Haw Ridge Trail Race – a recap

A hefty 332 runners registered to run KTC’s Haw Ridge Trail Race, a solid 10% increase over last year’s staunch numbers. And once a brief downpour that heralded the start of the race had run its course, everyone who ran the race was treated to a wet and humid trip through the verdant wooded environs of this beautiful venue.

In the challenging eight mile main event, Justin Weinmeister earned the victory, despite his claims of not being in shape. He crossed the line in 1:08:46, about a minute ahead of perennial podium finisher Jeremy Donahue (the fastest master at 1:09 and change.) Third place went to Daniel Zimmerman, who clocked 1:12:42. Quickest female was Ji Yie Denise Chen, who was 7th overall, finishing in 1:18:10. She was followed across the line by Kimberly Gebhart (1:22:15) and Grace Weber (1:26:04).

In the Kids Trail Mile, Teddy Slagle outkicked Carsten Addington by four seconds, 10:44 to 10:48, to claim the win. Third place went to fastest girl Mallory Pechauer, who ran 11:56. Six of the next seven finishers were girls as they mostly dominated the top ten.

Complete race results, thanks to race timer Tony Owens, can be viewed here.

Terrific volunteer support helped make our race a great success. Thanks to everyone who pitched in, especially those who did double duty in the soggy conditions. If you’ve never volunteered at a KTC/TTT event, you’re missing something unique and really fun. Try it one of these days. You won’t regret it !!

The race was also graced by the presence of race photographer Leah Hart, whose gallery of race pix can be viewed here.

Big thanks to the quadrumvirate of SoKno Taco, Cool Beans, Flats and Taps, and Sevier Ave Burger Company for their generous support and donation of chilled watermelon that was a highlight of the finish line. And thanks to all our sponsors, whose donations and support mean so much to us. Return the favor and support them when you have a chance !!! Their logos appear at the bottom of this EBlast.

Big thanks also go out to Doug Bataille, president of the Clinch Valley Trail Alliance, for his tireless efforts all morning, from opening the gate at 6am till the last bit of cleanup was accomplished. CVTA’s support and tremendous work maintaining the 30+ miles of trail at Haw Ridge, as well as at other sites in East Tennessee, is an amazing boon to our outdoor community. Thanks, y’all !!!

Just another reminder that we have TTT lightweight hoodies, hats, and stickers for sale in our online store and will have them at each race for purchase. Visit our online store at this link.

And don’t forget the TTT Grand Prix. We keep track of points that accrue during the season. Top three finishers in each of the four divisions—as long as they’re KTC members and volunteer at least twice at TTT races—will be awarded valuable prizes at the end of the year. Updated points should be online within a day or so.

If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach out to KTC’s Treadin’ Trodden Trails Series Director Michael deLisle at [email protected] or call 865.548.4718.

Next Treadin’ Trodden Trails race is Saturday, September 5, at Panther Creek State Park up in Morristown. Most Knoxvillians don’t know those trails and it would certainly behoove you to plan on exploring them with us in about eight weeks. We’re offering a half marathon distance this year, as well as a 10k. Panther is one of our best races of the season. You don’t want to miss it !!! Register now !!