Wow - this past weekend was packed with great racing! Looking through the results was another reminder of just how lucky we are to be a part of such a special running community in Western North Carolina. Not only were Collective racers tearing it up, but Wedge Run regulars and friends-of-the-Collective provided plenty of inspiration and motivation at a variety of events.
First up for the ARC, Javan Lapp competed in a historic race on the Caribbean island of St. John. 8 Tuff Miles lives up to its name with 1400+ feet of climbing in the first 5 miles and 3+ miles screaming back to the finish. Javan came in looking to improve on his 3rd place finish from last year, but ended up having a tough day from the start. Fortunately for him, he has two weeks in the Virgin Islands to get over the disappointment. Also - shout out to Emily Egelhoff Whalen, who placed 2nd off very sporadic training. Impressive!
Javan recovering on the beach
Back in the Carolinas, Chass Armstrong and Peyton Hoyal competed in the GHS Swamp Rabbit Half Marathon. This event, known for it’s lighting-fast point-to-point course layout, is becoming a target on more and more WNC-area racers’ schedules. Early in the race, both Chass and Peyton were in the mix with the lead pack. A few miles in, surges were made and the real racing began. Chass pushed the pace in the second half and broke away with the eventual winner. His efforts earned him a strong 2nd place in the mid-68s. Peyton grinded it out through an “off day” and kicked well to earn 3rd in a near photo finish. Nice efforts from both guys.
Peyton throwing down his kick
Brent Schouler and David Workman also laced up this weekend to represent the Collective locally at the Chilly Challenge 8k. Brent had a great battle up front throughout the race and held on for 2nd place in 26:56 on the hilly course. Dave bounced back well from his recent 25k trail race to grab fourth place overall, as well as the Master’s win.
Finally, major props to all of those from the WNC running scene who represented the mountains so well at both Swamp Rabbit and the Black Mountain Marathon!
8 Tuff Miles Road Race - St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Javan Lapp - 8th - 55:52
Results
GHS Swamp Rabbit Half Marathon - Greenville, SC
Chass Armstrong - 2nd - 1:08:40
Peyton Hoyal - 3rd - 1:10:02
Results
Chilly Challenge 8k - Weaverville, NC
Brent Schouler - 2nd - 26:56
David Workman - 4th - 28:50
Results
