Megatransect’s Final Run
CASTANEA — A northern tier runner and a Philadelphia runner were the first across the finish line in what organizers say will be the last of the annual Megatransect trail races on Bald Eagle Mountain.
Of some 800 participants Adam Wussell of Rome, Pa was the first across the finish line at the Castanea fire company grounds, his time 4:22.21. For Wussell it was his third first place finish in three tries and he said “the easiest” on a day presenting optimum condition for a trail race.
Wussell said he got into trail running three and a half years ago after his daughter was participating in cross country. He received his first place medal from Terry Smith of Blanchard representing the Clinton County Special Olympics.
First female finisher was Johnna Sinclair of Philadelphia, her time 5:26.44. She lauded the natural beauty of the area and said it was a “lovely day” for such an event. Second place on the female side went to Jessica Zozos of Mill Hall in a time of 5:27.03. She is a physicians’ assistant at Lock Haven Hospital and her parents Jenn and George Zozos came in from Pittsburgh to lend their support.
Second in the male division was Derek Waughen of Milton. Running since 2007, he said it was his first time at the Megatransect and said race organizers put on an outstanding event.
Prior to the 7 a.m. start race director Dave Hunter told the field today’s event would mark the end of an era, an indication that meet organizers have not been able to resolve their differences with the City of Lock Haven and will be looking to move the Megatransect elsewhere.
Hunter earlier this month had complained about “forest management going on at each part of it,” a reference to forestry work by The Nature Conservancy through an agreement with the Lock Haven City Authority. He said that work makes it difficult to sustain trails through portions of the course.
The Clinton County Economic Partnership, alerted about reports of the race’s possible demise, followed that word with a meeting of interested parties. After the meeting there was no indication that Hunter had been dissuaded from his plans to end or relocate the annual 26-mile hike. His comments today indicated this Megatransect is the last on Bald Eagle Mountain.
