Whoo’s Running El Moro?
Molly Kassouf, a local Newport Beach mother of three became an ultra runner in 2005, and became so inspired by distance running that she started organizing ultra-running trail races in El Moro for the community. On Saturday, May 11 marks the fifth running of the race, called Whoo’s in El Moro 25k/50k. And the next one will be held, Saturday, Oct. 5.
Q&A with Molly Kassouf, Founder and Race Director for Whoo’s in El Moro Ultra Trail Race
Q. When did you start this event and why?
A. I started planning this event in December of 2009. I trained about 3 to 4 days on the beautiful trails of El Moro and thought it would be great to have a race in there.
Q. How many people usually participate?
A. 75-100 entrants usually run my race, but I can have up to 200.
Q. What's the most challenging thing about putting on the race?
The most challenging thing is probably the week of the race, I really try to be organized and want it perfect, but also having to juggle this with my 3 kids schedule as well. And it takes about 30 people by race day to organize it.
Q. What is the most rewarding thing about putting on the race?
A. Seeing people believe in themselves and having the power and determination to try and achieve a healthy goal and cross the finish line.
Q. What is the most challenging part of running the race?
A. The up and down hills is tough on the quads but that’s’ trail running.
Q. How long is the race?
A. I have 2 distances 50k (31.1) miles and 25k (15.5) miles
Q. What made you start running long distance events?
A. I was always a runner but I started in 2005 running the NIKE Women’s Marathon raising money for a friend who was battling cancer.
Q. What do you love most about running ultras?
A. The ultra running community is like no other, Volunteers at aid stations are like angels sent from above, trail runners are genuinely friendly, runners helping other runners out regardless of the caliber of runner, priceless!
Q. How old is the oldest runner this year? The youngest?
A. The oldest runner this year is in his 60's and the youngest runner is in their 20's.
Q. How can people get involved to run it, or volunteer?
A. Email me at www.whoosinelmoro50k.com or you can find my race also on Ultra Signup.
Q.How much does it cost to participate?
A. It costs $80 for the 25k, and $100 for the 50k as long as you register early. With that you get a race shirt in May and a Silipint cup for the October 5 race, as well as a medal, free lunch at the TK Burger Truck, free combo meal gift certificate at Wahoo’s and fantastic prizes from Oakley and giveaways from Road ID, Team Duke, Vita Coco and Mix1, plus lots of friendly volunteers to help make your experience running for a very long time enjoyable and memorable.
