UPPER LAKE — Upper Lake High School (ULHS) cross country team recently traveled to the Bay Area and Angel Island for a two day workout. Thirteen runners participated in the summer training program.
According to Coach John Woods, the team took the Tiburon Ferry to Angel Island State Park then they hiked for more than a mile to a primitive campsite. After setting up camp, the runners completed a five mile run to the top of Mount Livermore, which Woods said is the highest point in the San Francisco Bay with a climb of almost 1,000 feet.
“The views from the top of the mountain were very impressive,” Coach Woods said. “The runners returned to their campsites, made dinner and were treated to a beautiful light show from the east bay cities. A few camp-raiding raccoons made visits to a couple of campers during the night.”
Coach Woods said that in the morning, the team got up and ran the perimeter road around the entire island. He said the distance was about six miles with some great inclines. “We need more hill work, but the beginning runners did very well and will be much-improved by the time the season starts,” he said.
After returning to the mainland, the coach said the team enjoyed a trip to the Marine Mammal Center Hospital at the Marin Headlands.
The team is now preparing for its third annual Relay to the Coast scheduled Aug. 6 through 9. The event will include running, beaches, guest speakers, great food and fun, Coach Woods said.
The cross country team will hold a car wash fundraiser July 31 at Sentry Market in Nice. The car wash will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until all the cars are clean. There is still time for new runners to join the team. A current sports physical is required.
