BALLWIN, MO. – The opening night for the 2013 Trail Run Series climbed up the steps of the Fern Glen Connector in Castlewood State Park and also into the record books with a new record high attendance on Thursday, August 8. 170 total racers completed the 3.1 mile course with the top male finisher, 45-year-old Mike Barro, taking overall first place with a total time of 20:50.3. Sunny Gilbert won the women’s race for the eighth time in the last nine races going back to 2011. Her time of 21:27.4 was better than all but three other competitors on the course.
Thursday’s attendance of 170 total finishers shattered the previous record of 129 set last year in the series’ final race. Race officials expect that record to fall numerous times this month as the series continues to grow in popularity.
Despite some rain earlier in the day, the course was in excellent condition through the North side of the park, including the main section of the Grotpeter trail. A muggy and overcast evening with temperatures in the low 80’s made for a humid, but not uncomfortable run. Runners who competed in last year’s heat will be happy to take more nights like tonight. Complete results can be found here, courtesy of Big River Running. Age group results can be found here.
The stairs beginning the climb up Castlewood’s Fern Glen Connector were the signature mark of this week’s run, providing the biggest challenge to competitors. What will Week Two offer runners? Next week’s course will be announced on Monday afternoon right here at offroadracingleague.com.
Finally, Alpine Shop and the race coordinators would like to thank Kirkwood Station for providing the beer for this week’s after-party! See everybody next week!
Thank you for a great race and a lot of fun!
Excellent race! I second the comment on the great beer! Thank you! Lots of good prizes from alpine shop too! See ya next week.
Great to hear, James. Thanks for being a part of a great night!
You’re welcome, Julie! Glad you had fun. I think most of the reason it has become so much fun is just getting everybody out to the park each Thursday. Thanks for being a part of it!