Hashawha 50km - 2019 Version
On February 23, 2019, the tenth running of the Hashawha Hills 50km Trail Run came off without a hitch.
Incomparable mud, snow, dangerously high stream crossings, and standing water, that just got worse every day leading up to the race and threatened to make the race a horrible experience for the runners, were never a factor. The course magically froze the night before the race, transforming the worst ever course conditions into some of the best in several years. The forecast rain that threatened to make runners’ lives miserable, never materialized. Of course we still had our trademark mud, but runners got some help from the knotted rope to pull themselves up a nearly vertical climb, and mercifully, no one slipped off the icy cliff. Good times.
Right from the gun, Aaron Schwartzbard, Adam Watkins, and Dustin Campion ran off the front, trading places almost within sight of each other for most of the race until Aaron put the hammer down and pulled ahead, building his lead to take the win in 4:23:28. Adam and Dustin crossed the line together in 4:32:12. Aaron’s win represents a great comeback after a long battle with Lyme disease.
Right behind the top three men, previous winner and course record holder Sheila Vibert was fourth overall and first female in 4:48:08. Linda Boring and Shannon Cebron rounded out the top three for the ladies.
Thanks to the all the runners who showed respect for our unique venue and supported all our volunteers.
The Hashawha Hills 50km Trail Run has a core group of volunteers who year after year come together, take ownership of our race, and make it the very special and successful event that it is. Without their passion for our run, Hashawha Hills would be just another run instead of the sparkling gem that it is.
What do you get for an entry fee of $19.15? Coffee and muffins during the pre race inside the warm nature center. Aid stations second to none. An easy to follow course of trails, forest roads, open fields, plenty of hills, and that rope thing, as well as split second timing, a hot meal at the finish, and our trademark handmade mugs.
This race produced a profit for the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club. Therefore, we’re still not sure runners are getting their money’s worth, and so we will stick with our tradition of lowering the entry fee every year.
Please join us for the eleventh anniversary running of the Hashawha Hills 50km Trail Run to be held on February 29, 2020. The entry fee will be a just plain preposterous $19.05.
Happy Trails!
Alan Gowen
Race Director, Hashawha Hills 50km Trail Run
2019 Results: Overall | Age Group (There were no age group awards, but here are the results anyway.)
