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This past weekend, 108 entrants set off on 100 mile & 100k races — the fourth annual Pine Creek Challenge. The footrace follows the Pine Creek Trail, a flat, scenic route that still provides ample challenge for the runners. Race director, Steve Hanes, comments, “For me as a race director, it’s great to see people stretching their boundaries…to see people work towards something they might not have even imagined a few years ago, and come out here and accomplish something that’s really noteworthy.”

Adding to the difficulty of the lengthy run, Saturday’s weather was unfortunately gloomy. However, runners and volunteers alike maintained a positive outlook, offering many uplifting remarks. “I never thought I could run a 100k,” comments Lea Becker, who finished 19th place in the 100k, “A year ago, I was running two miles a day. I was really disappointed about the weather forecast, but I’m having a great day and I just went for it.”

Chris Anthony, from Media, PA, observes, “Everybody’s very friendly…you need smiles in a run like this…whether it’s your first 100 [mile race] or your fiftieth, you have to come here at least once.” Anthony finished the 100 mile race in 18th place.

Josh Litofsky of State College, PA set a new record for the 100k with an impressive finish time of 08:46:50. Kathleen Cusick, from Alexandria, VA finished the 100 mile race with the fastest time of 16:45:30. If you are interested in competing in next year’s Pine Creek Challenge, or simply want to learn more, visit the Pine Creek Challenge Facebook page, or check out PineCreekChallenge.com.

For all the final results for both race heats, click here.

Finisher photos provided by Tania Lezak – tanialezak.com.