Crush Run Walkers follow runners at the start of this year’s challenge. (Photo courtesy of Frank Miller Photography)
It takes courage to run a marathon over snow covered ground in 10° weather, but over 170 brave souls were willing to leave the warmth and comfort of their homes to take to the trails of Meeks Mountain this past Saturday. The Crush Run 10 Miler, 5K Run or Hike, and Kids Run was held on February 7 at Meeks Mountain Trails, located at Hurricane City Park, and took participants on a circuitous course through the snowy woods, hills, and hollows that comprise the extensive trail system.
“The Hurricane Crush Run delivered exactly what winter trail running is all about—challenge, community, and typical adverse conditions that have become the hallmark of this race,” stated Matt Young of the Meeks Mountain Trail Alliance. “Bitter cold, wind chills near zero, fresh snow, and one of the toughest course surfaces we’ve seen in a long time made this a true test for everyone involved. Thanks to a week of hard work from all our volunteers, the course was race-ready, and the Meeks Mountain community showed up as they always do.”
“Despite the conditions, turnout was outstanding, especially for the 10 miler, which saw a remarkably strong field,” Young continued. “From warming up by the fire with hot coffee and hot chocolate to charging out onto snow covered trails, runners embraced the challenge and finished with smiles. Universally, this was agreed to be one of the toughest Crush Runs yet—and not a single finisher wished they hadn’t taken part. That’s the magic of showing up for something hard.”
The winners of the Crush Run included:
10 Miler – Men
1st – David Smith
2nd – Kwasi Gambrah
3rd – Jack Pennington
10 Miler – Women
1st – Leslie Starnes
2nd – Morgan Chandler
3rd – Emma Pendergrass
5K – Men
1st – Jude Stevens
2nd – Asher Stevens
3rd – Joel Wilt
5K – Women
1st – Evelyn Stevens
2nd – Breanna Fisher
3rd – Ava Wilt
Team Awards
10 Miler Team Champions: Team Stanky Possum – Peter and Leslie Starnes
5K Team Champions: Team Tore En Fuego – Ava Wilt and Jude Stevens
The Crush Run is sponsored by the City of Hurricane and the Dumont Tri-County YMCA, as well as other businesses and organizations throughout the community. Meeks Mountain Trails features 34+ miles of trails which are maintained by a team of over 600 volunteers. The trail system is used by both hikers and bikers, and creates opportunities for the community to engage in fitness and enjoy nature.
