July 4, 2010 - Over 200 runners showed up for the 31st Annual Tofte Trek 10K Wilderness Run/Walk. Runners embraced the threatening rain showers and actually liked the slow drizzle, which cooled them down after about two miles into the race. The day started with adults cheering 4 year old boys and girls as they sprinted across the Birch Grove parking lot. The kid's races are a highlight of the Tofte Trek with 4-12 year old participants. Jan Horak, who organized the first the Tofte Trek 31 years ago, announced the kid's races using his playful banter.

The main 10K race started with most people expecting 7-time winner Greg Hexom from Duluth to repeat his string of successes. This year, recent high school graduate Guthrie Cunningham from Finland, MN had the edge on second-place finisher Hexum by 4 seconds. Cunningham's time of 36:40 was impressive considering the slick, wet trails. Max Runia from Central Point, Oregon took third with a time of 38:19.

The usual contingent of Duluth Nordic skiers and runners attended the event with Andre' Watt coming in 4th followed by fellow-Duluthian Jorn Aswype. The top five runners in the women's division all hailed from Duluth. Sarah Allen took the title with a time of 51:13 followed by second-place finisher Sonja Ellingson. Alena Tofte, Anne Flueckiger, and Janna Radke followed.

Cook County resident Braidy Powers took the blue ribbon in the 10K race walk, while the woman's ribbon went to Jennifer Reinhardt of Woodbury, MN.

The races were organized by the Sugarbush Trail Association and all proceeds will be donated to Cook County non-profit organizations. We hope to see you next year!

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