Cole Robinson set a men’s record with a blazing time of 1:55.32 to win the Smoke Rise Trail Run half-marathon May 14 in Huntsville.
Robinson, 16, was pursued by a nearly-as-speedy Matthew Holder, 18, but won by more than three minutes. Holder crossed the line in 1:59.09. Both shirtless and hair flopping as they nimbly danced across the trails, Robinson and Holder gave a glimpse of the future of local trail running.
The half marathon and 10K events were held at the Blevins Gap property owned by the Land Trust of Huntsville and Madison County. The Blevins Gap property has numerous trails leading to the top of the ridge that overlooks Hampton Cove to the east, and south Huntsville to the southwest. With exception of the trails atop the ridge, runners navigated technical trails most of the way. Blevins Gap provides some of the most challenging trails in Huntsville.
Tristan Potter, 46, was third in the men’s division in a time of 2:18.42.
Janie Mena, 38, claimed the half-marathon womens’ title in a time of 2:32.45. She finished 8th overall. Jennifer Emmel, 45, was second female (13th) in 2:48.43, and Claire Schneithorst, 21, was third (16th overall) in 3:10.29.
Twenty-seven runners participated in the half-marathon. See all the results here.
Smoke Rise Trail Run 10K Results
Michael Wall, 37, easily zipped to the Smoke Rise 10K title in 51:20, missing the record by just three seconds. Andrew Bustos set the mark during the inaugural event last year.
Brandon Fox, 46, was second in 55:19 and J.D. Shattuck, 13, was third in 57:40.
Cassidy Romans, 25, ws first female (15th overall) in 1:07.16. Meredith Parks was second (16th) in 1:07.55 and Sandy Trail, 35, was third (20th) in 1:10.09.
The 10K attracted 92 runners. See the full results here.
Take a look at the start of the half marathon. Runners in it and the 10K had a short start through the parking lot before hitting the trail to climb to the top of the ridge.
(Main Photo: Sherry Coolahan crosses the finish line in the 2022 Smoke Rise Trail Run half marathon at Blevins Gap in Huntsville. (Photo: Alan Clemons)
