Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run on Track to Break Record

Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run on Track to Break Record

Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run set to run on Saturday October 15th. Nearly 80 participants will run through the PA Wilds using the West Creek Rail Trail, and Elk State Forest trails.

“The growth from last year is phenomenal,” according to Craig Hudson Race Director. For instance, last year 7 people ran the most grueling 33 mile race. This year 25 will take to the course. Overall 40 runners participated over the 3 races in 2015. National advertising, word of mouth, and partnering with PA Great Outdoors, the tourist promotion agency of Cameron County contributing to the growth in one year according to organizers.

Eleven states will be represented in the event. They include as far away as California, Nevada, and Alaska. Three record holders will be back this year attempting to better their time. They include Joshua Gorman from St Marys who ran the 33 mile race in 5:12.04 in 2014. Meg Parke from Pittsburgh holds the women’s record in the 33 mile. Parke set that record last year completing the course in 6:18.47. In the 10k race, Derek Newcomer from Harrisburg will return. His time set in the inaugural race of 1:04.37 remains. Samantha Nedzinski from St Marys returns to try to better her record of 1:20.44.

Participants will have a meet and greet Friday October 14 at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce office. Goodie bags filled with Hammer Nutrition products will be handed out and food will be provided by Fox’s Pizza Den in Emporium and Luigi’s Sandwich and Snack Shop.

Saturday at 7:30am Emporium native Jim Kempher will signal the start with a cannon blast. The race begins and ends at the intersection of Broad Street and the West Creek Rail Trail in Emporium. A few vendors will be set up along Third Street near the start/finish line. The band Legacy will perform starting at noon. Pizza Palace Plus will feed the participants following the race, while yoga instructor Erin Solveson will be available to help stretch those tired muscles and the Buttonwood Motel will allow those wishing to shower after the event to utilize one of the rooms free of charge.

“The race is becoming an important draw to the community,” says Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tina Johns Solak. People from Indiana, Ohio, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, Illinois, California, Alaska, Neveda and West Virginia will be spending a weekend in the county. They will stay at local hotels and eat at restaurants while here. “It is hard for our local businesses to rely on less than 5000 residents to keep the doors open and it is important to offer successful events to attract new people to the region, who will spread the word about our community and what it has to offer,” Johns Solak continued.

This race could not occur without volunteers who will man the 6 aid stations providing food and drinks to those participating in the three races. Emergency responders from Mountaineer Search & Rescue, Emporium Volunteer Fire Department and Sinnemahoning Fire Departments will be stationed on the courses. The Emporium Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary makes dozens of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, boils potatoes and cooks broth to be available to runners. There is a set up and tear down crew for the tents at the start/finish and timers who document the accuracy of the races.

The public is invited to attend the meet and greet and be at the start/finish line to send off and greet participates when they finish the event. Johns Solak was inspired to compete in the 25k in 2014, “They come across the line exhausted but smiling knowing they have completed an event that has pushed themselves to the limit. It is inspiring!”