thedrifter
08-26-07, 09:35 AM
Saft splashes to record finish at Springmaid 10K
By Andy Grabel
Andy@blackmountainnews.com
August 26, 2007 12:15 am
SPRUCE PINE — For runner Patty Thornton, the foggy, humid start at the Springmaid Splash 10K trail run on Saturday was a welcome departure from the chilly start at last year’s race.
“Last year, everyone was wearing fleece and warm clothing at the start line,” said Thornton, who traveled to Spruce Pine from Olney, Md., for the race. “This year, running through the water was a good way to cool off after running in the heat.”
More than 450 runners braved the heat to finish the 6.2-mile trail run along the Toe River. The fourth annual race is unique in that the course covers a variety of terrain, including two river crossings.
“The water and the challenge of running with wet shoes is what separates this race from other races,” race director Matt Hollifield said. “People tend to forget about their finishing times and are just excited to finish the race.”
Among the runners were a group of five Marines who helped lead a moment of silence before the race. They ran with the American flag and the Marine Corps flag.
For two of the Marines, the run was a physical fitness test in preparation for basic training.
“Because teamwork is a big part of what the Marine Corps is about, we wanted to stay together and run at the pace of our slowest runner,” Lance Cpl. Harry Godfrey, 23, said. “After we crossed the finish line, the best part was cheering on the other runners as they came around the lake toward the end.”
Aaron Saft, of Fletcher, won the race with a time of
38 minutes, 29 seconds, setting a new course record.
Only a second separated Saft and Shiloh Mielke, of Weaverville, as they crossed the finish line. The two runners broke away from the field about a mile into the race and traded the lead several times before the finish. Jason Bodnar placed third at 40:07.
“The water really takes the energy out of your legs,” Saft said. “It was challenging to hang in the lead because the fatigue starts to take over after the water when you are going up hills. He (Mielke) would take the lead on downhills, and I would catch up and get it back on the uphills.”
Amber Moran, 28, of Arden, was the top female finisher with a time of 46:43. Anne Lundblad, of Asheville, finished second at 49:34, and Sarah Matchett Hunn was third at 50:11.
In addition to providing support for Hospice of Mitchell County, race proceeds also will benefit Mount Mitchell Runner’s Club and South End Rescue, which monitored race safety.
Ellie
By Andy Grabel
Andy@blackmountainnews.com
August 26, 2007 12:15 am
SPRUCE PINE — For runner Patty Thornton, the foggy, humid start at the Springmaid Splash 10K trail run on Saturday was a welcome departure from the chilly start at last year’s race.
“Last year, everyone was wearing fleece and warm clothing at the start line,” said Thornton, who traveled to Spruce Pine from Olney, Md., for the race. “This year, running through the water was a good way to cool off after running in the heat.”
More than 450 runners braved the heat to finish the 6.2-mile trail run along the Toe River. The fourth annual race is unique in that the course covers a variety of terrain, including two river crossings.
“The water and the challenge of running with wet shoes is what separates this race from other races,” race director Matt Hollifield said. “People tend to forget about their finishing times and are just excited to finish the race.”
Among the runners were a group of five Marines who helped lead a moment of silence before the race. They ran with the American flag and the Marine Corps flag.
For two of the Marines, the run was a physical fitness test in preparation for basic training.
“Because teamwork is a big part of what the Marine Corps is about, we wanted to stay together and run at the pace of our slowest runner,” Lance Cpl. Harry Godfrey, 23, said. “After we crossed the finish line, the best part was cheering on the other runners as they came around the lake toward the end.”
Aaron Saft, of Fletcher, won the race with a time of
38 minutes, 29 seconds, setting a new course record.
Only a second separated Saft and Shiloh Mielke, of Weaverville, as they crossed the finish line. The two runners broke away from the field about a mile into the race and traded the lead several times before the finish. Jason Bodnar placed third at 40:07.
“The water really takes the energy out of your legs,” Saft said. “It was challenging to hang in the lead because the fatigue starts to take over after the water when you are going up hills. He (Mielke) would take the lead on downhills, and I would catch up and get it back on the uphills.”
Amber Moran, 28, of Arden, was the top female finisher with a time of 46:43. Anne Lundblad, of Asheville, finished second at 49:34, and Sarah Matchett Hunn was third at 50:11.
In addition to providing support for Hospice of Mitchell County, race proceeds also will benefit Mount Mitchell Runner’s Club and South End Rescue, which monitored race safety.
Ellie