RACE TO PRIEST POOLS RECAP
Well folks, that's another race in the books here at SMG! The Race to Priest Pools was a huge success. Around 26 racers found their way to the Merizo Pier on a cloudy Veteran's Day. There were many questions about how wet the course would be and if there would be rain during the race. Thankfully, the skies cleared, and racers found themselves on the Southern Hills with just the right amount of early morning sunshine. After a quick race day photo, the racers were off promptly at 0700.
The Race to Priest Pools, just like all the races here at SMG, offered 4 divisions: Mens, Womens, Old AF & Youth divisions. We were happy to have repeat racers from all divisions, but especially happy to see our 3 young racers on race day. After a short road run towards the Malesso cemetery, the course heads to the hills which can be seen from the road peeking above the cemetery grounds.
A well-maintained ridge trail greeted racers shortly after leaving the cemetery. Here is where racers encounter the first of a series of historical and beautiful points of interest on this trail--The Tinta and Faha Massacre site. This hallowed ground is overgrown now, but the memories of that massacre still linger in the air and in the minds of the survivors. After this solemn site, the racers continued to speed ahead along a well-worn single-track trail towards the pools.
After climbing about 460 feet from the beach below, the trail gives way to a series of brush covered hills. Soon the gentle sounds of water can be faintly heard in the distance. Racers plunged down a short ravine to cross one last hill before the pools become visible in the morning sun. The Yledigao River waters lap at the rocky falls that make up Priest Pools. The racers jockeyed for position with a slippery waterfall scramble ultimately leading them towards the subdivision and the short mile or so to the finish.
Once on the black-top, racers continued their journey towards the beach once again. From here, it was a quick 1.3-mile road run to return to the Merizo Pier.
Unfortunately, the fastest racers of the day missed the turnaround at the Merizo Mayor's Office...whoops! SMG wants to give a huge shout out to Emily Draeger for rescuing these adventurous souls after they missed the turn.
This exciting race was ultimately won with a time of 33:16 by Brittany McCoullough. Followed closely by Brian Christner with a time of 33:20. Phil Law came in 3rd place overall with a time of 34:06 and clinched the Old AF Division top spot. In the Women's Division, Emily Draeger came in 2nd with a time of 34:07. In 3rd place in the Women's Division, Diann Rosenfeld finished with a time of 37:28. To finish out the Men's Division, Matthew Lippert finished in 36:24 only a few second shy of his daughter's impressive time of 36:23 giving her the 2nd slot for the Youth Division behind Evan Tydingco's time of 36:14--clinching the Youth Division top spot. Ezra Leon Guerrero took 3rd in the Youth Division with a time of 77:47 overall.
Many thanks to all our racers and volunteers. We couldn't have done any of this without you!!! For me, it was a great way to spend Veteran's Day. A HUGE heartfelt thank you to the Veteran's that have served us and thank you to the Merizo Mayor's Office for a great time in Malesso. Let's do it again soon!
We are done racing for the year, but we will continue to host our weekly 5k fun-run on Tuesdays at 1800 (GO TIME) at Skinner Plaza in Hagåtña. We are also happy to announce a Santa Claus/Christmas themed 5k on 12/24/24, so get your costumes ready!!!
We look forward to seeing you all at our next event. Please check back here regularly over the next few months for races, store events or sales, and new product rolls outs.
Happy Trails,
Andy