RACE TO PRIEST POOLS

Join the SMG Team for a FAST and FUN RACE to PRIEST POOLS this Monday 11/11/2024.

The race day events start at 0630 for Racer Registration.  There will be a group photo directly before the race gates open for a mixed road/trail race to Priest Pools.  The race will begin at the Merizo/Malesso Pier.  The Village of Malesso is celebrating a fiesta this weekend and what better way to cap the weekend than with a morning filled with spectacular views and the calming waters of Priest Pools.

Runners will be treated to an early morning race with the waves lapping the beach rocks as they leave the pier.  Soon, the beautiful Southern Mountains will be seen peaking from the early glimpses or trail.  After a short road run, the road will gives way to a proper trail running adventure with modest elevation gains of around 460 feet.  Runners will continue up after passing a seaside cemetery, only to be greeted by more scenic green vistas kissed by the early morning sun as below:  

 

Runners will follow white biodegradable marks along a well-worn ridge trail that continues to gently climb the remaining slope to Priest Pools.  The approach to the refreshing pools nestled in the valley but to get there, runners will forge a short but slipperychannel filled with sword grass and low shrubs. Then, like magic, the Priest Pools appear!

 

After a refreshing dip in the pools, if you've got some time to spare! The trail continues onto the hard top pavement behind the Ancient San Dimas Catholic Church.  The Priest of this small enclave were reported to have inspired the naming of the beautiful pools.  

Along a well-manicured lawn the trail will descend to the coast to be greeted by the beauty that is the Southern Villages. There is a quiet quaintness about the Southern Villages as many who call Guam home have come to admire.

After passing the iconic church and beach side attractions, the runners continue down the seaside road for another half a mile to the Merizo/Malesso Pier.  The SMG Race Gate will be greeting each finisher with open arms and cow bells!  There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place finishers per division and a raffle for all finishers at the end.

If you haven't registered already, please do so here: 2024 SMG RACE SERIES – Southern Mountain Gear

If you've already registered, please be sure to subscribe for Race Day updates via email.

We can't wait to see you all in Merizo this weekend!

ONON,

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