We finally got a break from Rochester’s rainy summer for our first Trail Challenge of the season. With temperatures in the high 70’s it was not too hot, but humid enough to make running a challenge. Forty-eight participants came out to explore and enjoy the beauty of Genesee Valley Park.

How does a course setter design an interesting course in a urban park that is primarily comprised of water and a golf course? Dick Detwiler’s ingenious plan took advantage of this historic park’s greatest attributes; the many bridges that link the park, divided by both the Genesee River and the Erie Canal. Runners selected either a 4k or 8k route.

Dick helpfully provided detail on the map that showed the terrain underneath some of the bridges that would not be visible on a typical map. Runners on the 8k course experienced twelve bridge crossings as they navigated their way through the park. At times it was tempting to jump in and swim across the river. While controls were primarily easily visible, the challenge was to decide which bridge would provide the most efficient route. Runners even got to visit a dovecote hidden from view by stately trees.

The evening culminated in delicious refreshments provided by Sandra Lomker and Anne Schwartz, and a yummy cake in celebration of Sandra’s birthday.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this event possible. Many hands were at work both on and behind the scenes. Thank you to Dick for the hours spent updating the park map, designing the course and hanging controls. Thanks to Sandra for lining up volunteers to make this meet possible. Thanks to Tyler for maintaining the Trail Challenge site, setting up pre-registration, and providing electronic support for the meet. Many volunteers provided assistance in greeting, registration, set up, instruction, and flag pick-up. Thanks to Patty Borden, Don and Cheri Winslow, Anne Schwartz, Rick Worner, Linda Kohn, Lindsay Worner, Greg Michels, Jim Borden, Pete Dady, Rob Stevens, and everyone else who lent a hand.

If you enjoy participating in our meets please consider volunteering in the future. Without the help of our members these events would not be possible. Please contact Sandra Lomker for more information.

Laurie Hunt
Meet Director

Thanks to our volunteers:

Meet Director: Laurie Hunt
Course Setter: Dick Detwiler
Greeter: Rick Worner
Registration: Anne Schwartz, Greg Michels, Cheri Winslow, Patty Borden
Start/Finish/E-Punch: Tyler Borden, Cheri Winslow
Flag Pick-Up: Anne Schwartz, Dick Detwiler, Rob Stevens, Peter Dady, Jim Borden
Food: Anne Schwartz, Sandra Lomker
Instruction: Linda Kohn, Don Winslow

Results

4K TC | 8K TC | Winsplits | RouteGadget

4K TC    3.2k  10m

8K TC    7.2k  20m