Many people have traditions on Memorial Day—picnics, parades, memorials, etc. But, for runners the Trail Run Xtreme has become a holiday tradition.
This race is one of thirteen on the 2014 XYZ Trail Series schedule. If you are competing in the series you must complete seven races from the schedule to have a chance to be an overall winner. Many come out to the Extreme at Imagination Glen as it has a lot of unique attributes many races don’t have. There are mud, hills, water crossings, roots, etc. to navigate through before crossing the finish line. Mud seems to be the theme this year. Runners navigated the “balcony”, the “basement” and the “roller coaster”. The course varies each year as they coordinate the course based on the weather conditions and trails available with help from the Parks Department and the Outback Trail Group. This is the 15th year for the Trail Run Extreme.
Racing Crew of Bret Pete, Jeff Emmons and Phil Nafus went out early to mark the course on Sunday morning posting updates on the course throughout the weekend on Facebook. Bret said, “It promises to be a muddy course! There are over 250 trail runners and around 50 so far signed up for the Kids Mile. Make sure your shoes are tied good!”
After the race everyone was heading to the hoses to try to cool down and clean off the mud. Some shoes were too far gone after the race to salvage and made their way into the garbage cans. A few were left out on the trail.
Jessie Mescal from Lowell commented, “The race was fun, my favorite part was going down the hills and least favorite going up the hills with the sharp turns. My strategy going into the crossings was to take big steps, grab the ropes and pull hard to get across.” Her strategy worked as she was first female to cross the finish line!
Post race food was in abundance. Cookies, donuts, hotdogs, pizza, water, and more were among the many refreshments everyone could enjoy while awaiting the announcing of the race results.
Jeff Emmons reiterated to everyone that their race fees were going to help support a good cause. “Proceeds from this race go to Gabriels Horn, an organization which is a short term shelter for homeless women in Porter County.”
Gabriels Horn is always in need of many staples such as cleaning supplies, blankets, soap and detergent. Funds are also given to the Portage Parks Department and the Outback Trail Group to maintain the trails for the bikers/runners who utilize the trails at Imagination Glen.
Bret said the group is very appreciative of the many sponsors who have helped out with funds or donations to the race. This allows more of the money raised to go directly to their cause. Sponsors include Grieger’s, Horizon Bank, Mayor Snyder, Cappo’s, Reeder’s, Samuelson’s Insurance, First Source, State Farm, Andrea Harbin, Centier Bank, Boilermakers, Little Caesars, Family Express, Aldi’s, T&H Timing, Jansen’s Fruit Market, Portage Parks and Outback Trail Group.
The next race in the XYZ series is the Black Cat Strut 5K, May 31st in Chesterton.