DeFalco wins 50k

PLAINS – After over 30 miles of long strenuous road, one local winner came out ahead of the competition at the annual Trail Rail Run 50K, after running for almost five hours.

Randal DeFalco of Plains was the first to cross the finish line following the conclusion of 33.5 long miles from the starting point at the Taft Site near the Idaho state-line to the park in St. Regis, where the 50K race concluded.

Surprisingly, DeFalco is relatively new to distance running competitions, competing in his first 50k race last September.

 Despite the fact the 50k Trail Rail Run on June 21 was only his second time running competitively in an event of this distance, DeFalco was still able to take home a first place finish in this arduous race.

He crossed the finish line in St. Regis after four hours, 43 minutes and 16 seconds of running.

“I never considered myself a competitive runner. I started running for fun,” DeFalco said.

The 50K first place finisher did not start running competitively until he was 20 years old, when he competed in his first half marathon.

DeFalco has continued running fairly regularly since his first half marathon and he usually tries to get out and run once a week.

“I started running and I just really liked it. Running was a hobby at first,” DeFalco said.

This hobby has certainly grown on DeFalco as he hopes to continue running distance events in the future. Although he is currently in no rush and is taking his time before participating in more long distance running events.

“I eventually want to run a 50-mile race next year or the year after. In the more distant future I would also like to compete in a 100 mile run,” DeFalco said.

Portions of the 50K race featured many difficulties for runners competing in the Trail Rail Run to conquer.

DeFalco said the stretch of the race leading up to the finish line was the most difficult leg of the run for him.  “The last two miles, last mile of the race you get away from the river and onto the pavement under the sun,” DeFalco said.

Despite the pounding sun, DeFalco was able to keep up his pace, roughly a little over eight minutes a mile, to take home the first place title.

He noted the weather conditions on the day of the race were ideal for long distance running.

“The weather was really nice, cool in the morning before gradually getting warmer,” DeFalco said.

In preparation for the 50K, DeFalco went on a 16 mile run two weeks before the Trail Rail Run, while also prepping for the event with a 20.5 mile outing the weekend before the event along the Hiawatha Trail.

DeFalco trains throughout the year, typically working out indoors at a gym when the weather is less than favorable during the colder months.

The winner enjoyed the second annual run through Mineral County, noting the spectacular scenery and wildlife.  

He saw an elk in the first portion of the race adding other runners saw moose through portions of the run.

The Trail Rail Run utilizes the Northern Pacific and Milwaukee railroad grades for the different runs of the weekend.

Events include a 12K, 30K and a 50-mile event, in addition to the 50K run.

The goal of the event is to promote the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the historic communities along the old railroad tracks in Idaho and in Mineral County.

DeFalco will look to build off his early success in distance running as he continues to train and prepares for competitions of even greater distances.