Prospect Park Hill Climb

Men's PPHC April Rankings
4/30/08

3. Derek Phillips - (+3 from December Rankings)

2. Eric Pierce - (=)

1. Eric Hartmark - (=)

Women's PPHC April Rankings
4/30/08

1. Sara Rudesill - (+7) Sara skyrockets up 7 places in the women's rankings. After the most recent women's rankings from December of 2007, Sara defied the odds as she not only won the PPHC, but also destroyed the course record in the process! This deservedly moves Sara up to that coveted number 1 ranking. Great job Sara!!!

Former Bronze Medalist in for 08
4/26/08

Former Bronze Medalist and current holder of the fastest time by a 34 year old man, Derek Phillips , has thrown his name into the mix for the 2008 Prospect Park Hill Climb. If the current registrants were to pool their collective PPHC medals, the total would now rise to 7 with the addition of Phillips.

Rudesill Commits!
4/5/08

The 2007 Prospect Park Hill Climb Champion and Course Record Holder, Sara Rudesill has committed to defending her title at the 2008 PPHC! With the addition of Rudesill on the women's side and Eric Hartmark on the men's, the 2008 PPHC will have, for the first time in history 2 defending champions as well as both course record holders. Looking at the list of 2008 PPHC registrants, together they hold quite a collection of PPHC hardware. So far, they have amassed a total of 5 Gold Medals and 1 Silver. Should be another exciting year for the Prospect Park Hill Climb!

Men's PPHC March Rankings
3/31/08

2. Eric Pierce - (=)

1. Eric Hartmark - (=)

Sara takes 2nd in 5k
3/17/08

2007 Women's PPHC Champion Sara Rudesill finished 2nd in the Human Race 5k this weekend! On the same day, PPHC Silver medalist, Gina Lednihcs set a new PR in the Half Marathon. Congratulations Sara and Gina!

Churchie's 2007 Review
posted on slabcityrunning
12/31/07

The Race This Morning
by: Churchie

"Some men look at the Twin Cities Racing Scene as it Is and say "Why?" I am one of those men. Some men look at the Twin Cities Racing Scene as it Could Be and say "Why Not?" Eric Hartmark is one of those men. Eric Hartmark examined the Twin Cities Racing Scene and recognized that there was not one single 2.05mi uphill race. And Eric Hartmark said "Why Not?" And Eric Hartmark took some clay and his rib and sculpted something called the West River Road. And he saw that it was Not Enough and he sculpted something called Franklin Avenue. And he saw that it was Still Not Enough, and he sculpted something called Prospect Park. And he saw that it Needed Just A Little More and sculpted Tower Park Hill and caused it to be covered with Snow. And he saw that it was 2.05mi uphill, and he caused the faithful to run it. Bizyah placed second at this race, trailing only its creator. Chapel placed fifth, fourth among non-creators."

Men's PPHC Feb. Rankings
2/29/08

2. Eric Pierce - (=)

1. Eric Hartmark - (=)

Men's PPHC Jan. Rankings
1/31/08

2. Eric Pierce - (+8) Pierce shoots up 8 places in the PPHC rankings after his strong finish at the 2007 PPHC! Congratulations Eric! That is quite a jump!

1. Eric Hartmark - (=)

(Rankings for the 2008 PPHC are based on recent performances, head to head competitions, current levels of fitness, and prior achievements in the PPHC. Rankings are compiled by a panel of PPHC judges. We are always looking for other contibutors to help with the rankings as well as recent results of the PPHC family. Any help would be great!)

T-Shirts:

For those of you who ordered PPHC T-Shirts... what size would you like? Also, does anyone have the contact information for Chris Lundberg, Ross Substad, and Chris Grossinger? If so, could you let them know to send in their t-shirt sizes? Thanks!

Sara is Goofy!
1/13/08

It is less than 2 weeks after the coldest, snowiest, and slipperiest Prospect Park Hill Climb in history. Most PPHC competitors are still resting up and recovering from this season's challenging race. Not current PPHC Champion Sara Rudesill ... less than 2 weeks after absolutely destroying the Women's Course Record at the Prospect Park Hill Climb, the gold medalist is already at it again! This weekend, she successfully completed a half marathon AND a marathon down in Florida. Yes, Saturday and Sunday she competed in the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge at Disney World! Congratulations Sara!

