RED ROCK – For the last four decades, the Paju Mountain Run has provided a unique challenge for runners.
That was the case on Aug. 10 as the 41st edition of the event took place in Red Rock with inclement conditions on the 11-kilometre course.
“We had a couple of people that had a ran a race elsewhere a couple of weeks ago where the temperatures were around 37 degrees, so they actually kind of preferred the drizzly weather,” said Ashley Davis, who is the community development officer and special projects coordinator for the Township of Red Rock.
“Even though it was wet, I felt like this year’s run went really well. All of our participants who pre-registered showed up and we even had three same-day registrations, which I was quite surprised about given that it was a dreary day here in Red Rock.”
A total of 49 runners took part in this year’s run, which is right around where things have been for entries in recent years.
This was also the second year in a row that the event has had an in-person race after the 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I definitely think we’re getting back to normal here,” Davis said.
“Last year there was a little bit of a scheduling conflict with us and the XTERRA run in Thunder Bay having our races on the same day, but XTERRA’s now moved back a couple of weeks and we ended up having a lot more participation here in Red Rock, which was great.
“It’s a bit of an uphill battle in the Paju, so I think a few of the participants may end up using this past weekend as training and preparation for the XTERRA races.”
The majority of the runners came from Thunder Bay, but the field also included participants from Nipigon, Red Rock and Winnipeg, along with travellers from southern Ontario and Nova Scotia.
Davis feels the uniqueness of the Paju Mountain Run is what has drawn people to the event since it started.
“I overheard a couple of participants talking about how its not very often that they compete in a mountain run where they actually start and finish within the community itself,” Davis said.
“The elevation changes provide a bit of a challenge, which adds to the appeal, and Red Rock has that small town feel to it as well.”
Brian Weigelt had the fastest time on Aug. 10 as he completed the 11-kilometre course in 46 minutes and 13 seconds.
He was joined on the podium by Michael Maronese and female event winner Paige Kobe.
The winners in each category were as follows:
- Junior Male (under 20): Anson Moorey
- Junior Female (under 20): Mackenzie Leger
- Open Male (20-29): Erik Salmon
- Open Female (20-29): Paige Kobe
- Senior Male (30-39): Kari Kelso
- Senior Female (30-39): Jennifer Pasicel
- Masters Male (40-49): Brian Weigelt
- Masters Female (40-49): Michelle McChristie
- Veteran Male (50 and up): John Martinsen
- Veteran Female (50 and up): Donna Coutts
- Walkers: Jenne Keller
