Half marathoners brave the cold
A runner gives a thumbs-up in the middle of a frosty run. April Copeland photo
A cold, rainy day made for a muddy course on the inaugural Headwaters Half Marathon Saturday, Dec. 1, in Panthertown Valley.
The route included three creek crossings, each at least thigh-high, and lots of climbs and descents — runners started at 4,000 feet and descended 2,200 feet to the valley only to climb back up to 4,000 feet. The race drew 48 runners, with 46 finishing.
Dominick Laporte of Asheville had the fastest time with 2:04:10, with Seth Holing of Cherokee the second-place male and Zack Brown of Asheville the third-place male. Leah Nicholson of Brevard came in first among female competitors at 2:07:24, with Michelle Provost of Sylva in second and Amanda Blair of Crabtree in third.
The race was organized by the Plott Balsam Runners, which welcomes runners of all skill levels for group runs. Sponsors and supporters included the Jackson County Green Energy Park, Friends of Panthertown Valley, Full Spectrum Farms, Shire Forge, Homestead Chimney Sweep, Foot Rx and the U.S. Forest Service, as well as a variety of volunteers.
