The XTERRA Rustman was Epic!

A solid field of competitors from 11 states toed the start line at the inaugural XTERRA Epic "The Rustman", at historic Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston Louisiana on May 1st 2010.   The total distance covered by each athlete was 46.5 miles.  This was broken down into a 1 mile Swim, 35 mile Mt Bike and a 10.5 mile run.  Each Finisher received the coveted XTERRA Rustman Epic Finishers Tee and Rustman finishers medal. 

The day started out with clouds and the threat of rain and we did get a light shower, however the weather broke and the day turned out to be a great spring day in the Deep South.  

First up was a 2 lap swim that started on the beach with a short run into the water.  Next was the 35 mile Mt Bike which took four laps of the trail system.  The bike portion was 85% tight and twisting single track with the remainder being double track, that allowed the racers to stretch, relax and refuel.  The final 10.5 mile run was 2 laps of a 5.5 mile course that had significant variety.  This track used tight and twisting single track, forest roads, and yes we revitalized the old Snake Pit Trail, which was deep wood running with logs, creeks and other obstacles to overcome.   For those of you that competed in Ruston in the late 90's you may remember the Snake Pit.

The lead on the male side of the race changed hands several time.  The eventual winner overcame a 5 minute pit stop at the mechanics station to correct a bike problem.  Kyle Grieser, 28 of Austin Texas was 8th out of the water, came in off lap 1 of the bike in 3rd, fell back to 9th place at the end of lap 2, and battled his way back to 3rd place at the end of Lap 3, and finished the Bike in 2nd place.   Kyle through down a blistering 1st lap on the run to pull into the overall lead and was able to maintain through to the finish.  In fact when Kyle finished and we told him he was the overall winner in a time of 4:50:03, he thought we were spoofing him, because he thought he was in second.

On the female side, Kisti Darby, 36, of Houston TX took the lead from the exit on the swim and battled with Amy Johnson of Hot Springs AR during the beginning of the first Lap.  After which Kisti pulled away and did not look back.  Overall Kisti finished 16th with a time of 5:46:12. 

Plans are already being made for the May 2011 edition of the XTERRA Rustman Epic. With the feedback being received it is anticipated that we will approach the field limit of 150.  So place this on your schedule and keep an eye on the XTERRA Schedule for when registration opens.

© 2013 TEAM Unlimited LLC