To the finish line- a Driftless race
Eighty-two racers participated in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve 2019 Tromp and Chomp Trail Run on Saturday May 11. Runners competed in either an 8-mile or half-marathon (13.1-miles). Both courses traversed some of the 8600 acres that make up the reserve.
Proceeds from this event profited the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Education and Events programs. Education Coordinator Jonel Kiesau, stated that the ‘Tromp and Chomp’ is just one of the annual fundraisers for the education program that sees about 7000 students every year through KVR’s day use programs that engages schools and groups by using the reserves hands on environmental programming.
As a part of the programming, Kiesau said, “We host about ten weeks of summer camps, after school programming, and evening programming for adults as well.” She noted the proceeds from the race will directly benefit the education program, and added, “I think this event is really unique partly because of the Driftless area, and the beauty of running through the woods in the spring.”
First place in the 8-mile race for female and male respectively was, Leah Baldwin, finishing at 1:03:31.5, and David Maxwell, finishing at 1:04:14.2.
First place in the 13.1-mile race for male and female respectively was Rusty Daines, finishing at 1:31:12.6, and Jill Wojta, finishing at 1:47:20.6.
Helping Kiesau keep track of the runner’s times as they crossed the finish line, was former Education coordinator Sadie Urban. Now a member of ‘Friends of the Kickapoo’ Urban continues her support by volunteering at events like the ‘Tromp and Chomp’.
“I love the land; I love the place. I was the events coordinator for almost nine years, so stepping away from these events was hard, but I like to help out when I can. I like to help raise money for the programs and help things run smoothly. It’s just nice to make sure things are going well.”
At the end of the race, participants were treated to a locally sourced meal catered by Dani Lind of Rooted Spoon Culinary.” Kiesau stressed that all of the prizes for race placers were food based by local businesses. On the menu for the day’s race, were some locally-sourced foods that are based on the springtime growing season.
Final Results 13.1 Mile
Final Results 8-Mile
