Clayton Faine leaps his way over one of the many mud puddles on the trail during the Blackrock Assault race on March 23, 2019. Photo by Jake Burks.
Sylva’s Pinnacle Park was abuzz on March 23 with early morning activity as the annual extreme trail running race kicked off. Cars lined the normally quiet parking lot as event volunteers and organizers prepared for what was to be the biggest race to date.
With over 128 entrants from more than four states coming to compete, the 2019 Assault on Blackrock raised just over $4000 for the Sylva Police Department’s K9 fund.
Event organizer Brian Barwatt has hailed this year as “a huge success” due to a combination of favorable weather, fierce competition, and the biggest number of competitors the race has ever experienced. The race this year was the first in five years to not see a drop of rain.
“We’ve had the best weather in years with gorgeous views. A few past participants had never seen a view from the summit in previous races because of bad weather,” said Barwatt.
Not only did this year’s race break the trend of bad weather, first place finisher Matthew Warriner broke the course record by over three minutes with a time of one hour and seven minutes. The previous record had stood for over seven years.
Out of the 128 entrants, 33 finished the seven mile course in under 101 minutes as part of the “Blackrock 101” challenge. These select racers received a commemorative belt buckle for their efforts.
See the photo-story from the race.
