Lundstrom, George Win Superior 50K Titles

By Alex Kurt

Former Team USA Minnesota runner and Olympic Trials marathoner Chris Lundstrom of Minneapolis overcame a five-minute deficit to defend his title in the Superior 50K in Lutsen Saturday.

Lundstrom trailed 2011 Voyageur 50 Mile champion Samuel Jurek of Boston, Massachusetts at the halfway point but took the lead at the final aid station as Jurek was suffering from the affects of soaring temperatures. (He would fade to seventh.)

Lundstrom finished in 3:56:04, the third-fastest time in race history. (He owns the top two as well.)

“I managed to drop and spill my water bottle leaving the last aid station, so I went that last hour without any fluids,” Lundstrom said. “I really should have gone back and refilled, as I'm sure the lack of fluids cost me more time than it would have taken to go back. But hindsight is 20/20.”

In the women’s race, Rebecca George of Baxter won in 4:45:38, also third-fastest in race history and good for 12^th overall. Duluth’s Christi Nowak, the defending champion, finished second in 4:57:43.

Race Director John Storkamp said Lundstrom’s and George’s times were more impressive given the course was lengthened to include a summit of Carlton Peak this year. “Reports are that it was worth it for the great view,” Storkamp said.

Full 50K results can be found HERE.

Duluth took top spots in the men’s and women’s 25K race. Eric Hartmark set a course record of 1:39:09, over six minutes ahead of the nearest competitor. Elaine Wilson finished first among women (15^th overall) in 2:11:31, just three seconds off Leslie Semler’s 2010 course record. Semler of Hermantown was second in 2:19:58.

Full 25K results can be found HERE. 

Alex Kurt is Down the Backstretch's new ultra-running contributor.