BALLWIN, MO – We’ll start off the 2014 Summer Trail Run Series presented by Columbia Sportswear with a 4.45 mile run that merges two of our favorite descents at Castlewood State Park into one course. (Of course, that also means we need to have some climbs as well.)
We’re keeping the starting line at the main shelter just past the Keifer Creek Rd. Bridge. From there, we’ll head up the beginnings of the Grotpeter Trail, then cut the long switchback short up the Fern Glen Connector. Once you’ve finished the climb up the ridge, we’ll follow undulating course of the Rollercoaster around and around itself until we reach the Midway/Office Connector and speed our way down back to the valley.
You’ll have a brief respite in the meadow as you head to everyone’s favorite ascent in the park: the River Scene Trail road. This steep track brings you all the way to the top of the ridge where you’ll be treated to views of the Meramec River valley below. You won’t have too much time to enjoy the view, though, because you’ll hang a right onto the Lone Wolf trail and then pick up speed down the back of the bluff until you cross Kiefer Creek and head back to the finish line.
Registration is still open for all races, but is limited to 250 runners. As races reach full capacity, we’ll indicate it on the registration pages. Sign up today.
Can’t wait! Great first route!