Eric Charette of Huntsville, Alabama endured the hills and valleys of Florence County’s Wild River Country to capture first overall in the inaugural Keyes Peak Trail Marathon.  Due to recent heavy rains the crossing of the Pine River at mile 18 was an adventurous endeavor.  Charette chose the faster but much deeper upstream crossing but the brisk current eventually took him down to the safety rope (and wild river goalie Dwayne Drewar - who along with several others helped make the river crossing safe and fun).  Revived from the cool waters Charette moved on to the last 8 miles which included the undulating Emily Lake XC ski trails, past the 23.5 mile aid station and then a gradual ascent of the south side of Keyes peak.  The last quarter mile included gently swooping switchbacks before jumping on the sandy tube run path to the finish.  Charette (Team INOV8) averaged 7:38 for a 3:19:55 final time.  Peter Witucki (Team Montrail) of Madison finished second in 3:24, not bad considering his leisurely crossing of the Pine - time for a therapeutic soak in the cold water.  Mike Wasson of Vandeberg AFP, California was third in 3:28.  He was followed by Silent Sports Editor Joel Patenaude (3:29) of Waupaca, Wisconsin and Steven Karceski of Chicago in 3:44.  Mary Flaws of Waukesha, Wisconsin ran an exceptional race, racing only two weeks after the Kettle Moraine 100 miler.  Flaws chose the shallower downstream crossing but it was still waist deep.  Regardless said the river crossing was “a blast” and emerged  on the north side of the river with a smile.  She averaged a 9:17 pace for a total time of 4:03.  Teresa Morstad of Grand Rapids, Michigan was only 5 minutes back (4:08) and Cassie Kottke of Brillion, Wisconsin was another 5 minutes back in 5:13.  They were followed by Laura Caulfield of Milwaukee (4:21)and Laura Neumeier of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin (4:37).  Complete marathon results are available at www.superiortiming.com.  Thirty eight runners from 8 states ran the marathon and all finished.

The 10K saw UW Oshkosh distance runner win on the hilly (and slightly long - 6.46 miles) course in 49:05.  Tom Laitinen of Lansing, Kansas was second (57:53) and Gene Schmidt of Saginaw, Michigan was third (58:47).  Jennifer Henrickson of Two Rivers, Wisconsin captured the women’s title in 1:04.  Cheryl Corbeille of Black Creek, Wisconsin was second overall in 1:05 and Autumn Lambert of Stevens Point, Wisconsin was third in 1:06.  Forty one runners from 7 states ran the 10K.

Six boys and six girls toed the line for the Kid’s 2K.  The course included a tough ascent of Keyes Peak, but the kids were undaunted and were inspiring on their climb up the ski hill’s service trail.  David Loomis of nearby Norway, Michigan and Kyle Person of Cedarburg, WI reached the summit dead even and both charged down the hill’s switchback with reckless abandon.  Loomis edged Person by 4 seconds at by the finish to win in 8:36.  Loomis’ little brother Adam was not far behind in third (8:50). Olovia Macik of Atlanta ran strong on the ascent to grab a lead over her younger sister Melani and Juliet Krueger of Lodi, WI.  Olovia Macik ran a graceful descent to capture the girl’s title in 9:21.  Her younger sister followed in second (9:54) and Krueger (12:03).  The youngest Macik sister, Peyton, was fourth in 12:06.  “I really liked the course.  It was fun,” commented Olovia Macik.

Complete results are available at www.superiortiming.com.  A slide show and essay by women’s winner can be found at www.runningintheusa.com.

Overall winners in each race received trail running shoes from event sponsor Montrail.  Age group winners received local maple syrup, organic honey, wild fruit jam, or Mountain Hardwear clothing & gear.