Saturday, October 29, 2005 -- Oak Hill, WV
ACE New River Gorge-ous Trail Run (iPO Event Id#: 6610)

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6] [More Race Photos]
Past ACE Coverage: [2002] [2003] [2004]

Story and photos by Julie Black

Smiling into the last mile

The 2005 Mountain State Trail Run (MSTR) Series concluded with the ACE Adventure Center New River Gorge-ous Trail Run. The 9-race series, hosted by the West Virginia Mountain Trail Runners (WVMTR), featured all areas of West Virginia's hillside from April to October.

ACE was a suitable choice for the series last trail run. Brilliant pines, drooping fall foliage, morning midst on the lake, and an extensive trail system set ACE apart from other locations. Located in Oak Hill, WV, the resort functions as a world of it's own.

Cruising the trails at ACE

Overall long course winner of the day was Masters Class, Larry Taylor, with a time of 1:24:17. About 20 years younger than Taylor, Michael and David Bee nipped at his heels during much of the race. Taylor remarked that the Bee brother surprised him and pushed him to a faster time.

The Bee's finished 2nd and 3rd in the long course with the same time, 1:25:12. Michael is also the 2nd overall finisher in the 2005 MSTR Series. Jeff Jordan (1:31:36), Masters Class, took home 4th overall at ACE, but 1st overall as the 2005 Overall MSTR Series Male Champion.

Scenic views all around

Emily Chaney of the 20+ Women's Class finished with a commanding 1:46:06 on the long course to claim first overall for the ladies. Susan Hall (2:00:34), Master Women's Class, claimed 2nd, and Joni Adams (2:01:49), Master Women's Class, claimed 3rd. Adams received the Mountain Woman Award for being the only runner to complete all 9-series races and is also the 2005 Overall MSTR Series Female Champion.

First overall in the short course was Master, Danny Fink (45:53). Mark Offutt (55:16) also a Master took 2nd. Gina Bowden and David Adamia both finished with a 55:22, which was good for 3rd. Bowden was the 1st female finisher of the short course. Anne Campf (1:04:52) finished 2nd, and Master Juile Tisone took 3rd for the women with a time of 1:08:14.

After the event was over, an awesome burrito lunch was served up with prizes and hot chocolate. Thanks to ACE, the sponsors, and race organizers who put this fabulous event together.

About the Mountain State Trail Run Series: Dan Lehmann, its founder, began with an idea in 1999. That idea was to promote running and the healthy, positive qualities running encompasses through the efforts of WVMTR, a non-profit organization. Now a few years strong with many members, the WVMTR and it's trail run series is growing. We can't wait to see what the series offers in 2006.