Odds for Wapack 50

Like I said in my Big A 50k odds post, I'm new to this odds thing but did pretty well. I had James Demer at second in odds and he came in second. I had myself at third and I (somehow) managed the win and James Bonnett in fourth and he came in third. So, I would say I had it figured out...now off to Vegas. Just kidding, I'll save my money and just give you the odds for this Saturday's race on the Wapack Trail.

Scott Leslie - 2 to 1 - this guy is by far the fastest dude in the field. He ran a 7:27 50 mile at Vermont and just killed a 50k in Springfield last winter in 3:20 (6:30/miles).  From my point of view he is a shoe in, but can he run up and down mountains fast?

Matt Davenport 3 to 1 - 3 100's completed and 2nd place finish in last years wapack 42. Look for him to finish the course this year on top.

Justin Contois 4 to 1 - got to give myself the nod here. I do well in the mountainous ultras (4th in '10 wapack, 1st at Big A 50k) but struggle on the flatter, more runnable courses (57th NF Challenge DC and 15th Stone Cat). This is by far a mountainous ultra with many "hike only" sections. Recovery of mind and body only issue here.

Shad Hansen 5 to 1 - finished 6th is last years edition and only 10 minutes in back of me. Look for him to be on the podium.

Howie Breinan 6 to 1 -  don't let his age fool you (42), he can run. I ran with him my last lap at the Fells Ultra and he can move. He is training for Hardrock and may use this as a training run, but expect him to finish towards the top on this tough course.

Scott Patnode 7 to 1 - runs quite a bit, short and long. Did well at wapack 42 last year (9th). Could be a dark horse if he wants it.

There may be some people I missed or some that have not run an ultra (all results found on ultrasignup.com). All I know is that it's going to be a battle tomorrow out there in them mountains.

All photos courtesy of Steve Pero