Hikers Conquer 18th Annual Hyner Trail Challenge
By Autumn Gavlock
HYNER – Over hills, through valleys, and across roaring streams, athletes, adrenaline junkies and nature enthusiasts alike gathered for the Rocksylvania Trail Series 18th annual Hyner Trail Challenge on Saturday, April 20, 2024.With the scent of adventure lingering in the air and the promise of breathtaking vistas ahead,1,180 trail racers from far and wide laced up their shoes, ready to endure rolling hills, roaring streams, and rocky terrain in the rugged backcountry of Pennsylvania. Taking place at Hyner Landing Field; 9650 Renovo Road North Bend PA.
The Hyner Trail Challenge, known for its grueling course and stunning scenery, has become a rite of passage for trail runners and hikers seeking the ultimate outdoor adventure. The Hyner Trail Challenge offers a 25K and 50K course for runners to choose from, offering each their own set of challenges both mentally and physically.
Spanning over approximately 46.7 miles combined, the Hyner Trail Challenge is full of rugged wilderness, with elevation gains that could make even the most seasoned athlete break a sweat. The 25K course with a distance of 15.5 miles includes three major climbs, with three major descents covering over 4,000 ft of elevation and is open to the first 1,000 runners who sign up. This year the 25K course had approximately 822 finishing participates. The 50K course includes five major climbs with close to 6,500 ft. of elevation gain over the course of 31 miles and is open to the first 400 runners who sign up to take on the rigorous trek. The 50K course had approximately 358 finishing participates.
As the sun rose over the horizon that morning, at 8:00 a.m. the participants of the 50k eagerly gathered at the starting line, their faces a mix of excitement and determination and with a resounding cheer, the race commenced, and competitors swiftly vanished into the mountainous course ahead. Then again at 9:00 a.m. participants of the 25K took their places at the starting line eagerly awaiting their start, and once again when the shot was fired, they too embarked.
For some, the Hyner Trail Challenge is a test of physical endurance, a chance to push their limits and conquer nature’s obstacles. For others, it’s a journey of self-discovery, a reminder of the raw beauty and untamed wilderness that lies just beyond our doorstep.
But amidst the grunts of exertion and the pounding of feet against dirt, there was also laughter and fellowship.
Volunteers stationed along the course provided much-needed encouragement and support, offering words of encouragement and replenishing weary runners with drinks and snacks. With a community event as largely popular as the Hyner Trail Challenge, it takes a village to make for a successful and safe race experience for racers and spectators alike, and it goes without saying that without all of the local volunteers, and sponsors none of this would have been possible. In honor of paying acknowledgement to those who helped make this event a success The Hyner Trail Challenge would not be at all possible without the PA Trail Dogs and their Director of Races Craig Flemming who pour their hearts and souls into this event each and every year. Their countless hours of volunteer time, trail clean ups, event preparations, manning of aid stations and so much more are just a few of the reasons they remain the core of this event.
In addition to the Trail Dogs, another core factor that keeps these events running smoothly and safely is the participation of the local Fire Companies, EMS teams and local representatives of the DCNR. Fire Companies in attendance were each of the three; Chapman Township Volunteer Fire Company Station 27, Renovo Fire Department & EMS Station 29 , and Citizens Hose Fire Company of South Renovo Station 28. “ Without the help from these incredible Emergency Volunteers our events would never run so smoothly” Said Craig Flemming; Director of the PA TrailDogs & The Hyner Trail Challenge.“I can confidently go about the event turning my focus and attention toward other aspects of the day, without worry, knowing that our runners and guests are being kept safe and in the event of an emergency they are in the hands of trained professionals who are ready and equipped to deal with whatever that emergency may be” stated Craig Flemming. He also noted “The PA Trail dogs and myself would also like to extend a special thanks to local businessmen and property owner, Bobby McGuire for the use of his air strip for the event location and parking”. The landscape provides an ideal setting for visitors to completely immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Hyner area, offering unobstructed views of Hyner View State Park Vista and an authentic experience of the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Numerous elements contribute to the success of community events like the Hyner Trail Challenge, drawing thousands of visitors to Hyner, PA every year. This transforms it into not just a local trail runner event, but a cherished community affair, highlighting the essence of togetherness as a key component for its success. Many local businesses provided food and special accommodations for the event. The Green Lantern Bar & Grill, Renovo and Pizza To Go, Jersey Shore provided over 250 pizzas for the event alongside, Wildfire BBQ, Renovo who provided BBQ chicken dinners and Grilled Hotdogs for racers to enjoy post race. Also contributing this year was many of the local churches who came together to donate an array of desserts for the racers to enjoy and kindly distributed them on race day with words of encouragement and congratulations on a job well done. The New Trail Brewing Company was present at the event, offering ice-cold adult beverages for racers to enjoy during the post-race celebrations.
