All Terrain Runner Series comes to a close

The USATF-NE Cross Country Championships on Sunday, November 7, marked the end of the 2021 All Terrain Runner (ATR) Series. The 2021 edition saw athletes challenge themselves over 5 different terrain types to attain all terrain runner status. The series kicked off on July 11th with the Loon Mountain Race, where athletes ran over 3,000 feet of vertical elevation gain.

Next came the 1500m at the USATF New England Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gordon College.  After running the short and speedy 1500m event, athletes had a two months to gear up for the Merrimack River 10 Mile Trail Race in Andover, MA. For the road race event, the Series featured an “on your own time” 5k, where athletes were able to select a locally timed 5k on a certified course and submit their times to be scored, instead of requiring a specific in-person event.

The men’s overall winner was Steven Brightman of the Central Mass Striders, scoring in all five events with a total score of 462.01. Brightman was also the winner of the Men’s 50+ age group. Winning the men’s 40+ age group was Paul Amaral of Greater Lowell Road Runners. Paul also scored in all five events, with a total of 436.12. Rounding out the prize money recipients was Paul Grant of Cambridge Sports Union. Paul scored in all five events, and was named the 2021 USATF-NE July Athlete of the Month for his impressive performances at Loon Mountain and the 1500m track event. 

On the women’s side, the overall winner was Barbara Kendall of the Greater Lowell Road Runners, scoring in all five events for a total score of 245.57; Barbara also won the 50+ age group. Second place went to Emer O’Donoghue of acidotic Racing, totaling 216.76 points in four events, and sitting at third place at series end was Tara Towle of the Gate City Striders with a score of 156.05 for four events. 

The ATR series will return in 2022 with athletes once again testing their skills over all 5 running terrains. People who complete at least 4 of the events will be eligible to receive a quarter zip participation award. 

If you have any questions or comments, or know a race that would be an excellent fit for the ATR Series, email your recommendations to communications@newengland.usatf.org.