Vasque’s Duncan Callahan Podiums at the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K

Despite rainy and cold conditions Saturday, October 6th, at the starting line of the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K, Vasque trail runner, Duncan Callahan, came in 2nd place with a time of 4:32:57.

Dubbed the largest 50k trail race in the Southeast, the StumpJump 50K begins at Signal Mountain right outside of Chattanooga, TN. The trail winds through areas with names like Suck Creek, the Rock Garden, and along Walden Ridge. In traditional Tennessee style, the trails have a hefty amount of mountain stone and rock to run and climb across, not to mention over 4,400 feet of elevation gain.

The Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k is a primary fund-raiser for Wild Trails, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that spearheads trail access and maintenance efforts in the Chattanooga area. All proceeds of the race benefit Wild Trails.

Three weeks prior to the StumpJump 50K, Callahan competed in the inaugural Run Rabbit Run 100 race in Steamboat Springs, CO, where he took 5th place after getting off course for an hour and a half. In both the Run Rabbit Run and the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K, Callahan was wearing the new for Spring ’13 Vasque Pendulum trail runner. Consulted during the design process of the Pendulum, Callahan says that the shoes have performed perfectly throughout the testing in both training and racing.

With a 6mm drop, the Pendulum is designed to encourage a forefoot strike while offering some cushioning for the occasional heel strike. A TPU plate and molded EVA midsole offer up stability and protection from roots and wayward stones in this trail runner that will be available in retail stores February, 2013.

“Running in the east is definitely different than the trails I’m used to running out west,” states Callahan. “The trails are more technical but the climbs are not nearly as long. The Pendulum performed great on the trail offering up stability and good traction on the slick rocks.”

Gearing up for winter in the coming months, Callahan will begin Nordic skiing for cross training once the snow starts flying in his hometown of Gunnison, CO. You can read more about Callahan’s upcoming races and adventures by visiting his site, www.strategicendurance.com.

For the complete StumpJump 50k race results, click here. For more information on Vasque footwear visit www.vasque.com.

For additional information please contact Angie Houck at angie@darbycommunications.com.

Photo of Duncan Callahan courtesy of Rock/Creek.

About Vasque

Vasque is a performance based outdoor footwear brand rich in heritage and deeply rooted in the outdoors.Owned and operated by the Red Wing Shoe Company, Red Wing, MN, the brand was created in 1966 by the company’s chairman; William D Sweasy.Today, just as Mr. Sweasy did some 45 plus years ago, Vasque understands the outdoors is a state of mind. It is this understanding that motivates Vasque to focus on fit and world-class performance in every purpose-built backpacking, hiking and trail running shoe they create. Vasque’s authentic footwear is designed and built to withstand harsh conditions, rugged wear and the tests of time while delivering the best fit and all-day comfort on the trail. www.vasque.com