Several local businesses and organizations contributed to the event’s success by providing essential support to racers. They positioned aid stations along the trails, offering water, Gatorade, snacks, and other nutritional assistance. Representatives from various entities generously volunteered their time, including the Leadership of Clinton County, Element 26 Wellness LLC, Clinton County Search and Rescue, Tri-County Church North Central, and Local Boy Scout Troop 137. In addition to nourishing and safeguarding racers from injury and exhaustion, the need for outer protection from the elements and race efficiency was addressed by local apparel companies such as Tiadaghton Embroidery and ReVibe Gear. Ensuring strong local support for this event remains a top priority for its organizers, right down to Roland Davenport, a local resident, who has faithfully taken on the role of sweeper for the event over the past 18 years.
As the day wore on and the miles ticked by, tales of triumph and tribulation emerged from the trail. From steep inclines that seemed to defy gravity to treacherous descents that tested the limits of traction, every twist and turn brought with it a new challenge to overcome. But perhaps the true highlight of the Hyner Trail Challenge was not the finish line itself, but the sense of accomplishment that came with crossing it. As exhausted participants crossed the threshold, their faces overtaken with sweat and their bodies weary but unbroken, they were greeted with a rower of cheers and applause from fellow competitors and spectators alike.
With Falcon Race Timing tracking the event, the award for first place male and first place female finisher was awarded for both the 25K and 50K winners. Finishing first in the 25K men’s division was thirty-two year old Steven Lange of Stanhope, New Jersey with a finishing time of two hours and fourteen minutes and for the 25k women’s division was twenty-seven year old Laurel Moyer of Lock Haven, PA with a finishing time of two hours and thirty two minutes. The 50K men’s division first place winner was thirty-six year old Ben Quatromoni of Newport, Rhode Island with a remarkable finishing time of four hours and thirteen minutes and for the women was thirty-five year old Kassandra Spitler of Newport, Rhode Island with an exceptional time of five hours and nine minutes. Every top finisher was awarded a meticulously engraved Woodsman Axe, featuring the year and category of their remarkable achievement, as a lasting memento of their victorious conquest over the demanding course.
Ultimately, regardless of their finishing position, each participant concluded the Hyner Trail Challenge with a deepened appreciation for nature’s wonders and the unwavering resilience inherent within humanity. As the day capped off, racers and their families congregated around campfires, exchanging tales of their experiences with laughter echoing amidst friends seamlessly integrating into a remarkable community, bonded by a collective love for trail racing and an unyielding thirst for adventure, fully embracing the essence of living.
The PA Trail Dogs and members of the Rocksylvania Trial Division Series look forward to another successful trail racing season ahead and invite you to join in on the fun of exploring and conquering some of the best trails in the state. With the offering of five different divisions based on race distance and difficulty and 32 individual races available there is something for everyone at any skill level to enjoy. For more information on the PA Trail Dogs and the Rocksylvania Trail Series visit www.patraildogs.com.
