Runners Take the Hills: 19th Annual Hyner Challenge Kicks Off with Energy, Determination, and Barefoot Grit
By Kevin Rauch
HYNER – The 19th annual Hyner Challenge kicked off this morning with the 50K starting at 8AM and the 25K whistle blared an hour later. 1,000 runners took part in the 25K while for the more elite 50K, 400 participants took on that event.
The course snakes throughout the Hyner mountains, offering three “major” climbs, although the average person would find many parts of the trails’ ascents rather challenging as well.
Camaraderie is as plentiful as the scenic views as a steady stream encouraging words and greetings are a constant throughout the day.
As the 50K runners began their first hilly section just a few hundred yards into the woods, whoops and hollers of ‘we got this’ and ‘let’s go’ echoed throughout the hillside.
Similarly, at the end of the line, just after 9AM when the 25K began, those final hundred or so participants began their day with fast paced walks and were heard offering ‘as long as we finish’ and ‘I’ve never won a race, but I’ve never not finished, stick with me’ could be heard.
Every year some colorful characters make their way to Hyner; this year’s event included 29 year old Jesse Stoltzfuss from Lancaster County. Jesse started the day running barefoot and if enthusiasm were any indication, will still be that way upon his return to the finish line.
“I had a hard time finding shoes that fit and didn’t bother my feet, so I just sort of started going barefoot from there” offered the Lancaster County man.
Jesse said that he was going at least 10 miles on Saturday before considering putting his trail shoes on. That goal was seemingly set only to settle his mind. When asked if he was planning on stopping and putting his sneakers on at the ten mile point he humbly smiled and said “not really”.
Today’s weather was quite favorable for the runners but organizer and mastermind of the Hyner Challenge Craig Flemming praised DCNR for their recent efforts. “They have done a great job and a ton of hard work, the area has had multiple wind storms in recent weeks and the trails were a mess. If you see a DCNR employee, thank them” Flemming suggested to the runners at the start line.
