She Is Without Limits by Haley Hoffman Smith

He did a 20-mile out-and-back from Harrison Hills a few weeks prior to Saturday’s event and couldn’t imagine tacking on another 15 miles. The four represent the full spectrum of experience, from past “winners” (because the challenge, by name, is one of endurance and not speed) to veteran participants to up-and-comers.Īhead of the Challenge, Neff, 76, was “cautiously optimistic” about completing the race - until he injured his quad muscle where it meets his knee. This year, 477 participants - 80 percent of entrants - finished the Full Challenge (36 miles in under 15:04:00 starting at Harrison Hills).Īnother 236 hikers - 82 percent of entrants - completed the Homestead Challenge (18 miles in under 7:47:09, starting at Springdale High School).Īnd 46 teams finished the Friends & Family Challenge (7 miles, starting at White Oak Farm).Īs dawn broke that morning, runners edged to the front of the pack, as did eager hikers looking to either uphold a speedier pace or take advantage of as much daylight as possible.Īmong those shuffling toward the trailhead were Jack Neff, Lorei Lehman, Bill Huber and Makenzie O’Conner. “And that’s going to be pushing some people to the edge of the time limit, which is fixed at fifteen hours, four minutes.” “The Challenge is longer than it’s ever been,” said Challenge Director Steve Mentzer. And since the last Challenge in 2019, 2.25 miles of road hiking were eliminated and 4.1 miles of new trail were added. No matter the conditions, it was a welcome return for the 24th annual Rachel Carson Trail Challenge, which endured a two-year hiatus after the pandemic cancelled last year’s trek. The skies were overcast until the early evening, and scattered showers throughout the day briefly dampened some hikers but left many others dry. One after another, participant’s numbers were called aloud as the runners and hikers began their trek through soupy air and temps already in the mid-70s as heat lightning flashed in the distance. A little after 5:30 AM a steady stream of Hokas, hydration packs and hiking poles entered the woods at Harrison Hills Park.

She Is Without Limits by Haley Hoffman Smith