Sportslife Trail Run holds second race of 2008 season on Long Lake course

Photo by Jon Molson

Twelve Yukoners hit the trail Thursday for the second Sportslife Trail Run of the 2008 season.
Participants braved a frigid wind, while racing the 6.5-km course, which was 0located at Whitehorse’s Long Lake day use area.
“I am thrilled that people come out,“ said Nancy Thomson, who was both an organizer and participant in the race.

“They brave the cold weather and they had a good time, so I am happy.

This is just a nice sort of social group because if you want to be hardcore and use it as some speed training you can do that, but if you want to do it as a social thing you can do that (as well).“
Thomson finished in the top spot with an impressive time of 36:40, while Darren Holcombe was right behind her at 39:09.

Brian Mottus rounded out the top three with his time of 42:57.
This trail race series began last year. It is currently hosted by the Trail and Ultra Running Association of the Yukon and is held every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Participation in the race is free for members of Athletics Yukon and $2 for all other individuals.

A wide variety of courses are used for the Thursday trail run, including those in Porter Creek, Crestview and Grey Mountain, as well as others.
Due to the hilly conditions, the Long Lake course was ranked as being moderately difficult.
Elyn Jones took part in Thursday’s run.

This was her first race of the 2008 season in the Sportslife run. She said she enjoys participating in the weekly trail series.
“It’s fun running in the bush and seeing the mountains and the sights and things like that,“ Jones said.

“Everyone in the group is really supportive, so it is really nice to come out and hangout with other people who like to get out.“
Jones finished the run in sixth place with a time of 44:13. She said her only goal was to finish the race.
The next run will be on the trails by Chadburn Lake, and overlooking the Yukon River.

The trail is approximately 7-km long and ranked as easy as a result of it being quite flat, with the exception of a couple of big hills.
Individuals who are interested can meet at the day use area at Chadburn Lake, which is at the lake itself, just past the boat launch.

For more information call Thomson at 333-0983 or visit the Athletics Yukon website at http://www.athleticsyukon.ca.