Thursday night trail race showcases stages for upcoming marathon

Runners came out in droves for the Thursday trail run as athletes prepare to test their mettle in the Yukon River Trail Marathon, set for Aug. 3 in Whitehorse.

Runners came out in droves for the Thursday trail run as athletes prepare to test their mettle in the Yukon River Trail Marathon, set for Aug. 3 in Whitehorse.

Last week’s course constituted leg 3 of the trail marathon course. It was 11-kilometres of steep hills and winding, narrow single track.

Thirty-nine runners set out on the trails and happily all reported at the other end.

Keith Thaxter showed off his skills with trail running, completing the race at 43:17 to win top honours.

Tuesday night fun run regular Tom Ullyett proved he’s just as good on the trails as on the pavement, coming in at to lockdown sole possession of second place. His time was 44:10, while Fred Vandenot was right behind at 44:45.

Sue Bogle was the first female runner to finish the race, posting an impressive time of 49:20. Bogle’s time was sixth best at the race, which was just more than six minutes better than seventh place finisher Kathryn Dingle , who posted a time of 55:28.

It was a close finish for the eight through 10 spots, with Val Nufeld crossing the finish line at 58:07, followed in hot pursuit by Terry Bonne at 58:54.

Meagen Brady rounded out the top 10 with her time of 59:03.

This week’s trail run will take place on leg 4 of the trail marathon.

It’s the longest leg of the marathon, if you are competing in the relay event.

It starts at the Miles Canyon footbridge and winds along hills beside Schwatka Lake before looping around the Hidden Lakes behind Riverdale.

The course ends at Rotary Park.

Runners who are interested can meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Miles Canyon Bridge.

Individuals can register for the trail marathon online until July 30 and for those last minute racers can register at Sportslife in person on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2.