The new year has kicked off with a bang, thanks to some cool events and other fun that highlights the new WKND Wrap. Along with event results from a 5K to marathon, we’ll offer a few notes or other tidbits in one tidy package.
Area athletes have been busy the last few weeks at home and on the road. Holiday travels usually provide a chance to jump into a jingle jog or new event. Winter’s cold grip also sends runners to warmer climes, warmer being relative, of course. New experiences can be fun.
— Paula Alderman of Decatur completed the Big Pecker Challenge in Key West, with finishes in the 5K (45:10), 10K (1:39) and the 28th annual Key West Half-marathon (3:65). Runners completing the trio receive individual race medals and a fourth one with a colorful Key West rooster. John Alderman also completed the 10K (1:06).
— Charles Farrior of Huntsville knocked off a 10K in Florida, and then was first Grand Master in the Chilly Willy Half on Jan. 11 in Las Cruces, N.M. He finished the half in 2:29.
— Dominick Borreggine of Huntsville completed the inaugural Fort Knox 50K trail ultra on Dec. 26 in Kentucky. He dashed around the course in 5:25:54, a 10:15 pace.
Here are the latest results from local events:
Micro Marathon
DECATUR — Michael Uhlig of Kentucky won the inaugural River City Micro Marathon on Jan. 10 at Point Mallard Park.
This full marathon consisted of four 6+ mile loops in the park, reducing the need for road closures and significant security. The event was put on by River City Runners to support the Decatur High School track and field program. It was the first marathon held in Decatur.
Uhlig, 36, finished in 2:48:44 to get the win. Mary Helen Otte Sanders, 33, of Owens Cross Roads, was second in 3:16:38.
The marathon had 38 runners from five states. See all of the results here.
Matt Fletcher of Madison won the 10K race in 37:36 and Sophie-Paige Lamp of Decatur won the women’s title in 43:29. (results here)
In the 5K event, Carter Stephens of Guin won in 16:59 and Caylee Townsend of Madison won the women’s title in 26:26. (results here)
Houston Marathon
HOUSTON — Brett Franklin of Huntsville zipped to a 3:06 finish in the Houston Marathon on Jan. 10 to lead a host of Alabama runners in the field.
Franklin, 49, was 878th out of 8,879 finishers.
Eighteen runners from Alabama finished the marathon. See their results here.
Across the Years
PEORIA, Ariz. — Michael Carson of Rainbow City won the “Last Person Standing” title at the 41st Across the Years endurance event Dec. 28-Jan. 3.
Carson, 39, finished with 204.36 miles for the title, which tops the records for the event. Benjamin Neibla of New Hampshire was second with 203.15 miles. They both sit Nos. 1-2 in the records, more than 50 miles ahead of No. 3.
Carson was the only Alabamian in the field of 26 finishers. The multi-event week, including a 200-miler and 6 Day, is held at the Peoria Sports Complex on a certified track.
Mobile Marathon
MOBILE — Kyle Wagner of Huntsville finished 14th in the 23rd Mobile Marathon on Jan. 11, but that wasn’t the big event of his weekend.
Wagner, 39, finished in 3:02:39 and set a PR by 10 minutes. Hayden Maples, 29, of Cullman, was 12th in 2:59:32, the last runner to crack three hours.
In the half-marathon, Will Nevin of Huntsville paced area runners, finishing 20th in 1:38:32. Stephanie Prylinski, 40, of Huntsville, was 39th in 1:45:46, and Catherine Toriello, 44, of Huntsville, was 52nd in 1:48:04.
Toriello won the Female Masters award, and Nevin was third in Male Masters.
Saturday night, prior to race day, Wagner and Toriello were engaged. Congrats!
Frozen Goat & Panda
Tim Partain of Mississippi won the Frozen Goat 30K on Jan. 17 at Monte Sano State Park, capping the three-event winter series put on by Running Lane Events.
Partain, 42, of Nettleton, dashed to the win in 2:48:45. Averiel Brininger, 20, of Huntsville, was second in 2:54:09. Rob Youngren, 51, of Huntsville, was third in 2:58:11.
Mark Ullom, 41, of Madison, captured the 15K title in a course record 1:13:58. That’s better than his previous record, which is now No. 2, by five minutes. He owns three of the top four marks.
Breah Crocker, 15, of Pulaski, Tenn., won the 4-mile race in 42:42. She topped Ryan Murphy, 49, of Huntsville, who crossed in 45:43. Addy Isbell, 15, of Trussville, was third in 46:58.
Angelica Santiago, 23, of Albertville, was fourth in 47:04. Maxwell Callaway, 10, and Grayson Williams, 12, both of Huntsville, tied for fifth in 48:37 to round out the men’s top three.
In the Frozen Panda races on Jan. 3, Robert Krichev, 49, of Huntsville won the half-marathon in 2:10:22. David Wall, 38, of Huntsville, scooted to the 10K title in 49:53.
See all of the Frozen Goat results here and Frozen Panda results here.
Mardi Gras 5K Registration
Registration is live for the annual Mardi Gras 5K, which benefits the Blount Hospitality House.
The race is Feb. 7 near Cajun Steamer and Taco Mama at Twickenham Square. Goodies, possibly including king cake, will be available afterward. It’s a Mardi Gras race … wear some purple and gold, and bring your beads.
Register here for this one.
Pub Run at Back Forty
The weekly Huntsville Pub Run residency at Back Forty Beer Co. continues Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
The pub run has been going strong for nine years (!!!!) each week, with 3- and 5-mile routes. Show up to run, walk, ruck, jog or a combo. Dance in a tu-tu along the route if you’d like. The events are free, non-sponsored and inclusive.
Although the days are getting longer (they are!), it’s advised to wear or bring something lighted so you can see and be seen. Stick around afterward at Back Forty to hang out, eat, imbibe and visit.
The weekly pub run bounces around Huntsville businesses, such as Green Bus Brewing, Das Stahl, Yellowhammer and Back Forty, among others. Organizers Jeff and Gerri Plain are giving the “January residency” a try with Back Forty. Park in the Back Forty parking lot and not the neighboring business lot or you’ll risk towing.
Sendoff is at 5:30 so get there a bit earlier.
