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266 finishers trudged through heat and rain and rock and mud to complete all 28.4 miles of the fourth annual Susquehanna Super Hike and Ultra Trail Run. A huge thank you to all of this year's participants, and hearty congratulations to each of our finishers. Although this event is not about competition, and is instead a personal challenge, we do want to give a special shout-out to our top male and female finishers: Joshua Jamison, 34, from York, PA, at 5:16:21, and Christine Anderson, 27, from Pequea, PA, at 5:40:06. KTA would also like to recognize Daryl Warren, of Wellsboro, PA, who placed at #198 at 10:10:06; at age 78, Daryl is our most senior finisher to date! For complete results, please click here.
Photos of this event are being uploaded here. More to come!
On behalf of the staff at Keystone Trails Association and the 502 registered Super Hike participants, we want to express our most sincere appreciation for the help our 110+ volunteers provided before, during, and/or after our fourth annual Susquehanna Super Hike and Ultra Trail Run on September 8. We could not have done it without their assistance! A special kudos to those that got up at (or before) 4:30 AM to help with parking or registration, to those that staffed our checkpoints and water stations, to those that stayed back at Otter Creek Campground to tidy up the bathrooms, to those that kept the communications flowing from checkpoint to checkpoint, to those that volunteered to pick up tired, injured or too-slow hikers from the various checkpoints and road crossings, to those filled - and lugged - a million jugs of water from spigot to checkpoint, to those that stood (or hiked) in the pouring rain (and mud) throughout the afternoon, and to those that stayed well into the evening to help pack everything up! It was a LONG - and soggy - day for many of you, and the cheerful dispositions, enthusiasm and energy that you exuded throughout the day helped keep all of us - staff, volunteers, and participants - plugging along. Thank you so much!
Here's some of the feedback we have received regarding the September 8th Super Hike:
"Great fun at the Super Hike. Many thanks to all the volunteers whose efforts make the day so special."
"I very much enjoyed the Super Hike this past Saturday, and a huge thanks goes to the organizers and volunteers! Would definitely like to do it again next year. I definitely enjoyed the day of running and hiking, a very unique and memorable experience!"
"Thanks to the organizers and all the volunteers who helped in various ways! It was great to see smiling faces and hear encouraging words along the way! I was really impressed with how well marked the trail was the entire way - this allowed me to focus on the hike itself instead of which direction I was going! Thanks again."
"This event meant alot to me. I wasn't nearly as in shape as the majority of the participants were but I was determined to finish and I've been preparing for a year for this. I pushed myself hard the first half to have enough time banked to finish the second half so I'm glad I made it past Pinnacle in time. The storm was the best thing that could have happened for me, I think. Gave me so much more energy than I thought I had. I'm just really glad I finished and next year I can set my sights on shorter time and hopefully bring my wife along as well. I would have been really really bummed out for a long time if I didn't finish! I'm paying for it now, blisters, sore muscles, itchy bee sting, rashy neck and had to go back to work today. Worth every bit of it though! My first as well, and hopefully not my last! I hope to come back next year and complete this with my wife. Can't wait until next year!"
"Hats off and a big thank you to all the organizers and their able volunteers. These people allowed us the opportunity to challenge ourselves on a tough course under very tough conditions. Without them, there would be no Super Hike! Thank you!"
"Arrived at the Pinnacle at 2:30 with my two hiking partners. While we contemplated whether to quit due to the storm and take a ride, all the cars with spots were full! Literally in about a minute and a half, the decision was made for us so we went on. Took us 3.5 hours to do the last 8 miles. Wasn't encouraging to get to mile 6.5 and see an ambulance taking someone away! It was great that two ridge runners came through checking on people though. This event is very well-organized and staffed! When I saw all the people bailing out at 2:30 at the Pinnacle, I figured that the non-finisher number would be pretty high. It's amazing they were able to keep track of everyone. Very well organized. Everyone did great and many many thanks for all the volunteers and especially the ridge runners at the end, God love 'em, for going in and checking on everyone when the storm hit!"
"What an amazing day! Most everyone I encountered - hiking or volunteering - was so nice, friendly and encouraging. The feeling of camaraderie and the vibe were wonderful. My BF even had a good time waiting for me at the checkpoints, chatting with the other support folks and volunteers. THANK YOU so much for the orange tape which marked the course. Both Mason-Dixon and Conestoga Trails are well marked with blazes but it was VERY comforting seeing that tape and knowing I was on the right path. I was exhausted and could not afford to take any extra steps or detours. Many thanks for the water and snacks at each checkpoint. I started out not sure if i could make it but I did. My muscles, joints and feet are very sore and walking the last 4 miles in the rain added blistering and chaffing to my woes BUT I have an amazing feeling of accomplishment and it was a fantastic day. Thank You to all who made it possible."
"My first Ultra Hike and it was very well organized and executed. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Not one complaint! Thanks."
"Great job on the super hike! Very well planned and organized. Probably my last long distance hike so next year I can volunteer. Thank you again."
"Hats off to Shanna and Curt and to all who volunteered to make this such a great event. Even the rain couldn't dampen the spirits of those who hiked and volunteered. Can't wait until next year. "
"What a challenging race! Almost needed another water stop after Pinnacle - passed several peeps laying beside the trail on the way up some of the hills! With that said, the race was amazing and the peeps and aid stations were great!"
"I struggled all day with bronchitis/asthma but I finished. I hiked the last 5 miles with 2 new friends. there was a guy named Jim that I would love to thank for encouraging me for a good part of the trail. He was such a cool guy. Don't have his last name or info but if he happens to read this.... Thank you! met a lot of great people throughout the day. had as much fun as I could while struggling to breathe lol I'll be back next year and healthy to compete. cheers!"
Thank you all again for helping make the 4th annual Susquehanna Super Hike a success, and we hope to see you next year! (details to be posted online soon). |