Little Loggers An “Amazing Race!”

PublisherJune 24, 2022Last Updated: June 24, 2022

1 minute read

Race Director Craig Fleming of the PA Trail Dogs and Tania Jacobsen of ReVibe Outdoors kneel in front of the field of runners in the fifth Little Loggers trail race, held June 19, in North Bend. More than 250 kids age 12 and under participated. -Photo courtesy Clinton County Visitor’s Bureau

SUMMERSON MOUNTAIN- More than 250 kids – some running on their own, some with parents or a family member in tow, and even some strapped in a pack on their parents’ back – filled the woods in Hyner last Saturday for the fifth Little Loggers Trail Fest. The race mirrors the wildly popular adult trail races (complete with daunting courses, and great swag, food and drink) for which Clinton County has become known, only participants in this race must be age 12 and under!

Sponsored by the PA Trail Dogs running group and ReVibe Outdoors, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide opportunities for youth to get outdoors, this trail event and accompanying fun is totally free. The nearly three-mile trail run is not a walk in the park and features a few challenges for participants. And this year’s after-party featured pizza and watermelon, ice cream, face painting, a chance to visit with Smokey Bear, and to just enjoy being outside with family and friends at the Western Clinton Sportsmen’s Association property in North Bend.

Gunther Kull, an 11-year-old from Danville, was first to finish the course, completing the race in just 23 minutes, 18 seconds. Mac Heselpoth, age 10, of Port Treverton came in second, crossing the finish line 25 seconds later, followed by 12-year-old Xian Deems of Lock Haven, about 45 seconds after that.

The first girl to finish was 10-year-old Mila Veldhuis of Williamsport who was tenth overall with a time of 26:01. Italia Mangiardi, age 10, of South Williamsport, finished second with a time of 26:03, and Ella Raish, 10, of Bellefonte was the third female finisher, with a time of 26:56.

“This was one of our biggest turnouts yet. We had beautiful weather, a great crowd of happy runners and it was a fantastic, fun day,” said Tania Jacobsen of ReVibe Outdoors. “We hope to go forward and keep growing this event, which this year was the first year and first race of the new Rocksylvania Trail Kids Series!”

In all, 254 youth ranging in age from not yet age one up to age 12, finished this year’s race. For more information on the Little Loggers Trail fest, visit www.patraildogs.com.