XTERRA River Valley Ranch Trail Run Race Report

On Saturday, August 25th, the XTERRA River Valley Ranch 5k Trail Run started with a bang, as a cowboy on horseback shot the gun signaling the crowd of nearly 200 runners to begin.

It was at a foggy, humid morning at River Valley Ranch, just outside of Baltimore, Maryland.  The forecast predicted one of the hottest days of the summer; however, runners were blessed with cooler weather during the race. 

Congratulations to Matt Cobo of Cockeysville, who was first to finish the race with a time of 18:12.  Christopher Sufczynski of Dundalk and Daniel Stoken of Abbottstown, PA, finished hot on Matt's heels with times of 18:17 and 18:48 respectively.  The first female to finish was Heidi Kelly of Towson with a finish time of 22:39.  She was followed by Katie Kopasek of Timonium, in a time of 23:05. 

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The day was filled with fun for all as many families participated in the event together - the younger competitors having a blast in the Kid’s Fun Run.  The unity was seen from the get-go with the entire group participating with warm-up stretching. 

The historic flare of River Valley Ranch with a mid-1960’s stagecoach and "Ole Town Meeting House" in the background gave this second event in the XTERRA Chesapeake Bay Series a truly unique feel.

After the race, participants were provided with a delicious breakfast of bagels, yogurt, fresh fruit, Starbucks Coffee, Chick-fil-A chicken minis, and more.

Many thanks to the River Valley Ranch camp employees for their wonderful supportive of the event, from cowboys on horseback as course marshals, to a mist tent neat the finish line and great post race refreshment for the participants and their families to enjoy.

Proceeds from this event went to the Dr. Steven Shaffer Fund, in honor of the man who volunteered countless hours and immeasurable service as the medical director of River Valley Ranch, and in recent years led the fundraising efforts to build our new Health Center. He had a desire to see children and young adults pursue a healthy lifestyle. This race is held in his honor to support the youth summer camp programs at River Valley Ranch, something to which he was so committed.

Next up for the XTERRA Chesapeake Bay Series: The XTERRA Parks & People Trail Run on October 28th, 2007.

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