The sixteenth running of the Hashawha Hills 50k is in the books and it was an amazing spring-like day. The race start saw temps in the low 30s, but the sun quickly warmed things up and by the afternoon temps doubled for a wonderfully mild afternoon. The first loop saw relatively frozen trails with some snow and ice mixed in for good measure. Over the course of the day the sun baked down and warmed temps to the low 60s, making the second loop muddy and fairly slick in spots.

The women’s race saw first time finisher Emily Driscoll claim victory and twelfth place overall in 5:07:54. Running on her birthday, Ashley Judd cruised into second with a time of 5:12:45. In the men’s race, Patrick Blair came cruising to his first Hashawha Hills finish in 4:02:18 followed by 2024 Hashawha Hills winner Dan Jacobs in second place with a time of 4:13:11. Congrats to these top racers and to everyone who was lucky enough to take a mug home at the end of the day.

The Leveling up of the Famous Aid Station:
For the 16th running of the race our crew at the ‘famous’ aid station had all the good vibes that a 60 degree day in February can bring. With motivational posters, a jock jams soundtrack, hot pancakes and tater tots, and a deep volunteer crew, they absolutely knocked it out of the park. It was quite the welcome change from 2025’s race where they served as a warming station for runners frozen water bottles.

Community Notes:
Every year the post race day brings many feelings and emotions for me as a race director. This year it is a massive feeling of gratitude for every runner, volunteer, and race supporter that came out yesterday. Your participation in our event, kind words, hugs, and smiles, helped to make this emotional year a success and a wonderful tribute to my Dad. It was a perfect day.
While I write this race report as the solo race director, it could never (and I mean never) happen without the endless dedication of my Mom, Pam Gowen. Behind the scenes it is her hard work and organization that keeps me in line and allows this race to continue on seamlessly.

Whether this was your first race or you are a seasoned vet hitting the course, you were a spectator supporting a runner, a volunteer spending your day helping others achieve their goals, or a nature center employee (that stayed late to allow us to clean up)- THANK YOU!

The Stats: (of the 118 runners on the entry list)
Over 200 applications for the race lottery
112 starters, 99 finishers (88% finishing rate).
29.6% female, 70.4% male

2026 race photos (please feel free to contribute your own to the album)
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xVutPkqHRrcejjWs6