First Ever!
Great Pumpkin Mountain Challenge
The Lord’s Acre first-ever Great Pumpkin Mountain Challenge on October 15 was a rousing success! Over 60 people participated, running, hiking or walking in this special, one-of-a-kind race which took place place on beautiful, seldom-seen, private & protected mountain land in Fairview, NC in order to help raise money to grow for food for the hungry.
It was a beautiful day. The hikers got treated to a glorious view, and the walkers got a grand tour of Sherill’s Inn. But the most excitement was around the trail run, a grueling 10-K, 900-foot climb so steep it used ropes. Entrants for the run came from as far away as South Georgia! The runners loved it, calling it “a mini-shut-in,” “instant cult classic,” and “definitely strenuous.” (Well, one runner wasn’t so happy. She missed a turn and almost ended up on Little Pisgah!).
The overall winner, Nate Ballinger , came in—amazingly—in just under one hour. But some folks suspect 18-year-old Lily Clarke would have been a tough contender if she hadn’t made a wrong turn and had to backtrack over Tater Knob! In any event, every single finisher got a beautiful Halloween pumpkin for their efforts, and all wanted to come back and do it again.
Our thanks to one and all!
There were Three Classes of Participants:
- Trail Run (unofficial): a 10k loop run up the south side of Tater Knob, through Florence Nature Preserve, and back (note: part of this section uses ropes!). IMPORTANT: This will be informally — not electronically/officially— timed.
- Guided Hike: A guided hike up through Florence Nature Preserve and back. Side hike to the top of Tater Knob possible.
- Guided Walk: A guided woodland walk up to historic Sherrill’s Inn (tour included) and back down to the Hickory Nut Gap Farm Store.
Awards: No trophies, no tee-shirts. Instead, Every Finisher in Every Class Received a Pumpkin!
Registration Form for next year’s race on October 13, 2012
For more information: contact Pat Stone (828-628-1902; pat@greenprints.com).
