Braving Bees & Bridges for Big Results

Written by Krysta Gunvalson

Saturday, October 13th

Thirteen Rose City Track Club runners toed the line in Mary S. Young Park for Stumptown XC Race #2. While many teammates are in the thick of fall marathon preparation, we braved hills, wood chips, and a swarm of angry bees to come away with great results.

“We fielded the largest RCTC women’s XC team ever and scored a full men’s team club history!” said RCTC co-captain, Shasta Zielke.

“The highlights were friends, beer, and a bee sting in the neck,” said teammate Lauren Barth. “The lowlight was a bee sting in the neck.”

The RCTC women placed second as a team and scored three women in the top 10. Leading the charge was Fionna Fallon in 18:44, Marla Smith in 19:10, and Shasta Zielke in 19:15. Close behind was Lauren Barth in 19:38.

Marla Smith

Finishing as the team’s 5th scoring runner and tie-breaker was Krysta Gunvalson in 20:48. “This was my first cross country 5K and my first time scoring for the team, even if we didn’t take 1st,” she said. (Author’s note: Team Red Lizard and RCTC both scored 29 points which lead to a tie-breaker between both team’s 5th scoring runners.)

“This race was harder than the first XC race in Lents Park,” said Emma Notario, who finished in 24:38. “The rolling hills & turns on the course were tough but I didn’t finish last or get stung by a bee!”

Also racing for the women’s team were Cate Maxon in 21:02, Elise Hall in 21:12, Thailyr Jaegersen in 21:35, and Clara Kerley in 23:42.

Representing RCTC as our first scoring men’s team in club history were Alejandro Fallas in 18:22, Brooks Barth in 19:31, Alex DeCino in 20:35, and Dylan Dougherty in 20:48. The team finished 6th with 101 points.

The beautiful weather also brought out Ashley Meagher, Liz Anjos, Rachel Wysocki, and Leah Drebin as our Rose City cheer squad and support crew. Following the race, the team celebrated with burritos, beers, and bee-sting stories.

Sunday, October 14th

Skipping the trails for the roads on Sunday, October 14th was Emma Huston at the Great Columbia Crossing 10K in Astoria, Oregon.

“The race was cold, windy, and the bridge was a crazy incline, but it was the most beautiful 10K I’ve ever run!” said Huston. “We were so lucky that it was clear and sunny; the view was amazing!”

Not even the 1,200ft Astoria–Megler Bridge could stop Huston, who finished in 37:56 and took home 1st place.