Muddier, more difficult Lion’s Chase a stern test for runners

Runners in the 2014 Lion’s Chase 5k race had to navigate 10 new obstacles this year, including a leap across platforms on intertubes tethered together in a pond.

A Louisville man and a London woman outclimbed, outcrawled and outgutted the field of 372 runners and were crowned champions of the third annual Lion’s Chase obstacle course 5k race this past Saturday.

Thirty-one-year-old Benjamin Hall was the fastest across the finish line in a winning time of 35:04. He beat out last year’s champion Corbin-native Ben White, 26, who finished in 36:28. Hall was second to White last year.

The men’s side of the race included the champions the past two years, White and inaugural Lion’s Chase winner 30-year-old Mitchell Dyer, who finished this time around in 49:45.

“This was definitely tougher than last year,” White said after crossing the finish line. “I was in better shape last year running-wise, but they added some new obstacles this year making the course a little bit longer and it definitely took its toll on me.”

The female champion, 29-year-old Ashley Townsend, plowed through the course in 46:17, just eight seconds faster than Ashley Crowe who took second place for the women.

Townsend, a former varsity cheerleader at the University of Florida, said it was the first time she’d ever run The Lion’s Chase, or any obstacle course race for that matter. She signed up for the event at the urging of a friend.

“I was really nervous. I’ve done 5ks and half marathons before, but never a race like this,” Townsend said. “I loved it. I was on a high all day.”

“When I came across the finish line, one of the people there told me they thought it was the fastest time of the day. I really didn’t think I’d win it.”

Townsend said she definitely plans to return next year to defend her title.

The Lion’s Chase is held annually on a scenic farm in rural Whitley County off of US 25 between Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and the City of Williamsburg. Without obstacles, the race would be a challenging 5k run. With them, it becomes a torturous test of endurance and strength that race organizer Jeff Sparks likes to say it takes “the heart of a lion” to complete.

“I think people, if they are going to pay good money to be in this race and invest the time to train for it, want something that is going to be a challenge,” Sparks said. “When you get done with The Lion’s Chase, you know you did something that day.”

This year’s race featured 43 obstacles that included everything from simple leaps over water-filled pits to navigating wire bridges and rope climbs up sheer rock faces.

Finishing times for this year’s race were slowed considerably because of the condition of the course. Sparks noted there was significant rain in the area for two days prior to Saturday’s race, which made the course muddy and treacherous. Despite the difficulty and tough conditions, none of the participants suffered any major injuries.

For being overall champion of the race, Hall will receive a special replica sword with the image of a lion on the hilt. Townsend, along with the second and third place finishers in the mens’ and womens’ division will all received special trophies that feature a lion’s head, keeping with the theme of the race.

Sparks said it has always been a goal to build a race that will eventually be known as the nation’s premier obstacle course race.

“We are always trying to have something new and challenging every year,” Sparks said. “I think every year the process gets a little better and smoother.”