BALLWIN, MO – With a new Race HQ, a new starting line, and finally a new season after the 2020 campaign was cancelled due to the pandemic, Alpine Shop and the Off-Road Racing League were thrilled to welcome a capacity crowd back to Castlewood State Park for the 2021 Trail Run Series.
Adam Ethier (32) completed the approximately 3.9 mile course in a time of 25:45.8, beating second-place runner Andy Rains (28, 26:13.1) to the finish line by just under 30 seconds. Jon-Paul LaVenture (39) crossed the finish line just 17 seconds later to round out the top three, overall. This is the first win for Ethier, while Rains takes second place for the fifth straight Trail Run Series event in a row, going back to all four races of the 2019 series. LaVenture, a long-time participant, was coming off of four straight victories in the 2019 series, as well.
On the women’s side, Lindsay Hustedde (37) won the women’s division in her first Trail Run Series race in a time of 28:30.6 (seventh overall). She was followed by Courtney Sweetin (36, 31:06.3) two and a half minutes later and Meredith Marsh (43, 32:30.3) just under a minute and a half later.
For the purposes of the Trail Run Series, our Masters Division starts at age 50. This week, for the first time since he began racing in the series in 2017, Chris Martel (55) did not cross the line first. Breaking a string of 12 straight Masters wins going back to 2017, Mike Barro won his first Masters race since first competing in the Trail Run Series back in 2013 (when he won three of the four open races), in a time of 27:22.8. Martel took second in a time of 29:18.6 and Jacob Varadian (51, 30:52.9) finished third. On the women’s side, Leslie Crais (50, 33:25.9) got her first win in a Trail Run Series race, with Robin Putnam (50, 39:34.7) and Rachel Hartmann (54, 42:00.1) taking second and third, respectively.
Following the race, participants helped themselves to a selection of Schlafly and Urban Chestnut Brewing Company beers along with some barbecue and snacks. Lucky winners also took home prizes from Hoka One One footwear, Altra Footwear and FITS Socks.
Race 2 of the 2021 Alpine Shop Trail Run Series will take place next Thursday night, August 12 at 6:15 pm. These races are sold out. Limited on-site registrations may be available due to no-shows, but will be extremely limited.
Overall Results
Age Group Results
Point Series Totals
Photos