Helen Harless,
GRTA Board member
On April 24, 2021, the premier triath-lon race highlighting the best of the Greenbrier River Trail and the Greenbrier River welcomed 107 participants who ran three miles, paddled four miles and biked 10 miles. Choosing to participate in person on Race Day or completing legs of the race virtually allowed everyone to compete comfortably and safely. The Race began and ended in Marlinton.
Winners included Will-iam Blake, of Scott Depot, with the fastest overall time. Second place finisher was Andrew Rose, Glen Allen, Virginia.
“For 35 years we have held an event dear to the hearts of people who love the outdoors and important to the community in protecting the Greenbrier River Trail and Greenbrier River environment,” Race Director Brenda Cochran said. “I thank all the volunteers who helped make the Race a success and we are especially grateful to the West Virginia State Park Service, Jody Spencer, Sam Parker and their staff, for their hard work and cooperation.”
The Race is a fundraiser for the Greenbrier River Trail Association (GRTA), a group of volunteers who and its benefits to the public. Past proceeds from the Race have helped build shelters and restrooms, repair damage caused by storms and floods and lay new gravel on the Trail.
Racers benefited from the new resurfacing of the Trail, made possible through a Recreational Trail Program grant awarded to the Greenbrier River Trail Association and West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. The US Department of Highways paid $120,000 matched by $30,000 from the Greenbrier River Trail Association. This spring, Faulknier Enterprises resurfaced 60 miles of the Trail with limestone sand from Cass south to mile post 16 near Anthony Creek. The West Virginia Department of Highways administered the grant.
“It’s a privilege to be involved in protecting a resource so critical to the health and wellbeing of West Virginians and visitors,” said Maggie Hutchison, Board Chairperson of GRTA. “We have seen an enormous increase in Trail usage over the past year and encourage more people to enjoy it, as well.
“Come out on the Trail for a great experience.”
To view the complete list of winners, visit www.tristateracer.com/resultsdb.php?race_ id=6436
