The Ghost Race Grand Prix has come to its conclusion. After days of nonstop number crunching, the point totals are in and the leaderboard is set. Congrats to Ghost Race Grand Prix champions Ashley Hunter Arnold and Brian Atkinson. Both athletes were able to distance themselves from their closest competitors thanks to bonus points scored for multiple course records. Highlights included Ashley’s 6:32 on Haywood Halfpipe, which was just 2 seconds shy of the previous overall CR, and Brian’s 7:31 on Sunset to Toll Road - a 5:19 average pace on a 1.4 mile course that featured nearly 200 feet of gain. Phenomenal efforts like this earned each runner the top spot on the podium and a $75 gift certificate to Jus Running.
The Grand Prix champions are not the only ones leaving the series with some swag, though. Any unclaimed course record prizes were added to an end-of-series drawing and we are happy to announce the winners of our random drawing. Ray von Dohlen will enjoy a bag of beans from Cooperative Coffee Roasters, Mark Kauffman is the lucky winner of a gift card to Flat Rock Village Bakery, Sherry Roane can quench her thirst with a crowler from Wedge Brewing, and Kip Otterness can fill his caffeine needs with a gift certificate to Farewell Coffee.
Cumulatively, the segment series saw 502 feet gained and 252 feet lost over the 7.89 miles raced. 91 brave souls took on at least 1 of the segment challenges, 50 runners stuck it out through at least 3 runs, and 18 gluttons for punishment completed all 6 segments. Throughout the 6 weeks, 9 local businesses were sponsored and 2 nonprofits were supported. Thanks to those of you who took on the call to show love (and $) to these highly-valued organizations in our community.
One aim of the series was to highlight and attack well-known running routes in town. This mission was accomplished with 10 of the original 12 course records re-written. On some segments, the original standards were beaten 10 or more times in a week!
The Ghost Race Grand Prix was originally designed to bridge the gap in “real racing” while social distancing guidelines limited (and eventually canceled) spring racing plans. As the weeks went on and running venue options shrank, the initial segment schedule had to be abandoned and the search was on to find more suitable and accessible routes. These constraints led to creativity, as newly created segments such as Smoke on the Water (sans construction equipment) and the Haywood Halfpipe became fan-favorites.
With stay-at-home orders continuing through the beginning of May and the next steps still unclear, it seems as though organized races will continue to be delayed into the summer. Many interesting segments, logistical tweaks, and series innovations are begging to be explored, so the chances of a round two for the Ghost Race Grand Prix seem highly likely.
What feedback do you have for us? What ideas would you like to see implemented? How can this be improved? Fill out the Ghost Race feedback survey or email us directly.
