Perfect Day for XC at Ancil Hoffman Park
Tim Tollefson powers up the hill for the win. (Photo by www.painani.org)
The Pacific Association’s cross country series started last weekend in Santa Cruz, but the first local race of the season was at Ancil Hoffman on Saturday.
Runners at the 4th Annual Rebels XC Challenge–hosted by the River City Rebels–enjoyed picture-perfect weather and a classic turf and trail course through the rolling hills around Ancil Hoffman Park.
As usual, the PA series event included three races: women, masters men (40+), and open men.
The women started first and Olivia Mickle (Bowerman Track Club) held off Lindsay Tollefson (Sacramento Running Association) to win the 6K in 20:50.
Tollefson took second in 20:52, and the 3rd woman finisher was Michelle Meyer (Impalas), who brought it home in 22:04.
The top-three masters women this year were all over 50! They were Makie Ohler (Trkač Racing Team), 52, with a 23:43 finish, Inka Mims (Trkač Racing Team), 54, in 23:49, and Carla Kehoe (River City Rebels), 50, with a 24:03.
For the masters men, it was Ed Brooks (River City Rebels), 43, who came out on top with a finish time of 20:04. Coming in 2nd was Iain Mickle (River City Rebels–And
Ed Brooks for the masters win! (Photo by www.painani.org.)
yes, he is Olivia’s father.), 53, with a 20:12.
Rounding out the top three was Gary Blanco (River City Rebels), 46, with a time of 20:44.
With most of the West Valley Track club choosing to sit this one out, the Rebels look to have cleaned up in men’s master and senior scoring, leaving them 2 for 2 in masters team wins so-far this season.
In the open men’s race, Tim Tollefson (Sacramento Running Association) had built up a sizable lead by the end of the first loop around the grass (900 meters) and he held on for the win with a time of 18:15. Finishing 2nd was Michael Hiscott (West Valley Track Club), in a time of 18:34.
Charlie Brenneman (Sacramento Running Association) finished 3rd with a time of 18:49.
The Rebels also host a “citizen’s fun run” associated with the grand prix event. The top male finishers were Dennis Mui, 35, with 22:45, Shane Marshall, 15, in 23:09, and Sam McManis, 54, with a time of 23:57.
The top female finishers were Hannah Wirth, 11, who completed the 6K in 25:52, Tricia Nixon, 44, with a 28:15 finish, and Candice McCoy, 25, who finished in 32:33.
Preliminary results for all the events can be found here.
A great set of photos by our friends at Painani.org can be found here. (While you are there, be sure to also check out the photos from the USA Track and Field Championships!)
The next local, adult, cross-country race will be the 6th Annual Willow Hills XC Open, on September 27th. Give the dirt a try!
Fast father and daughter: Iain Mickle and Olivia Mickle. (Photo courtesy of Maria Kelly)