Three teens tamed Chapman Mountain’s tough trails Saturday morning at the Alabama A&M 5K at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve.
With delightfully cool temperatures at the start, the field of 79 made a flat loop before digging up the mountain east of Huntsville. Jackson Howse, 18, of Huntsville, burst out of the woods first and crossed in 21:50 to take the win.
Athan O’Neill, 14, of Huntsville, and Jude Seibert, 16, of Ardmore, emerged a minute later and raced to the line. O’Neill was two seconds faster, taking overall runner-up honors in 22:50, with Seibert crossing in 22:52.
Anna Ragsdale, 14, of Huntsville, won the women’s title in 26:26. She was sixth overall. Amanda Eley, 34, of Madison, was second (15th) in 30:30, and Precious Harris, 51, of Harvest, was third (22nd) in 32:42. Harris also was the Female Masters winner.
Daniel Segura, 48, of Huntsville, claimed Male Masters honors. He was eighth overall, in 27:36.
The race was facilitated by Huntsville Track Club.
Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve is part of the Land Trust of North Alabama properties. The 472 acres is east of Huntsville on U.S. 72 with more than 4.5 miles of trails. Mountain bikers and horseback riders are welcome, and the preserve has an 18-hole disc golf course.
See all the results of the Alabama A&M 5K here.
MAIN PHOTO: Athan O’Neill speeds to the finish line for second place as Jude Seibert strives to catch him. Seibert finished two seconds later, in third place. (Photo: Alan Clemons/TVO)
BELOW: Watch the start of the Alabama A&M 5K at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve as the runners head into the woods.
