Goodbye Mark

More sad news when I heard that Mark Richtman recently passed. I was first introduced to Mark in 1997 at the 38 Mile Fort Bragg Ride & Tie World Championship .I had teamed with Paul Robinson for that event. We had finished the first loop and Mark was leaving the third loop, in a gallop, on his horse Eli. Yes, Eli, Mark and, Western States winner, Brian Purcell won that day in 3:53 with Eli winning Best Condition.

Over the next 22 years, I got to know more about Mark. Watching this world class runner run was a treat .He held numerous records and was an outstanding equestrian as well. Despite those distinctions, he was centered, not “full of himself” with an appropriate degree of narcissism.  He was married and his boys were runners also.

In 2002, Mark came in third in the 100 mile Western States Run. When Linda and I put on the Cool Ride & Tie we engraved Mark’s name along with other winners. On one of my Jed Smith runs, Mark was there going after the U. S .record for 50 miles. I remembered Mark lapping Tony and I that day. We critiqued his running form while laughing and enjoying his exploits. After our race, Mark introduced us to Megan Arbogast another world class runner   and Craig Thornley the current Western States race manager. Over the years, Tony and I encountered Mark during our runs on the Robbie trail.

Mark, I miss your smile and positive outlook. You are now running with the Angels.

A few words by Tony.

Sad news indeed what a loss.  Mark was an elite runner but not an elitist. Met Mark doing ride and Tie and endurance riding. First time I saw him was at a Ride and Tie championship I was ahead of him only because I was on the horse at the start and he was on the ground. But it did not take long for him to pass me. Just tied the horse and started up a steep up hill and here comes a guy looking like he was sprinting up the hill leaving me behind. That was my introduction to Mark. Mark was always friendly

At   the Way Too Cool 50K run I would see him often .Always took time out to say hello. Mark also did some endurance riding with his horse Eli. Rode with him a few times at Oakland Hills 50. One ride was especially memorable in that we rode together most of the ride. Coming into the last vet check in 2^nd and 3nd place, we were sure we were not going to catch first place so talking at the vet check we decided neither one of us wanted to race our horse in for a 2^nd place finish and decided to stay together and try to tie. Well we did our best to cross the line together but because of some silly AERC rule they would not allow a tie so Mark came in 2^nd by whisker.

Mark will be greatly missed and this world will be less without him.