2005 Mountain State Trail Run Series

MSTR #1  Saturday  April 2, 2005  Babcock Gristmill Grinder
10:00am, Babcock State Forest, on the mountaintop high above the New River Gorge, in upper 30 degree temps and threatening rain, 50 some runners toed the imaginary line between two trees for the first running of the Babcock Gristmill Grinder. Following some brief remarks from Race Director Donnie Hudspeth about being careful not to fall off the 150' cliffs, we were off down the road toward the roaring Glade Creek and the gristmill. Despite the misty, foggy conditions the scenery along Skyline Trail, Mann's Creek Gorge and Narrow Gauge Trail was spectacular. It would have been even better had a little spring sunshine found its' way through to warm the spirit, but it was not going to happen today. At 10 miles we found ourselves back at the famous gristmill with two more uphill miles to go. After a short paved section it was back into the woods. The final mile, which we will dub Huds Path, was a newly cut, windy, sidling, slippery path with several stream crossings....it was a tough but sweet finish!

First to find the finish line were Bill Young and Andy Clump. They had raced and exchanged positions several times, but in that last mile section  decided to slow it down and tie for first place with a 1:44:08. Close on their heels was Jeff Jordon, 2004 MSTR Series winner, with a 1:46:19.   

First place female and 4th overall was Annette Bednosky with a 1:49:5. Mary Whitlock was the second female running a 2:08:10.

The first running of the BGG was a hit. Many thanks to Donnie Hudspeth of Mountain Air Productions and all of the volunteers that helped pull the event together.  Below are scores for MSTR Series participants.

See you at Mountwood, the next MSTR Series race on April 16.....a dry, single track, very runnable course.
DL

Results Babcock Gristmill Grinder       Babcock Photo Gallery     A Babcock Volunteer's Musings

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MSTR #2  Saturday  April 16, 2005  Challenge at Mountwood 10 Mile Trail Run

Saturday's trail conditions and weather were both perfect this year for the second annual 10 mile trail run held in conjunction with the Challenge at Mountwood WVMBA races the following day.  The local mountain bike group does a great job maintaining the trails and putting on the weekends events, so most the credit should go to them and to RCRC member, Dave Schultz, for directing the race through the River City Runners club.

Forty five year old Dominic Wyzomirski was the winner of the men's field, with a winning time of 1:13:11. The hilly course, that actually is closer to eleven miles, was conquered in record time by the Pittsburgh runner.   Second and third place went to more familiar runners, West Union native Michael Bee and Marietta's Randy Gibbs.

The women's race was Won by Sarah Sturgill of Hurricane, followed a minute later by Mary Whitlock of Blacksburg, VA.  Rounding out the Women's Overall was Charleston area stalwart Joni Adams.

Many thanks to Dave Shultz of the RCRC and WVMTR on his first experience as Race Director.  Good Job! Also many thanks Joe Corra and other members of the River City Runners Club  for their hard work and decision to host the Challenge this year. Thanks to Craig Pyles of Mountwood Park for the use of the park.  And to Danny and his other tough mt bikers who volunteered.......Thanks, we loved running your well groomed single track trails.
DL

Results       River City Runners      Photo Gallery

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MSTR #3  Saturday May 21, 2005  Dirty Dog 15k

Records Fall at the Dirty Dog
A Friday evening thunderstorm set the stage for the sloppiest Dirty Dog 15K Trail Run yet.  The field, which ballooned to 102 starters this year, was treated to wet and muddy trails this Saturday.  Race Director, Daniel Todd, who is gaining a reputation for his "no excuses" pep talks, informed the field during race briefing that if they got lost or hurt, he would be by on Wednesday to get them.  All joking aside, Todd has decided to employ a sweep runner for 2006 so he can rest easier on Saturday night. 

Malibu, California resident and current leader of the Trail Runner Magazine's Trophy Series (marathon and shorter distances), Dale Reicheneder, bested the course record by more than three minutes with a 1.13.28 to win the men's division.  Second and third place went to local adversaries, Bill Young, and Jeff Jordan, respectively.

