Race Report: The Wissahickon Trail Classic 10K Race; A Strong Showing by the Wanderers!

By: Phil Ranly

The Wanderers had home field advantage in the inaugural Wissahickon Trail Classic 10K race, and it showed! The rain, mud and hills did not intimidate the team of 13 Wanderers as they came away with nine age group awards. Finishing first in their age groups included Phil Ranly, Paul Hines, Monica Ranly, Barb Gorka, and Polly Jansen. Chris Moore finished fifth overall and second in his age group. Fred Kenney and Randy Clever finished third in their age groups. Chris Verry, Adam Davey, Dennis Crowne and Randi Garnick rounded out the Wanderer finishers.

All the elements one would look for in a classic trail race were present including rocks, fallen trees, puddles, and hills. The race started on the one-mile stretch of Forbidden drive toward the covered bridge. Phil did not waste time getting dirty as he splashed in every puddle he encountered. From there it was all up hill! The course rolled up, down and around with the final section in the Andorra Natural Area.

As the race crowd awaited the awards ceremony, a deluge of rain drenched the race finishers. The Wanderers scrambled for cover under a few tents. It was close quarters under the tents, but the spirits of the group were high especially so because of the strong finishes. It was a proud day to be a Wissahickon Wanderer! The age group prizes were gift certificates to Applebee’s in Roxborough, so the Wanderers can celebrate the strong performances with some good food.

I hope to see you all out at the Second Annual Wissahickon Trail Classic.

Happy Trails!

Phil Ranly steps on gas toward end of trail classic.

Muddy conditions prevailed at the trail classic.

Monica picks up more hardware for the Wanderers.

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It's daylight savings, and the weekly TRACK WORKOUTS are returning to Chestnut Hill Academy's track. The workouts start at 6:30 pm every Tuesday. The switchover to CHA from the Roxborough track begins Tuesday, March 18. The address is 500 West Willow Grove Avenue in Chestnut Hill.