Despite a major downpour that resulted in a 30-minute delay in starting the races and reduced the race day entries, 149 people took part in the annual Fishermen’s Picnic Trail Run. Due to the consistent mowing over recent years, which has resulted in more “grass” cover, the trails were wet but not particularly muddy or treacherous during the race.
Many families and individuals return year after year to the event, but none were more successful this year than the Young family from Maple Grove. 17-year-old CJ Young defended his 2018 title in a time of 30:33, about a minute faster than last year. He was pressed right to the end by former CCHS star and St. Olaf runner Joey Chmelik of Grand Marais, who was only 2 seconds back. 15-year-old William Hutchinson of Buffalo continued the youth success, finishing 3rd overall in 34:57.
Other outstanding local performances were Jay Arrowsmith-DeCoux 5th overall in 35:40 and part time resident Jonathon Rova 12th overall in 39:07.
CJ’s 15-year-old sister Lindsey finally captured the women’s title with an excellent time of 35:25 for fourth overall. Lindsey was 5th last year and 3rd the year before. 42-year-old Sarah Peters, an outstanding athlete who has won the Pincushion ski race in the past, was 2nd for the women in 38:20 and Jess Jacobs of Duluth was 3rd in 38:55.
The top local finisher was running Coach April Wahlstrom, back in top shape after having 2 kids in the last 4 years. She finished 16th overall and 4th among the women in 39:51. Two of her top racers, Malin Anderson and Louise Ramberg, were close behind coach in 40:15 and 42:49. Newly minted 60-year-old Deb Bennett, an outstanding ultra-distance runner, had an outstanding performance winning the 60+ age group in 44:39, probably an age group course record.
In a fast kids’ race, Lizzy Harnell of Proctor again led all racers with a 5:35 in the tough ¾ mile. Kelsey Young of Maple Grove was 2nd in 5:55 Addi Hieb of Duluth was 3rd in 6:59. 12-year old Lizzy and Kelsey will undoubtedly be running cross country this fall. Chance Perry of New Richmond, WI led the boys in 6:24, Jacob Skelly of St. Louis Park was 2nd in 6:45, and 9-year-old Ennis DeCoux was 3rd in 7:20.
One of the best competitions of the day was in the men’s 5-mile competitive walk. Braidy Powers edged Will Loew-Blosser and Bob Evans in 57:38, an amazing duel of 60+-year-old Grand Marais residents.
Many generous donations by the merchants in Grand Marais help make this event a success and a major fundraiser for NSSRC trail maintenance and youth programs.
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