The women's division was paced by Katie Wieferich, who bested Rachel Toor's 2004 record by one minute and 25 seconds with a 1.26.29.  Katie is packing her bags for Colorado in June since her winning performance won her a spot on the Red Bull Divide and Conquer East Coast Team.  Again, local running rivals finish two and three with Sarah Sturgill besting Joni Adams in this outing at Kanawha State Forest .

The much publicized "over-training" injury of Lucky Flood's put the coveted title of Top Dog up for the taking.  Competition was tight in the field of twelve.  Friendly wagering was taking place between the Charlottesville , VA office of Bill Potts and some of the volunteers.  Potts picked junkyard dog, Zoe Lehmann to win, but sadly she only posted a show.  It always pays to do your homework, and with Cocoa Rodgers performance at the 2003 Highlands Sky trainer, it was clear that she had legs.  Cocoa also put a new record in the books—taking Top Dog honors with a 1.21.29.

A fun time was had by all...ok...most :), would not be possible for the hard work of the "Dirty" volunteers.  A special thanks to the course markers, registration workers, aid station teams, timing gurus, and the course sweepers.  Thanks to everyone who stayed and help clean up.  Competitive trail running is at a new level in West Virginia, because of Dan and Jody Lehmann - Thank you. 
DT

Results       Photo Gallery

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MSTR #4 Saturday June 4, 2005  Deckers Creek Trail Half Marathon

This was likely the hottest race of the season temperature-wise for most runners. Mid day temps were in the 80's. Over 250 starters ran the down-grade rail trail from Masontown to Riverfront Park in downtown Morgantown. There were only 16 MSTR Series runners doing the Half Marathon this year. This could be an indication that some enjoy the rocks and root a little more than the groomed rail trail?????

Jeff Jordan 9th, Lew McGrath 17th, and Steve Bell 19th were the front men Series runners. Joni Adams led the women Series finishers.

For complete results and photos go to Iplayoutside
DL

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MSTR #5 Saturday July 23, 2005  Hard as a Rock Trail Runs - 5 Mile and 20k

Over 100 runners hit the rocky trails of Coopers Rock State Forest for the 2nd running of the Hard as a Rock. Unfortunately I was not able to make it so cannot comment on the day. Feel free to send a race report. 

Results on Iplay. Charlie Shaffer Hard as a Rock Race Report

Looking forward to the next race at Kanawha State Forest, the Alligator Rock 15 Miler. This is a new run and Race Director Kevin Slack promises a challenging jaunt through the woods on August 6.
DL
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MSTR #6 Saturday August 6, 2005  Alligator Rock 15 Mile Trail Run

Well the 1st running of the Alligator Rock took a bite out of a lot us! The challenging hills of Kanawha State Forest became even tougher with the heat, but dodging all those alligators was no easy task either. Honestly, I for one missed the only alligator. I know it was lurking there along Alligator Trail somewhere, but I didn't see it. I think it was hiding waiting for a mountain biker. Maybe Kevin can put up a sign next year.  

This is one of the closest finishes in the MSTR Series so far this summer with the first three runners crossing the line with 7 seconds of each other. Jeff Jordan took first with a 2:03:30, with youngsters Michael Bee at 2:03:36 and Josh Sheets at 2:03:37 close behind.

In the women's race Genevieve Barrett who is not competing in the Series took first, and 16th overall, with a 2:25:27. Second went to Sarah Sturgill running 2:37:25 and third was Kelly Holipsky with 2:41:27.

There are three more races in the Series and the scores continue to evolve in all age groups. But the races are more than just the competition. Everyone enjoyed the time on the trail, the socializing and all the great gifts from the sponsors. Thanks to Kevin and Carla and all the volunteers, and to all the sponsors who helped make the Alligator happen.

Next race is the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run on Sunday September 11 at a new time of 11am. Get full details at the homepage.

DL     

Results     Photos check back later in the week for more    Race Report by Dennis Hamrick 

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MSTR #7 Sunday September 11, 2005  Helvetia 10k Mountain Run, 2 Mile Walk and Kids Run

A touch of fall was in the September early morning air in Helvetia for the 8th running of the 10k Mountain Run. By the new 11:00 race time however things had warmed up a bit.  It was still a good running day in the mountains.  Following the rigorous 10k run several runners took the opportunity to cool down in the river.  So many had moved down to the water, we moved the prize drawing down to the riverbank too.  It seems the consensus was the traditional 9:00 start was preferable and we'll move back to that time for 2006.

