The inaugural GO! Missouri KT82 Trail Relay, which took place on Saturday, August 30, 2014, was well received by both participants and the communities along the 82-mile route. More than 180 teams started the race from Creve Coeur Park in St. Louis and finished with a post-race party in the heart of wine country – Hermann, Mo. Participants from 19 different states registered for the first annual event.

The winning six-person team was Smells Like Team Spirit in a time of 8:51:14, which translates to a 6:29 per mile pace. Members of the winning team were: Peter Kim, Gabriel Medina, Colby Garman, Joe Lyons, Jon Yoch and David Nischwitz. Capturing the 3-Person (ULTRA) Division was Lubed & Chafed, finishing with a time of 10:41:57. Lube & Chafed team members included Katherine Buchowski, Kate Dewey and Amy Fruland-Smock. The winning teams received bottles of wine compliments of The Hermann Wine Trail.

“It was so inspiring to see all of the happy, smiling,  albeit tired participants when they crossed the finish line in Hermann,” said Nancy Lieberman, GO! St. Louis President. “This event was more than a year in the planning, and our staff was very meticulous that every operational detail was executed with great care, and I think that really showed in the final result. The outpouring of positive and appreciative comments from participants after the race, ensured that the KT82 will be a premier race for many years to come.”

On an overcast day, which saw afternoon temperatures in the low 80s runners started in waves of 10 to 15 at times, beginning as early 4:45 a.m. and concluding at 9:00 a.m.  Individual runners completed the 17 different exchange points, which ranged from 2.5 mile to 7.5 miles in distance and include a variety of terrain and difficulty. Every team utilized one or two support vehicles that traversed along the course carrying team members preparing for their next exchange.

Once the final runner entered Hermann and got close to the finish line they were greeted by their remaining teammates, so they could cross the line as one team. All of the participants were treated to a post-race party, which included music, Missouri wines, brats, Michelob ULTRA beer, and top-quality runner amenities such as finisher medals and hats.

For the complete lists of team results, visit http://results.chronotrack.com/event/results/event/event-6681?lc=en

For more information on the GO! Missouri KT82 Trail Relay, check out the event page at http://gostlouis.org/kt82-trail-relay/

The KT82 Trail Relay is sponsored by McBride & Son Homes, Missouri Lottery, Great Rivers Greenway, Amtrak, True Runner and Absopure.

Image: Courtesy of GO! Missouri KT82 Trail Relay.