MH man is first to finish Hyner 50K
HYNER — With a chilly start but a progressively warmer day, the annual Hyner Challenge drew competitors from all over the country.
They made their way to western Clinton County to take part in the annual hike Saturday afternoon.
Hyner has become so sought after that the course is booked full every year. This year 854 runners, hikers and walkers completed the 25K, while 269 finished the 50K. Both routes wind up and down the mountains of Hyner.
Nineteen-year-old Wesley Atkinson of Mill Hall was the first runner to conquer the 50K, completing the monstrous route in 4 hours and 41 minutes — 5 minutes ahead of the second-place finisher.
Zach Miller from Manitou Springs Colorado had the best time in the 25K, with 2 hours and 6 minutes.
The last person crossing the line Saturday finished up the Hyner Challenge in 9 hours and 35 minutes.