The course was in good condition this year. The woods sections were relatively dry and mud-free.  Perennial WV speedster Larry Taylor of Fayetteville once again took First Place with a 38:07.  Second Place overall went to another intense Fayetteville runner, Daniel McDowell, clocking a 40:21. 

In the Women's race another strong performance came from Rebecca Schoonover of Elkins running 48:54 making this her 5th Helvetia First Place win.  Amy Lewis of Buckhannon captured Second Place crossing the finish in 52:30.

Special recognition goes to 13 year old Justin Miller of Buckhannon finishing 10th overall in his first 10k running a 45:13.

Two races remain in the series. See you at the new Valley Falls 10 Miler on October 8.
DL

Results  

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MSTR #8 Saturday October 8, 2005   Valley Falls 10 Mile Run and 5k Walk

After a long dry spell here in the Mountain State, rain finally started falling on Thursday evening before the race. Race Director Mark Flood was hoping for clear skies, but he was prepared for whatever came on race day. As it turned out the the rain mostly let up in time for the start. The cool, moist air was a pleasant change and made for ideal running, but there were still a few slick roots and rocks to keep your attention on the trail. It was obvious that a lot of trail clearing work had taken place. Many thanks to the efforts of Valley Falls SP Superintendent Ron Fawcett, Tony Morris, Mark Flood, Fairmont State University students and others.

In the Women's race Heather Bury Parks took an early lead and held on to finish 1st woman and 8th overall with a 1:19:00. It's nice to see Heather back on the trails again. She was overheard talking about an ultra some time in the future if she can only get that hill walking thing down. The perennial Joni Adams 2nd place female running a 1:32:02. Joni is the only runner to have completed all eight races so far in the 2005 Series!      

The Men's race was not without some excitement. From a mid-pack vantage point it was easy to see the Daniel, Jeff, Michael, David, Dennis and Lew take off up the short paved hill. It wasn't long before the Bee Brothers Michael and David pulled ahead slightly with Jeff Jordan and Daniel McDowell close behind. At mile 2 Jeff and Daniel unfortunately missed a turn and got off course running a 1/4 mile before turning back. Dennis Stottlemyer moved into 3rd. As the race went on Jeff was able to regain 3rd place around mile 5. The race for 4th was exciting. At the "One Mile To Go" sign Dennis looked back to see Daniel closing in. It was a sub 6 minute pace race to the finish with Daniel edging out Dennis in the last 50 yards! Michael Bee took 1st overall with a 1:06:33 and David Bee a tight 2nd at 1:07:59.

This race changed the dynamics of the Open and Age Group scores. It will be very interesting to see what happens at the final MSTR #9 the New River Gorge-ous Runs on October 29th. Hope to see you all there.
DL

Overall Results     Age Group Results      Mark Flood Race Report      Photos

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MSTR #9 Saturday October 29, 2005  New River Gorgeous Trail Runs  7 and 13.2 mile

The 4th Annual New River Runs at ACE were an exciting end to the 2005 MSTR Series races.  The weather was perfect, blue skies and a crisp fall chill in the air.  To everyone's surprise, at least those of us who failed to read the new description online, the course started at a new location.  The trails were the same, but the course was run in the opposite direction from previous years. This layout was an improvement and the start finish at the warm Lost Paddle Restaurant was very convenient. 

Overall and Age Group Awards are below, and all scores for each race listed further below. The number of participants in the Series grew from 45 in 2004 to 64 this year. We had some fun new runs this year and are working on an exciting line up for 2006. If you have any comments or suggestions on making the Series better please contact me at lehmann. I would like to hear your thoughts on whether a registration fee and finisher award or garment for all who complete a requisite number of races has any interest.

Thanks and congratulations to all who participated in the Mountain State Trail Run Series.
DL

WVMTR Photos    Iplay Photos by Julie and Jason Black & ACE Results, High Resolution photos can be purchased from Iplay

FINAL SERIES RESULTS

#1 Cumulative Total Series Points
and Best Four Races Overall
with scores for each race