Gamehaven Cross Country Race - 11/10/12

Reported by Kelle Peterson

The 3^rd annual Gamehaven True Cross Country Run took place this past Saturday at the Gamehaven Scout Reservation (GSR), located approximately 3 ½ miles south of Mayo High School. 

The event, patterned after the Living History Farms Race in Urbandale, Iowa, which claims to be the “biggest cross country race in North America,” offered either a 2-mile family fitness walk or a 5-mile trail run.  While the trails were predominantly grass, there were plenty of obstacles to keep this trail-newbie working hard, including two creek crossings, multiple bogs, thick mud, a sand-filled castle, and several hills. 

The event drew 200+ runners, many of whom donned crazy costumes from pirates and super heroes to Team USA enthusiasts.  The post-race amenities included chicken noodle soup and hot chocolate. 

The varied terrain and beautiful scenery, along with the enthusiasm of the participants made for a fun and unique race that I would recommend to others.

Here are the club results:

Name	Time	Age Group Place	Overall
Ed Younk	39:17	6/16	55
Kelle Peterson	42:06	8/31	75
William Stockdel	45:23	11/16	100
Kelly O'Hara	52:53	17/18	168
Cathy Torgerson	56:03	8/10	190
Wendy Nevala	57:38	15/15	194
Zachary Nevala	59:38	32/35	197
Bill Nevala	59:39	16/16	198

Big Woods Run - 10/13/12

Photo Credit: Carolyn Franzone

As we wind down the race season here in Minnesota, a couple of TriRochester members traveled to Nerstrand to run the Big Woods races. This race is set in the tiny town of Nerstrand and runs through the Big Woods State Park. The race offers a 5k, 10k and half marathon courses on a mix of roads and cross country trails, giving runners a spectacular view of the southern Minnesota countryside. This race is also known for the great post-race food because of the fresh homemade cookies and soup for all participants.  

Race report from Carolyn:

I had a great time at the Big Woods 10K today. The weather forecast was better than expected... no thunderstorms! The rain held off until halfway through the race. We were sheltered in the woods, but the last mile was tough since we were out of the woods and had to fight a headwind. The steeple didn't seem to be getting any closer, so I had to focus on reeling in the orange cones. I was pleased with my results: 1st in age group, 3rd female finisher, 50:15 for an 8:06 pace. The church served soup, bread, and cookies after the race and there was a BAKE SALE! Prizes were gift certificates at the Nerstrand Meat Market... delicious sausages. The trails through the woods are beautiful... I want to run the half marathon next year. Anyone want to run it with me?

Name	Distance	Total	Overall
Carolyn Franzone	10k	50:15	19/173
Kathy Bates	½ Marathon	2:12:29	144/214