rushing water, and steep canyons," said a report in the Auburn Sentinel prior to the race.

Church competed as an individual in the race, but she the support of a team of pacers and crew members that included Lindy Hayes, Kent Goetz, Leslie and Ken Barker, and her husband, Robert, who ran the last 6.7 miles with his wife.

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