Collegiate Trail Running National Championship Returns to Strouds Run State Park for 2023
2023 Collegiate Trail Running National Championships will be held within the Thunderbunny 11K Trail Race in Athens, Ohio
May 9, 2023 – Athens, OH - The Collegiate Running Association (CRA) and the Southeastern Ohio Trail Runners (SEOTR) are proud to announce the return of the Collegiate Trail Running National Championship to Strouds Run State Park. The event will take place on May 12, 2023, and following a similar format as last year the Thunderbunny events will include the 11K on Friday evening, followed by the 25K and 50K events on Saturday morning.
The 2023 Collegiate Trail Running National Championships for both men and women will be held during the 11K event, with a highly competitive field anticipated to participate. The top three male and female college-eligible finishers will receive prize money, with $750 awarded for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. Additionally, JAMBAR, the association's official energy bar, will be presented to the top five collegiate finishers.
"We can't wait to be back at Strouds Run State Park and participate in the Thunderbunny 11K trail running event," said Steve Taylor, Co-Founder of the Collegiate Running Association. "As trail running continues to grow in popularity, SEOTR Events' great reputation makes this one of our favorite destinations. At the CRA, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for college students in all areas of the sport, and the Thunderbunny 11K is an excellent platform for them to compete for a national championship in trail running."
The beautiful Strouds Run State Park, with its single-track trails, wild flowers, and stunning rock formations, will provide a breathtaking backdrop for the race. A total of 1,099 feet in elevation gain spread throughout the loop will challenge participants in the park which comprises 2,600 acres and includes Dow Lake, a 160-acre lake created in 1960. The start and finish lines are located near the lake, which is a common destination for Ohio University students to enjoy the weather on sunny spring or summer days.
Michael Owen, the SEOTR Race Director said, “SEOTR is excited to partner with the CRA to bring the Collegiate Trail Running National Championship back to Athens for the third year and the Thunderbunny 11K. Whether a recreational runner or an elite runner, participants will have an opportunity to be part of a great sport, and I hope this type of opportunity motivates them to stay involved beyond college.”
The CRA is committed to creating opportunities for college students to participate in trail running and encourages runners to experience the overload of senses from the amazing wild flowers which decorate the course. The Thunderbunny 11K is set to be a great weekend for all, and college students across the country are invited to join local participates in this year's event.
The Collegiate Trail Running National Championships is a premier event for college students who are passionate about trail running or just want to experience a trail race. The event not only provides an opportunity for these students to showcase their talents but also encourages them to lead a healthy and active lifestyle in the outdoors. It promises to be an exciting and inspiring event, and we cannot wait to see who will come out on top in this year's race.
Contact:
Steve Taylor
Collegiate Running Association President and Co-Founder
Email: steve.taylor@collegiaterunning.org
Michael Owen
SEOTR Race Director
Email: michael@seotrevents.com