2016 Holy Cowans Gap
Over 50 runners and their assorted families, friends and fan clubs spent the weekend at Cowans Gap State Park celebrating the sudden and severe arrival of summer. On Sunday morning, most runners found their way onto one of the most challenging 50k courses in this area. Power couple Adam and Robin Watkins claimed victory in the men’s and women’s races. Adam’s new course record of 5:22 included his showdown with a bobcat. Robin returned to trail racing in great form with a win in 6:29. Ryan Haylett and John Marciari were 2nd and 3rd for the men, both under 6 hours. Lara Zoeller and Gabriela Stephens were 2nd and 3rd for the women. This amazing weekend would not have been possible without our many fabulous volunteers that gave their time and energy to provide a very well marked course, seven fully stocked aid stations and a BBQ feast at the finish. My father, a Navy veteran, provided American flags for all finishers. Of 55 starters, 36 completed the whole course. If you haven’t run Holy Cowans Gap yet, you are missing out. Ernesto Cazarez summarized the course with one word: “Fun!”. Bob Gaylord chose another “F” word that was just as descriptive. Sue Malone and I will host the 7th Holy Cowans Gap on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend 2017. We hope to see you there!