Smelser, Dahlin win Inaugural Power to the Tower

Michael Smelser overpowered the field at the inaugural XTERRA Power to the Tower Trail Run at Bays Mountain Park on April 7.

Smelser, a high school teacher in Kingsport, completed the 21-kilometer course in 1 hour, 32 minutes, 50 seconds. He finished more than nine minutes ahead of the rest of the field.

"There are three other trail races throughout the year at Bays Mountain Park, and the good thing about the XTERRA race was that it had a little bit of all of them and more," said Smelser, 39. "It was very challenging, but rewarding. The conditions were perfect, great weather, dry trails, perfect conditions.  I never knew how far ahead I was, as I never look back in a race, and a lot of this race was single track so my focus was on the trail."

Smelser was actually a standout soccer player in college, but became enthralled with running after graduating. He has completed more than 20 marathons, including Boston and New York, but is now trying to enter more trail runs.

"I run mostly road races but have found a true calling in trail races, as I love the scenery and the tranquility of the trail and the roads less traveled by," he said.

Brandon Lancaster of Kingsport placed second with a time of 1:42:12, and Daniel McDowell from Oak Hill, West Virginia, was third in 1:44:51.

Nicole Dahlin of Johnson City was the first female and placed 11th overall with a time of 2:01:43. The women's race was a close one, as Carin Smith of Bakersville, N.C., was right behind at 2:01:51.

The event also included a 5-mile "short course," and 15-year-old Zach Weaver of Greeneville finished first in 31:13. Robyn Brinson of Limestone was the first female in 43:26.

For complete results, CLICK HERE.

Close to 120 runners participated in the event. Race officials are hoping that the XTERRA Power to the Tower Trail Run will ignite an XTERRA Tennessee Trail Run Series in 2013. In order for a state to host an XTERRA Trail Run Series, it must include at least three races.

The winner of the Power to the Tower race said he would like to see a full series come to his home state. "If you guys have another event, you bet I will be there," Smelser said.

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