THIS RACE IS A TRAIN LOVER’SDREAM
WELCOME TO THE GREENBRIER RIVER TRAIL MARATHON
Most footraces kick off with the bang of a starting pistol or the blaring of a horn, but not the Greenbrier River Trail Marathon. This particular fall race through the forests of West Virginia starts with a piercing whistle. “The coal locomotive train whistle is our starting gun,” race director Kellyn Cassell explains, “so anyone who is a train buff might want to run just for that.” Since the race’s inception in 2018, volunteers in Lynnpro-printed T-shirts have waved runners off from the marathon’s starting line in Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. The park is home to an 11-mile stretch of fully operational heritage railroad and an authentic lumber railroading museum. When they’re not racing, runners and their families can even take a ride on the train! The race itself is notable for more than its locomotive charm. It’s an unusually flat course with a slight 1% downhill grade that winds through miles of lush trees along the Greenbrier River. Kellyn, who grew up in the area, was inspired to start the marathon after taking a solo run on the trail and realizing it would be perfect for a high-speed race.
“I just happened to be back visiting family one day, and I was running on the trail and thought to myself, ‘I really need to get some of my fast friends down here to run this trail with me,’” he says.
After pivoting to a virtual race in 2020, the Greenbrier is back on in 2021 and bigger than ever! Kellyn added a half-marathon to the schedule this year for the very first time and hopes to bring in 400–500 participants. Both races are ideal for nature lovers, as the proceeds go back to the Greenbrier River Trail Association, which keeps the area pristine. “If you’re somebody who likes to have a crowd pushing you on, this is definitely not the race for you. But the river cheers you on the whole way!” Kellyn says.
To learn more about the Greenbrier River Trail Marathon and Half- Marathon taking place on Oct. 3, visit GRTMarathon.com.
Rhubarb Oat Bars
Word Search
INGREDIENTS
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
• 1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped • 1 cup packed brown sugar, divided
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice • 4 tbsp water, divided • 4 tsp cornstarch • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a medium saucepan, bring rhubarb, 1/2 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and 3 tbsp water to a boil. 3. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rhubarb is tender (about 5 minutes). 4. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining water, stirring until smooth. 5. Gradually add to the rhubarb mixture, return to a boil, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside. 6. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, coconut, salt, and remaining brown sugar. Stir in butter until mixture is crumbly. 7. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread rhubarb mixture on top, then sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. 8. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before enjoying!
ARBOR ARIES
CHOCOLATE DAISY DIAMOND ENVIRONMENT
GARDEN KITE RAINBOW SHOWERS
BASEBALL CHERRIES
CALL 563-243-6459 • 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker