ST. LOUIS – The 2022 Alpine Shop Trail Run Series penultimate race was a 3.55 mile affair with three significant climbs, including the final stretch up to the finish line on Winding Creek Trail. Temperatures were in the mid-80s with humidity around 80 percent, but at least we weren’t dealing with weather like we had for Week 1!
Let’s make it three in a row for Andy Rains (29) as the Manchester native blitzed the 3.55 mile course in 20:47.1, a 5:51/mile pace. His nemesis from the 2021 Series, Adam Ethier (33), took second almost exactly a minute behind Rains, 21:48.2. (Ethier finished second in Race 1 of this year’s Series, but did not participate in Race 2.) Jon-Paul LaVenture (40), after finishing in second last race, took third in a time of 22:12.4.
On the women’s side, Amanda Eigel (45) continued her dominance in this year’s Series with a third straight win. Her time of 25:54.6 was nearly a minute and a half less than her closest competition. 15-year-old Madeline Krewet moved up from third place last week to take second this Thursday with a time of 27:09.7. Jen Ullery (50), after two straight fourth-place finishes in the open category (and two straight Master’s women’s wins) moves into third overall on this night with a time of 27:44.3.
Mike Barro (54), won his fourth straight Masters race going back to last year, in a time of 22:40.8, good enough for fourth overall, as well. Christopher Bognar (50, 25:59.5) gets back to second place on the podium after a top three finish last week. Michael Montgomery (55) took third in 28:47.9. For the women, as stated above, Jen Ullery (50) was the top women’s master finisher. And for the third straight week, Maria Wetzel (52, 35:09.3) finished second. For the first time this series, though, third place went to someone other than Susan Richmond. Melonie Frost Wells (58), after two straight fourth-place runs, moved up to the podium with a final time of 30:04.6.
After the race, participants helped themselves to a selection of Schlafly beers along with snacks from Great Harvest Bread Co., and hot dogs 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. And we’re happy to announce two winners each for a pair of Altra Footwear – Sophia Lin and Rob Behrens! Race Director Jarrid Snyder will get in touch with you on Friday to get you your certificates!
Race 4 – the final race of the 2022 Alpine Shop Trail Run Series – will take place next Thursday night, August 25 at 6:15 pm. Registrations are still available on a single race basis here.