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Kern River Trail Run
Hart Park, Bakersfield -- section 7 (North East corner of the park) Race Recap:
It was a beautiful spring morning when the 10 k and 10 miler started this morning at Hart Park (5k started a few minutes later) and they all head east along the river to the soccer park. Once they got there, they headed south for the hills. But first they had to go through the tunnel to get to the other side of Alfred Harrell Highway. In the lead was David Bacus (10 miler winner) who was followed by a pack of runners that included Anna Vandertselt (won 10 mile today). At the tunnel, Anna was leading the entire 10k race but lucky for the winner of that race, the races split up before they hit Mr. Toads. The 10 k got to run down Mr.Toads while the ten miler got to do that awful mesa loop that over looks Hart Park and then bypassed Mr. Toads and got to run down the steep rocky single track that runs along side the pistol range road. I believe it is called Hemorrhoid Hill by some. At the bottom of both hills, the races joined together and were treated to the State Farm Aloha Party Aid Station. Then in one last cruelty, the runners did not get to run back to then finish on the nice smooth road. They got to run back on the horse trail that runs along the river. I am sure they were glad to hear "Even As We Speak" Pete Wonderly's voice calling them to the finish line. In the end, David Bacus ran the 10 mile in 1:06:55 (6:42 pace) and won by over four minutes. Anna Vanderstelt was the first woman and 4th overall in a time of 1:13:06 (7:19 pace). The 5k was won easily by Oscar Fuentes (East High 08/ Cal Poly SLO now) by over two minutes in a time of 18:23 (5:56 pace). Wonder woman Pam Boyles was the first women, first masters runner (male or female) and third overall in a time of 21:08 (6:49 pace). Steve Dirkse won the 10k by over seven minute in a time of 42:42 (6:54 pace). Bryn Moore was the fasts female in a time of 55:36 (8:58 pace) Race Preview: New for 2009. The distances this year are 5K, 10K, and 10 mile. Also, we will be starting in Hart Park this year instead of out by the Kern River Golf Course. Kern River Trail Run on Saturday It’s the exciting 8th year for the Kern River Trail Run. Through the years it has been contested over various distances and courses. For a few years the long course was a grueling 20 miles through the hills near Hart park and Lake Ming. This year there are 3 races: 5k (3.1 miles), 10k (6.2 miles) and the 10 mile run. all the races start at 7:30 a.m. at section 7 in Hart Park. Go HERE for more information on the races and how to register for the events. Last year, Kristen Buckley won the 15 mile race. Buckley cruised over the hilly 15- mile race in 1:57:12 (7:49 per mile pace) and was almost four minutes faster than the first male athlete. In the past this race has had an excellent post race breakfast spread cooked to order. Also unique to this event is the aid station competition, where after the race the runners vote on which aid station was the best. REGISTER: There are two options for registration. 1. Online at Active.com HERE. 2. Download and mail HERE. AWARDS: All finishers will be timed and scored. Awards for the top 3 M/F in each 10 year division. RACE INFORMATION: Call: Doug Johnston at (661)203-4196 djohnston1@bak.rr.com WHERE TO STAY? Camping is available at the Kern River Campground: Cost- $18 Call: 1-661-868- 7000 Also, TripAdvisor is a good website to peruse the local hotel offerings. WHERE IS THE RACE? From Highway 99, take Highway 178 exit heading east. Turn left on Alfred Harrell Highway. Proceed to Hart Park. Once inside the park, stay to the right until you reach section 7 (there will be signs). AID STATION COMPETITION: Every year, members of our community volunteer to come out and set up our “Super Aid Stations.” Besides the cups of water, these stations offer a variety of munchies, beverages, and entertainment. There will be between 3 and 5 of these stations on the courses. Besides helping you along, these volunteers are hoping to earn your vote in a competition of their own. At the finishline refreshment corral, you will be asked to vote for your favorite aid station. Please vote with the same enthusiasm that the volunteers showed you on the course, they take their competition very seriously. |