ST. LOUIS – It’s a whole new era for the Trail Run Series. After more than a decade at Castlewood State Park, Alpine Shop’s original Off-Road Racing League event made the move to Queeny Park about five miles to the northeast in St. Louis County. Heavy rains all evening long throughout the St. Louis area prior to the race may have made for a mud pit at Castlewood. Instead, runners were barely affected on the opening night of the Series.
Going back to 2019 series and continuing through last year’s runs, Andy Rains (29) had finished second at the Trail Run Series at the last eight straight races until this night. Rains finished the 3.5 mile race with a blistering 5:50/mile pace and a final time nearly a minute in front of second place finisher – and the man Rains finished behind in every race last year – Adam Ethier. 18-year-old Tim Shoemaker took third just over 30 seconds behind Ethier (21:57.2).
On the women’s side, Amanda Eigel (45) broke through with her best race ever at the Series with a final time of 27:28.5 (7:51/mile) to win the women’s division. She was followed by Kelley McGaughey (39, 28:16.0) and Christine Edwards (41, 28:51.5).
As always, for the purposes of the Trail Run Series our Masters Division starts at age 50. Long time participant, Mike Barro (54), won his second straight Masters race going back to last year, in a time of 23:24.4, good enough for fourth overall in the race. Christoper Bognar (52, 25:35.9) and Gregory Cuddihee (50, 25:59.5) both put in sub 7:30/mile paces on their way to podium finishes. For the women, Jun Ullery (50) was the top finisher in a time of 29:19.7. Maria Wetzel (52, 29:54.5) and Susan Richmond (61, 30:24.2) finished in second and third, respectively
Following the race, participants helped themselves to a selection of Schlafly beers along with snacks from Great Harvest Bread Co., and off the grill. As they have done every year at the Series since 2015, Optimal Performance Center was at the finish line to provide chiropractic care and post-race massages for participants. Lucky winners also took home prizes from Merrell footwear.
Race 2 of the 2022 Alpine Shop Trail Run Series will take place next Thursday night, August 11 at 6:15 pm. Registrations are still available on a single race basis here.