The North Face Race to the Top of Vermont – 2nd Series, Race #1

 

Sunday, August 24^th was a beautiful day for the First Race of the 2^nd year of the Northeast Uphill Mountain Series! When we arrived @ 7:30 it was sunny and 58 degrees, perfect! It did warm up to 80 later in the day, but was nice for the race that started @ 9 by the Toll House. The course follows the Toll Road 4.3 miles to finish beneath the Nose…rising  2,564’

 

Runners and Hikers gather awaiting the start. There are 5 already entered in the series. Besides Donna & I, are last year's streaker and all time points leader Laurel Shortell. New this year are Walt Kuklinski and Dick Hoch…Welcome!!!  As is the case in such races, we meet many others with similar interests and several old friends.

The finish area fills, as runners and hikers continue to reach the finish. The Chin, highest point in the State of Vermont, looms in the distance.

It was great to see 80 year young, Barbara Robinson finishing strong! She told me she had a really fun race! What an amazing woman!!!

Laurel finishes with her wonderful trademark smile! This makes her 8^th series race, having completed every one! Congrat’s Laurel J

Dick continues up not far from the finish! Way to go Dick!

After the race barbeque and awards were held @ The Rusty Nail. This year Justin Freeman prevailed and won the race in 34:47 and Liz Stephen finished 6^th overall, and broke her own course record finishing in 37:15.9

Series Standings:

     Points;

1)      Donna Smyth          66.88

2)      Walter Kuklinski     52.93

3)      Fred Ross III            49.33

4)      Laurel Shortell       40.70

5)      Dich Hock               37.68

     Continuous Streaks;

1)      Laurel     8

2)      Fred        7

3)      Donna    3

4)      Walt       1

5)      Dick        1

     Total All Time Finishes;

1)      Laurel     8

2)      Fred        7

3)      Donna    4

4)      Walt       1

5)      Dick        1

     All Time Total Series Points;

1)      Laurel        370.23

2)      Fred           355.09

3)      Donna       257.58

4)      Walt            52.93

5)      Dick             37.68

 

Next race is the Greylock Road Race on Monday, Sept 1^st @ 9am. Info @     http://berkshirerunningcenter.com/?product=mt-greylock-road-race

 

Then on Saturday, Sept 13^th is the 37^th Annual Whiteface Mountain Uphill Foot Race, 8 miles in length and rising 3,500’  Info @ http://www.whitefaceregion.com/events/whiteface-mountain-uphill-footrace 

 

         See you @ Greylock tomorrow!!!