The View Trail Race drew competitors out of the woods and into the sun awaiting them at the vista with a large group of spectators standing by to cheer runners on. With both a 15k and 25k option, The View Trail Race offers participants a chance to take on some of the iconic Hyner Challenge climbs and descents in a slightly different format than the spring race, along with the option of a shorter distance.

That shorter distance brought some top notch runners out to this year’s event as well as 2 new course records.

In the 15k, Cy Haight, 14, of Trout Run, finished in just 1 hour, 12 minutes, beating the past course record by over 4 minutes. Cy, whose mom got him started in trail running, said he prefers trails over roads because of the better scenery.

He was grateful to race director, Craig Fleming, for “making the course easy to follow, and keeping everything well organized.”

PHOTO PROVIDED First place finishers in the 25k, Andrew Hutchinson, of Harrisburg, and Meira Minard, of State College, with their prize axes.

Having volunteered at many of the events and trail work days over the past year, Cy also recognized the team effort that goes on behind the scenes.

“Thank you to everyone involved in the PA Trail Dogs series for the exceptional work you have done to make trail running enjoyable for everyone,” Cy said.

Not to be outdone, the top 15k female, Eileen Maney, 38, of Bellefonte, also set a new course record for the women with a finishing time of 1 hour, 24 minutes.

A mom of three, Eileen doesn’t have a surplus of time for training between family and her full time job, but that doesn’t stop her from enjoying the competition and camaraderie of these events.

“It was a beautiful race! Craig and the PA Trail Dogs do an exceptional job maintaining their trails, so we all got to enjoy beautiful views while pushing past our physical limitations,” Eileen said.

PHOTO BY TARA ENGELHART Runners cross the bridge at the start of The View Trail Race Sunday morning. It was a cool, clear morning at the start of the race.

In the 25k distance, Andrew Hutchinson, 23, of Harrisburg, finished first with a time of 1 hour, 55 minutes — just 7 seconds over the course record. In his first run of this event, Andrew left the day with nothing but rave reviews.

“I really enjoyed the course. The views were beautiful, there was a good mix of terrain, it was pretty fast and runnable… although those two climbs definitely put me in the hurt locker! It was a great event and the people were so welcoming and friendly. I’ll be back for sure,” he said.

Meira Minard, 51, of State College, took first place female with a time of 2 hours, 42 minutes. “We couldn’t have asked for better weather and the PA Trail Dog races always offer great challenges and a ton of fun,” Minard said.

A long time trail runner, Minard has been finding her way to the front of the pack at Hyner for more than 15 years, and it appears she won’t be slowing down anytime soon.

Among the many spectators at this year’s event was retired Forester Ted Ligenza, a well-known face in the Sproul State Forest area. Though officially off the clock now, Ted was thrilled to see the crowd of participants continuing to flock to Hyner trail events.

PHOTO PROVIDED Volunteers from Element 26 Wellness in Mill Hall manned the second aid station on the course, providing drinks, food and smiles to passing participants.

“I knew we had some special trails here and I hoped people would give our area a chance,” Ted said. “They really have! Hyner has become a hub for trail running, and I’d say the sport is here to stay.”

Race Director and head of the PA Trail Dogs, Craig Fleming of Lock Haven, echoed those sentiments.

“It was a great day from start to finish and the weather was absolutely perfect for running. It was great to see so many new faces out there on the course that got to experience Hyner for the first time,” Fleming said. “A big thanks to all the fire companies, aid station workers, local churches, course volunteers, DCNR, and the sweepers. A total team effort from a great trail community!!”

Official race results are available at falconracetiming.com.

For more info on The View Trail Race and other PA Trail Dog events, visit patraildogs.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED Bailey Snyder, left, and Susan Cauley Muther volunteered on the course to direct runners as the course distances split off in different directions.

PHOTO PROVIDED Volunteers from local community churches spent the day making grilled cheese sandwiches for finishers of the race.

PHOTO PROVIDED Volunteers from the local community churches offered hot soup to participants at the finish area.

PHOTO PROVIDED The finish line area was abuzz with participants enjoying post-race food and drinks on a gorgeous day.

PHOTO PROVIDED Volunteer Lee Arbogast, of Muncy, and his dog, Blaze, cheered runners on from the trail as they made their way up to the View.