Sixth Annual Matthews State Forest Trail Run

This year as we celebrated the Sixth Annual Matthews State Forest Trail Run Teresa Roberts of Masterpiece Fitness passed the baton of this event to Crystal and Rick Whisenhunt of Xtreme Fitness in Galax and Robert Tasselmyer of Phoenix Graphics. Teresa expressed excitement about the event having more attention with more man power to take the race to a new level. Their goal for next year is to have a fun run, a 5K and turn the ten mile run into a half marathon! Many of you will be happy to know they hope to resurrect the New River Duathlon which Masterpiece Fitness formerly hosted in Fries, Virginia that consisted of a 5K run through the town of Fries, an out and back 21 mile bike ride from the Fries trail head to a turn-around at Buck Dam. This event was highly popular with locals and out of towners, and many of us will eagerly await an opportunity to do the New River Duathlon again!

The 2018 run took place under perfect conditions for the 10+ miles of trails created out at Matthew State Forest by our local mountain bike riders. We always like to express our appreciation to the folks who continue to maintain the trails, and to Zach Olinger and the fellows with Matthews State Forest who have always supported and been a pleasure to work with.

We had a great group of participants and a highly successful race! Rick Whisenhunt and Robert Tasselmyer worked tirelessly race day and prior to the big day marking the trail well and grooming the trails for runners. We want to thank the volunteers who make these events possible. The funds obtained went to God’s Store House this year. Towels were furnished to runners from Phoenix Graphics. There was a donation for mountain bikers. Door prizes were donated by Eleanor Dick and Old Mill Golf Course.

Our results for 2018 are as follows:

1st Female: Teresa Roberts 2:00:54

2nd Female: Ashleigh Shaffer 2:03:15

3rd Female: Josee’ Williams 2:03:54

Heather Sexton 2:16:22

Melissa Peddy 2:20:10

Paula Doughtie 3:06:39

Trudi Jackson 3:30:55

Julie Kinney 4:14:47

Kathy Widner DNF

1st Male: Robert Tasselmyer 1:29:45

2nd Male: Lucas Austin 1:41:18

3rd Male: Travis Stewart 1:54:47

Shane Kinney 4:07:24

Eric Testerman DNF

(A photo album is on Teresa Robert’s Face Book and Matthews State Forest Trail Run Page)

Teresa Roberts

Masterpiece Fitness

276-237-6680