When it comes to running, the ideal conditions are moderately warm temperatures with the wind at your back to help you maintain your momentum even as you tire. On Saturday, just in time for the third annual Athletic Alley Iron Horse Mini, the weather was rather miserable, with pouring rain plaguing the St. Paul-Elk Point area, with clouds hovering directly above the Iron Horse Trail.
Although the weather wasn’t ideal, and it left the trail mucky with puddles galore, the runners’ spirits remained high as athletes enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the trail, which is now green and full of life due to the recent rains.
Runners began with a loop in St. Paul as a part of the 42 km course, joining the Iron Horse Trail, and travelling all the way to Elk Point for the finish. The rains that had hydrated this area over the May-long weekend made the roads leading down to the Edouardville checkpoint treacherous. Most spectators and transfer runners left their vehicles at the top of the hill due to the slippery conditions on the steep grade leading down to the area.
The next checkpoint after that was at the old Armistice Hall location, where the rain began to come down even harder, but the runners pushed on with smiles on their faces.
Local athlete Mienna Starosielski was one of the local athletes who participated in the event and could see the positives in the day.
“Although the rain made the run more challenging by making it muddy, it was refreshing to run in the rain as well. It was a really good day for a run despite the wet weather.”
Jason Cox, third place finisher of the solo runners, was very impressed by the event and was thankful for those who put the event on.
“I really enjoyed the race. The organizers should really be proud of themselves for putting on a little event with such big heart. Thank you to them,” he said.
Over 70 runners took part in this year’s Iron Horse Mini, according to one of the event organizers Monique Poulin. Runners were “cheered on along the trails by our super volunteers and ended in Elk Point where we had warm soup to greet them,” she added.
A first time Iron Horse Mini runner was Kara Jackson of Mannville. She ran with the Back Road Renegades, and the event will have her coming back for more.
“I had a great time and I will definitely do it again.”
Results from the Team and Solo competition are as follows:
1 – “The Hawks” – 3 hours 32 minutes (Team of three with two runners from Elk Point and one from Edmonton)
2 – “Fast Five” – 3 hours 37 minutes (athletes from St. Paul and area)
3 – “We thought they said Rum” – 3 hour 39 minutes (athletes from St. Paul and area)
1 – Adam French – 3 hours 51 minutes (Canmore - French also placed first in the solo category in the 100-mile long Iron Horse Ultra)
2 – Ilona Houston – 4 hours 6 minutes (Edmonton)
3 – Jason Cox – 4 hours 13 minutes (Sherwood Park)
Also taking place as the Micro Mini, a competition for kids to run a 5 km loop in Elk Point that started and finished at the finish line for the Iron Horse mini.
Poulin added that a special thanks was offered to the event sponsors and all the volunteers who helped out, since the run could not be made possible without their support.
The St. Paul area also hosts the Iron Horse Ultra 100, which takes place in the fall October. The event pushes athletes to their limits, as they are challenged with a 100-kilometer or 100-mile trail along the Iron Horse Trail, and private land. Teams or solo runners can take part in the event.
