Local Runners Dominate Boulder Beast
CASTANEA – While the field included some 430 registrants from a dozen states, it was trail runners from around the region who dominated the course Saturday at the annual Boulder Beast Trail Challenge on Bald Eagle Mountain just outside of Lock Haven.
Wesley Atkinson, a 20-year-old from Mill Hall, held a fast pace throughout the 24-mile course, finishing in just three hours, 39 minutes — 25 minutes ahead of his next competitor. While Atkinson has run a number of trail challenges, this was his first time at the Boulder Beast, and he says he’ll be back. “This is an amazing course – really nice,” said Atkinson, who added that the weather was near perfect as well.
Cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 60’s greeted racers at the 7 a.m. start Saturday. The sunless skies persisted throughout the day, making for great running weather along the course that starts and ends at the Castanea Fire Company Picnic Grounds, then takes participants up and down Bald Eagle Mountain between Castanea and McElhattan, including about 6,000 feet of vertical gain.
Eric Kosek, 38, of Wellsboro was the second competitor to cross the finish line, with a time of 4:04. Josh Ely, 33, of Jersey Shore finished third, in 4:07. Wesley Atkinson’s younger brother, 18-year-old Nevin Atkinson, finished in fourth place, with a time of 4:12. Dylan Geraty, 22, also of Mill Hall, was fifth, with a time of 4:15.
The first female to finish the race was Nicole Yokum, 35, of State College, who was sixth overall. Also an avid runner but competing in the Boulder Beast for the first time, Yokum finished in four hours, 17 minutes.
“The boulder field was intense,” said Yokum, referring to the large crop of rocks competitors must ascend during the challenge. “This is a really nice course, and the fall temperatures were perfect for running.”
Rounding out the top 10 finishers were John Johnson, 46, of Ulster, PA, who finished seventh with a time of 4:22; Mike Hastings, 33, of Lock Haven, eighth, in 4:31; Joshua Gavitt, 44, of Hughesville, ninth, in 4:32; and Emanuel King, 20, of Mill Hall, tenth, with a time of 4:35.
Race Director Craig Fleming and the PA Trail Dogs, a volunteer group that builds and maintains trails, organized this year’s Boulder Beast, formerly called the Megatransect. Fleming, a well-known RD for several other popular trail races in Clinton County including the Hyner View Trail Challenge, Sproul 10K, and Hyner Half, took over the Boulder Beast from retiring race director Jeff Stover.
“We had a great day – it was a huge success,” said Fleming, noting he was happy to see many runners from previous Bald Eagle Mountain races back, as well as many first-time racers. “It was also great to see several other race directors – from in and outside of Pennsylvania – participate.”
“A huge thank you goes out to all of the volunteers — none of this happens without them,” added Fleming. “Bob Farley, Stacey Hibbler and Chris Yeager, were among the leaders for what was a tremendous effort by all.”
“We also appreciate the support from emergency response groups including the Castanea, Sugar Valley and Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Companies, and the groups who staffed aid stations, including the Centre Region Trail Friends, Boy Scout Troop 66 out of Woolrich, Team Red White & Blue Lock Haven-Williamsport, Cindy Love’s crew and the Dunnstown Fire Company, Leadership Clinton County, and the Venture Crew from Lock Haven.”
The youngest participant in Saturday’s Boulder Beast was 16-year-old Westyn Barnes of Girard, PA, who finished 109th in six hours, 28 minutes. Well-known racer Carl Undercofler of Woodland, PA, was the oldest participant at age 80. He finished 251st, in nine hours, 15 minutes.
Next year’s Boulder Beast is scheduled for September 21. For more information on PA Trail Dog challenges, visit www.hikerun.com.
