Run Camp's Tour of Mammoth Review

Mammoth Lakes, CA - Every summer the Oaks Christian Lions Cross Country Teams travel to the Inyo and John Muir National Forests for its annual retreat. Definitely one of the highlights from every season and this year's adventures rival all previous years. With all the regular features of Convict Lake, Rainbow & Lower Falls, Top Gun and Hot Creek Runs, Etc. This year the Lions and friends return to White Mountain Peak (14, 262 ft) the third highest peak in California (yes Laura it is, don't believe the misinformation for a guy with a faulty GPS). A Record 16 Lions reached the summit (whipping the 2005 record).
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But a lesser know fact is that of the Tour of Mammoth which quietly occurs concurrent with the camp festivities. This is an nine stage / eight day race is like the Tour de France, but of course much better...its running not cycling.
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2007 Recap: Ten time champion Coach Smith was forced to withdraw from the 2007 competition in order to return home for support for his son leaving Charlie Petrie relatively unchallenged to win his first GC (general classification or overall). Kyle Block placed 2nd in the GC for the second consecutive year.
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2008 Recap: Two new names found the top of the GC with Mike Buell (UC Riverside, LAB Grad) and Steve Kilroy (Humboldt State, LAB Grad) making their debuts. Mike becomes only the four winner of the yellow jersey in this events 15 year history (Coach SMith 10, Ryan Hall 3, Charlie Petire 1, Mike Buell 1). Coach Smith's strong final few stages solidified his spot for his 14th podium finish.
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Charlie won his third consecutive White Jersey (youth classification - high school) and Hunter Hays was second.
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Steve Kilroy won the Green Jersey (sprinter / points classification) with a two point margin over Mike. Coach Smith placed third.
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The Hill Climbing classification went to Coach Smith mostly as a result of his "Virenque-style" dominance of the White Mtn Pk Stage filled with climbs beyond classification (Hors Cat). Coach Smith reached the highest summit of the tour before everyone else to be honored with the "Souvenir Henri Desgrange". Hunter Hays and Ethan Long placed second and third in this classification.
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Kilroy was awarded the Most Combative (Red Jersey) honors for spending the most time at the front of the peleton putting pressure on the contenders.