Sacramento Running News

Austin Weaver on his way to the win at Sunday's Buffalo Stampede. (SRN Photo)

Since the dawn of time*, runners have gathered on the 1st Sunday after Labor Day to run the Buffalo Stampede. The race has grown and shrunk again over the years but it remains a “must do race” for the Sacramento running community.

Many locals think of it as the kick-off race for the build up to the California International Marathon, and the weather for this year’s event could hardly have been more perfect.

Several years ago, the Buffalo Chips added a second, non-competitive race for slower runners–now known as the Parrott Migration.

This year’s Stampede was led wire-to-wire by Sacramento’s Austin Weaver. Weaver’s 51:56 was one of the fastest times we’ve seen on this course in a while.

Finishing in 2nd, a couple minutes back, was Carmichael’s Mason Myers, in 56:53; followed by Michael Shubert of Rancho Cordova in 57:22.

Lisbet Sunshine (in back) and Jennifer Jackson chase Kurt Mellick near mile six. (SRN Photo)

On the women’s side, Lisbet Sunshine, of San Francisco, and Emily Bates, of Salt Lake City, dueled it out in a close match for the win. In the end, Sunshine finished first in 1:01:13, and Bates faded to second in 1:02:21.

Rounding out the top three women was Jennifer Jackson, of Davis, who finished in 1:03:46.

Complete results are at Capital Road Race Management.

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*While “the dawn of time” might be a bit of an exaggeration, the Buffalo Chips Running Club has been putting on this race for 37 years.

Runnin' for Rhett group in the Parrot Migration. (I'm guessing someone may have had a problem with the timing.) (SRN Photo)

CK McClatchy coach Grant Carboni taunting the runners with doughnuts at the 5-mile aid station. You may be surprised to learn they give away several dozen each year. (SRN Photo)