Blue Train to Hawai’i

While those of us stuck in the mid-Atlantic in mid-January were experiencing its typical winter chill, some of the VHTRC’s finest ventured out to Hawai’i for the H.U.R.T. 100-miler. Congratulations to all who made the field and the journey to take on this race and its famous roots, humidity and heat!

First VHTRC finisher, and fourth overall, was Jake Rankinen of Alexandria, in a time of 23:48. Jake was the last finisher under 24 hours, which should give some indication of the challenge presented by the H.U.R.T. course. VHTRC club treasurer Trevor Baine was 9th overall. Kathleen Cusick was the fourth female finisher, and 23rd overall, in a time of 32:27, just behind Keith Knipling (21st in 31:54).

But the big H.U.R.T. story would be Alex Papadopoulos. Alex finished 18th in a time of just over 31 hours. This was Alex’s 10th H.U.R.T. finish. He has completed this race every year since 2005 (with the sole exception of 2009). Ho’omai’ka’i ‘ana, Alex!!