Over 800 Runners Brave Cold for Trail Race at Anne Springs

A morning temperature in the 20s made for a brisk run for the 865 runners who participated in the Charlotte Running Company Trail Race, held at Anne Springs Greenway on Saturday morning.

The race, in it’s fifteen year but first held at Anne Springs, featured 4 mile, 9 mile and 13 mile iterations. Runners who participated in the half marathon started at 8:30 while the other runners started at 8:45 and 9am respectively. All routes circumnavigated the beautiful trails of Anne Springs. A close to frozen path along with the usual rocks and roots associated with a trail run made for an interesting experience (as this particular reporter can attest).

With 5 locations in Charlotte and Rock Hill, the Charlotte Running Company was founded in 2000. In the twenty plus years since, it has become one of the more prominent stores for runners in the area. More than simply a place to buy shoes, the company features a race calendar for events throughout the year along with information on how to join a training group if you’d like some company on your runs. If shoes are all you’re after, the company provides services to help you find the perfect pair.

I briefly spoke with several of the employees who attended the race as well as one of the owners, Donnie Forsyth. They couldn’t have been more gracious. In the case of Donny, we had originally attempted to meet up after the race to discuss the event and their company in general. Several factors, including the freezing temperatures, played a part in removing this idea from the equation.

Race participants were treated to free coffee while Amor Artis handed out free beer to all who ran. A DJ pumping up the crowd at the start/finish line helped to sooth aching muscles while providing an added lift as you ran the extra 50 yards to finish your race.