VHTRC - The Club

Brian McNeill reports from Colorado where he is acclimating for the Hardrock 100 on July 13-14. 

"Day three of trail marking for Hardrock. Just after phones/cameras were put away, a squall came in and it snowed, albeit only for a minute or two.

"Past Hardrockers will note the absence of snow in the background. Last year's participants will be happy to hear the American Basin is completely clear of snow. I heard that last year's race involved thigh deep post-holing."

Thirty people participated in the annual VHTRC trail work party on May 5.  The group worked on trails in the Massanutten Mountains, primarily in the Gap Creek/Scothorn Gap area.  We particularly appreciate the help of PATC district overseer Ed Brimburg.  Thanks to all who worked!

A large group of runners enjoyed good weather at the 20th MGM held on December 10 at Hemlock Overlook.  Many even ran the whole way.  Results and a report of sorts are available on the Read more link.

Congratulations to Tim Loomis for winning the 2011 VHTRC Football contest. C.J. Blagg was second. Matt Lancaster and Adam Matheson tied for third place.  Look for the College Bowl contest coming soon! Contest Results

Aaron Schwartzbard won the Fire on the Mountain 50km "presented by Sheetz" on November 6, in Flintstone, Maryland.  (We looked it up. It's between Hancock and Cumberland in Western Maryland.)  Martha Nelson was first woman and fourth overall.  Randee Brown was third overall.  Several other VHTRC members finished.  Event Web site | Results

Martha Nelson, Ragan Petrie, and Eliza O'Connell led the field at the 2011 VHTRC Women's Half Marathon. 194 women finished out of 206 starters. Martha's winning time of 1:39:35 was just off her course record. The first three women finished within 40 seconds of each other. The rain stayed away to give the runners nice, but a bit humid weather.  (The top three are pictured, right in the reverse order they finished with RD Kate Abbott.) Results | Aaron's Photos

Entry for the Andiamo 45 mile run of the W&OD Bike path is now open.  Andiamo is the one non-trail event that the VHTRC sponsors. It will be held on October 8. Participants run from Virginia's horse country to Arlington.  It is a fun, low key event.  More information and entry

Brad Hinton and Dan Rose (photo right with Brad on right) went one-two at the Dahlgren Heritage Rail Trail 50 km held on August 6 in King George, Virginia.  Several other VHTRC members participated in the event.  Former club member and former MMT winner, Bethany Patterson, was the female winner.  Event results

Several VHTRC members participated in the Hardrock 100 held July 8-10 in Colorado. Hardrock Web site.

Aaron Schwartzbard was the overall winner of the Highlands Sky 40 Miler on Saturday June 18th, in a time of 6:07. Eva Pastalkova was the women's winner in just over 7 hours, breaking the course record by 5 minutes. Ragan Petrie was second in a time that matched the previous course record. Eva's time set the record despite her being lost in the Dolly Sods section for roughly 20 minutes (as were most of the front-runners other than local boy Aaron) due to a section having been cleared of ribbons by hikers. The usual large contingent from the VHTRC made the trip out to the Canaan Valley area of West Virginia to run Highlands Sky this year, with a number of age group winners from the club. Event Web site
Click on "Read more" for photo of VHTRC runners.