BALLWIN, Mo. – A flood decimated much of the race’s host park, Castlewood State Park, back in May. Then rain started coming down, after a summer of drought, 45 minutes before race time. Alpine Shop officials could only hope that this rescheduled 2017 FITS Sock Co. Trail Run Series’ first race would actually take place. Take place it did, though, and crowned a new race champion.
George Price, 33, finished the 3.21 mile trail course in a time of 20:11.2, beating out one of the most prolific winners in Off-Road Racing League history, Caleb Brackett, 29, by 42 seconds (20:53.6). Josh Wright, 39, rounded out the top three in 22:02.3.
On the women’s side, Annie Gillespie, 27, took home her first series win, overtaking runner-up Hannah Floyd, 25, during the second half of the race. Gillespie finished in a time of 25:40.4, Floyd in 25:50.1. Jaime Maher took third place on the women’s side with a final time of 26:33.0.
The men’s masters division (Off-Road Racing League considers masters to be 50+) champion was Chris Martel (51) in 25:07.6. He was followed to the tape by Michael Montgomery (51) and Scott Schuyler (51). The women’s masters division was won by Susan Richmond (56) in a time of 30:20.1. Taking second was Cheryl Laux (52) and third place went to Sophia Lin (58).
The trail course was approximately 3.21 miles and featured one extended climb along with a creek crossing to end the race. Title sponsor, the FITS Socks Co., provided a free pair of socks to all participants while local brewery, Schlafly, provided beer for all participants, as well. Runners also had the opportunity to get chiropractic adjustments from Chesterfield-based Optimal Performance Center, demo trail runners from Altra Running and sunglasses from local manufacturer, Popticals. Terrain Magazine, a local publication dedicated to outdoor recreation, was also on hand (and in the race!) to give out their latest issues. Alpine Shop is pleased to have them all involved in the Off-Road Racing League in 2017.
QUICK LINKS:
Overall Preliminary Results – Updated 08/08/17 – 12 pm
Age Group Preliminary Results – Updated 08/08/17 – 12 pm
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