Trails Collective

Trails Collective’s Weekly Rundown | July 16, 2021

Weekly Rundown

July 15^th, 2021

In the Media

I haven’t listened to it yet, but am planning on it as I drive in their direction….CULTRA Trail Running Podcast, for episode #145 dug into the Toughest Trail Races in the Northeast Lineup. I’m hoping to keep that document somewhat living and modify / update as qualified opinions weigh in. For all of you who follow the most excellent CULTRA antics, you’ll understand that calling them qualified in much is a stretch, but, I’m looking forward to hearing them quite possibly carry on with a bit of trash talking on the lineup.

Catch the episode here:

https://cultratrailrunning.libsyn.com/145-toughest-trail-races-in-the-northeast

Hot-List

New York

Virgil Crest Ultras, slated for September 11 in Virgil, NY, with distances ranging from 50k – 100 mile w/ a relay option, are up 3% to being 95% full: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=83119

Tesla Hertz Run’s 100k and 10 milers slated for October 9 in Rocky Point, NY is holding steady at 92% full with only 2 spots remaining in the 100k and 3 for the 10 mile. The 50k already capped, there are 23 spots remaining for the 50 miler. The 100 mile distance is showing as safe at the moment.

Vermont

The Goshen Gallop 5k and 10k’s, set for July 17^th in Goshen, VT are on the warning tracks at 93% Full. This is one that I’d missed in our rundown of our Region’s Historic events. Started in 1978, and unchanged since, this year will be its 43^rd running which is crazy impressive. Get on it now!

FKT’s

Virginia

Joshua Thomas 2h 48m for the 14 mile AT Roller Coaster from VA7 to US 50. This lowers the prior mark set by James Meehan in April of this year by 15 minutes. Feeling the flow he decided to just keep on going, turning back for the return trip, and setting a new mark of 6h 20m to shave 2h 27m off of Mike Wardian’s mark from January.

Results

In Connecticut

In Maryland

• Catoctin 50k and Half Cat in Frederick, MD, one of the trail event elders in our region, first running in 1995. In the 50k field Nicolas Crouzier took the day with the second fastest time in event history and narrowly missing the course record in a time of 4:39:11. For the women’s field Michelle Miller took the win in 5:42 and inside of the top 10 overall in 8^th place,. In the 25k, only 4 years old as a distance, Felix Choquet took the win in 2:39 with Jana Fridrichova second overall in 2:42, both establishing new course records. Actually the top 3 men and 4 women were all under the prior record marks.

In Massachusetts

• The Chesterfield Gorge Ultra and 25k, directed by the most able Amy Ruisecki of Beast Coast Trail Running, ran in the most beautiful Chesterfield Gorge in West Chesterfield Mass. Runners are able to choose their distance from 25k, 50k, 50M, 100K or 100M, and using a 15.5 mile out-back format along the Westfield River in the Chesterfield Gorge. I’m not sure on results and it would take a licensed detective to find them. But, for a photo rundown of the event head over to the coverage by Chris Wristen at MassUltra here: https://massultra.com/2021/07/13/photos-chesterfield-gorge-ultra-3/#more-3995

For our rundown of Most Scenic regional races check out: https://trailscollective.com/2021/07/01/best-trail-races-in-the-northeast-most-scenic/

Weighing in on the day, a clip from Carina Halloran.

In New Hampshire

• Loon Mountain Race in Lincoln, NH, 3^rd Toughest 10k in the Northeast, a prior National Mtn Running Champs venue and national team qualifier.

Of around 650 finishers, the overall win to Edward Owens in a flying time of 48:28 with Stephen Kerr and Justin Freeman rounding out the podium in just over 52.. For the women’s field, the win was earned by the always fit, tough, and fast Kasie Enman in 56:56 with Kassandra Marin runner-up in 59:37 and Lila Gaudrault in 1:00:40. My first reaction is, who the sam-hell is Edward Owens? Although Loon’s course changes a bit each year, or over the years, and this year .7 miles shorter than some standard / prior’s, Edward’s time, adjusted for distance would put him in in the 53’s. That’s still flying at Loon and on par with world mountain team members of prior years. I dug in a bit to check is prior college / track results and with East Coast roots. Fast, but not crazy fast. But, could be consistent enough of a potential which, if paired with a bit of Zach Miller training, could yield a breakout on the trail scene. Keep an eye on that one.

Clips in from RD and Six03 master chef, Tom Hooper and 2^nd place woman, Kassandra Marin.

In New Jersey

• Fat Sass Switchback Challenge 5k, 3H & 6H made use of a 1 mile loop at the South Mountain Reservation in Millburn, NJ. Winners including Darwin Aguirre and Lisa Klus in the 5k, Joanna Kadiera and Sergiy Chepyshev in the 3H, and Roselyn Bedoya and Nick Cruz in the 6H. Results will be here.

Clips with a few virgin Trail Runners weighing in on their first and good days to be on the trail.

In New York

In Pennsylvania

International

• SkyRunning World Championships, technically from 2020. In the 42k the first team USA runner to finish was PA’s Ben Robinson in 19^th in 4:57. In the 68k Ultra Division, the top American finisher was Vermont’s David Hedges who finished just inside of the top 10 in 9^th place in 9:00.

Ben Robinson – 19^th, David Hedges – 9^th with clips in from Ben.

Upcoming Events

This Weekend

July 16^th:

Hardrock 100

July 17^th:

Night Owl 9k in Williamsburg, VA

Kickin Asphalt 5k & 10k in North Conway, NH

Cacapon 12H Challenge in Berkeley Springs, WV

Goshen Gallop 5k & 10k in Goshen, VT

Chillin’ & Grillin’ Grillmaster 5k in Wise, VA

July 23:

Soapstone Six 6H in Somers, CT

July 24:

Bear Brook Trail Races 10k, Half Marathon, and Marathon in Allenstown, NH

Wakely Dam Ultra 55k in Piseco, NY

MFAMTL 8H in Scottsville, NY

Mt. Sparta 24H Challenge in Pittsfield, VT

A Race for the Future 24H in Pownal, ME

MCW Westfield Ultra 3H, 6H, 9H, 12H, 24H in Westfield, NJ

Mozo Double Up 11 Miler in Stowe, VT

July 31

Harriman Big Bear SquaTCh 7 Miler and Half Marathon, Tuxedo, NY

Escape from Castle Craig 5 Person Relay in Meriden, CT

Miner’s Lady 8H in Harper’s Ferry, WV

The Might Mosquito 99 Miler & Relay in Honeoye Falls, NY

Moosalamoo Ultra 14 & 36 Miler in Goshen, VT

Endless Summer 6H in Annapolis, MD

Beast of Burden 25, 50 & 100M in Lockport, NY

Jug End Loop Trail 4.2 mile and 6Hr Race, July 31^st in Egremont, MA. https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=84982