XTERRA Fort Yargo Post Race Report

By Gary Harris, XTERRA Rep

When the sun began to rise over the cool waters of Ft.Yargo State Park two things were sure; the weather was perfect and course conditions exceptional. Ft.Yargo State Park is a favorite of metro Atlantans and south easterners alike. With cool clean waters, flowing single track and rich multi-sport history Yargo's an awesome place race. "Yaba, the Yargo Area Biking Association, keeps these trails in great condition" remarked race director David Berger. "Between Yaba and the Ft Yargo Rangers we could not ask for a better venue."

As the swimmers rounding the third marker, two began to pull away from the mass. Craig Evans and Bruce Gennari turned up the heat to put some serious room between themselves and the pack. Coming out of the water the two were elbow to elbow, nudging and  racing into transition with Craig a mere 20 seconds ahead as they shot out on the bike. With 11 miles of tight, fast single track ahead the leaders took off at a blistering pace. Although Bruce kept up the pressure it was no use, Evans expanded his lead getting off the bike almost five minutes ahead of second, continuing his domination into the run turning negative splits and averaging sub 6 minute miles to smoke his closest competitor by almost SEVEN minutes. "Now that was a great course" Evans said with a smile, "really fast with tough terrain."

As the crew began to cross line, smiles and smack talk filled the air. First - Fourth Craig, Bruce, Chris, and Casey sitting in line sharing smiles, hand shakes and stories of the day. All four simultaneously breaking out in applause and cheer for 23 year old Erin Kummer, Yargo's female first place finisher.

We'd like to throw out a huge thanks to all who came out to Ft. Yargo on race day. From the racers who played, the volunteers for their cheers, Eric and all the Ft.Yargo Rangers and David & Teri from Gone Riding. Thank you all for giving us the gift of outdoor healthy playtime.

© 2013 TEAM Unlimited LLC