The Bell Ringer Trail Run at Montgomery Bell State Park just finished its 10th run this past weekend (December 14, 2024). I have managed to run it the last five years. The race has a 15k, 25k, and a 50k. I have run the 15k once, 25k twice and 50k twice.
The race has given away some nice swag at the longer distance including socks, a pint glass, and this year a portable charger.
The race has had perfect weather, a torrential downpour, and it has been cold. This year was fairly mild but it felt good to have a warm top on. As can be seen in the photo below.
My youngest daughter was running the 15k this year and I was running the 25k. With the 25k starting at 7:30, I had a half hour head start on my daughter starting the 15k at 8am. I thought I could beat her this year, but fell 20 minutes short.
The trail is always well marked and challenging with some road, golf course, jeep roads and trail. The trails were cleared off, so it was easier to see the rocks and roots. The park ranger also said if it was not clear you were probably off the course.
No pictures of the trail this year as I was focused on a fast time. As always, met some really great trail runners and shared some stories to pass the time. Got a little too comfortable behind some runners, but not sure I had it in me to catch my daughter. Speaking of fast times, in 2019, when I ran the race for the first time, I finished in 2:35:23 and was 15th place. In 2024, I finished in 2:33:54, so a PR for the course, but managed a 5th place finish.
#bellringertrailrun
Country Road Runner 