BALLWIN, MO. – The 2014 Alpine Shop Summer Trail Run Series presented by Columbia Sportswear will come to a close this Thursday, September 4. In accordance with tradition, the final run of the summer series ends with a trip up the infamous Castlewood State Park stairs. However, due to having to move the race into September, and the corresponding diminishing day-light, the course will be scaled back from our usual 4+ mile distances.
This approximately 3.72 mile course will begin where all of the 2014 series runs have begun – near the pavilion – and we’ll head around the meadow in a clock-wise fashion just like we did last week. We’ll cross Kiefer Creek Road and hop on the lower section of Lone Wolf Trail parallel to the creek. We’ll cross the creek and head over to Grotpeter for a little over half of a mile back towards the starting line. We’ll stay along Kiefer Creek Road under the train bridge and make an immediate right turn onto the flats along the River Scene Trail for almost a mile until the dreaded stairs start heading up the bluffs.
Ah, the stairs. You’ll climb over 130 feet in less than 2/10 of a mile. And your reward? Some gorgeous views of the Meramec River below you as you head along the bluffs for the final time this year. You’ll finish on the technical descent of the River Scene Trail, cross Kiefer Creek Road and hit the finish line.
Approximate distance is 3.72 miles. Lowest elevation: 420 ft above sea level. Highest elevation: 640 ft above sea level.
Individual registrations are still open here or you can register on-site beginning at 5 pm on Thursday, Sept. 4.