Make that 4!
12/31/07

Hartmark trudges through
the snow to victory

Eric Hartmark added an unprecedented 4th Gold Medal to his collection of Prospect Park Hill Climb memorabilia. Hartmark led the 2007 version of the PPHC from the gun. Concerned cries of "Gosh Eric, why you going so fast?!" could be heard from the spectators lining the course. When asked the same question upon his finish, Hartmark replied, "I was in the best PPHC shape I have ever been leading up to this race." Hartmark moved down to Arizona for 7 months in order to train in the mountains and prepare for his 4th PPHC. "I wanted to see what kind of time I could run today and hoped to challenge the course record. I am happy to have run the 2nd fastest time in course history, considering today’s conditions." The conditions to which Hartmark referred were indeed the most difficult in race history. The day set records for the coldest PPHC in history, the least visibility ever, and an 8 inch cover of snow... most of which had been churned into a slippery slush by race time.

Pierce reflects on 2nd attempt at PPHC gold

After a few years of deep depression upon placing 2nd in the first annual Prospect Park Hill Climb, Eric Pierce returned in an attempt to beat Hartmark to the summit. "Eric took it out pretty hard," said Pierce after the race. "He got an early gap on me... and then I just took off! I’m like, I’m gonna catch this Eric who defeated me last time. I started to gain on him... but then, I never caught Eric.”

Prior to the 1 mile mark, Pierce’s move started to catch up with him and so did his competitors. As Hartmark went through the mile mark on course record pace, Chris Lundberg went by Pierce to move into 2nd place. “It’s a brutal race… I started to tie up going up the hill,” said Pierce, who ended up finishing 6th overall. “The road was a little slippery, so I’m going to blame it on that.” When asked if he would attempt a comeback for the 2008 Prospect Park Hill Climb, Pierce replied, “Before I was all depressed from not winning, but now I see it as an opportunity of ‘What can I do better to try and win next year?’”

Chris Lundberg held onto 2nd place to claim his first PPHC medal and to run the 8th fastest time in course history. With his finish, Lundberg becomes the 4th person in as many years to earn the Silver. Will Lundberg return in 2008 to attempt the Hill once again? This remains to be seen as no Silver Medalist in the history of the Prospect Park Hill Climb has returned the following year. Hopefully Lundberg will be the first in history to break this streak.

Lundberg grabs a Silver

The Bronze medal also went to a first time PPHC finisher, Ross Substad. Many were pleasantly surprised to see Ross at the starting line this year, who ran the 9th fastest time in course history. Early in the week, Substad cancelled his spot on the starting line due to the fact that he was scheduled to work. He soon realized, as many do, the significance and importance of the Prospect Park Hill Climb and took the day off. A wise decision as his Bronze Medal has now cemented him in the glory and storied history of the PPHC.

Substad finishes 3rd

Rudesill Destroys Course Record!
12/31/07

Rudesill becomes
the 1st woman to
complete the PPHC.

The history books were rewritten for the Prospect Park Hill Climb today. Up until the 4th annual PPHC, no woman has ever been able to finish the course. This year, there were 3! Leading the record breaking contingent was Sara Rudesill of River Falls, Wisconsin. Rudesill appeared very confident of her ability to make today historic with a women’s finish. As the pack neared the course record (.33 of a mile up the Hill – set by Maureen Smith in 2006), Rudesill asked whether there was “beer in the lead vehicle – ready for consumption at the finish line.” The lead pack of Rudesill, Gina Lednihcs, and Natalie Anderson flew by the former course record and kept on going. There was no question at that point whether there would be a new course record… now there were new questions: “Who would hold the new record at day’s end?” “How far would she make it?” and “Would we finally have a women’s finisher?” All three would be answered within the next 17 minutes.

Rudesill and Lednichs made a move going up the West River Road Hill to Franklin. It was at this point that they broke away from Anderson. “I was only back 10 meters or so, to begin with,” said Anderson. “By the time I hit the switchback, (Rudesill) was already turning onto the Franklin Avenue bridge.”

Anderson flew through the mile at a sub 8 minute pace over the slushy bridge. At this point, Rudesill and Lednihcs were still within sight and striking distance of Anderson. “The bridge that passes over I94 was covered with slush and each step gained me only about half of my usual stride,” said Anderson. At this point, Anderson watched as Rudesill and Lednihcs made the turn onto Malcom. “The slush deepened, the road got steeper and my stride return declined to 35%.”

Rudesill broke away from Lednihcs and powered up the final hills through the Prospect Park neighborhood. She entered the park to the sounds of the roaring crowd cheering her to the finish line as she became the first woman in history to ever complete the Prospect Park Hill Climb. Along with her finish, she shattered the course record and became the first Wisconsin resident to ever win the PPHC. Rudesill was followed closely by Gina Lednihcs of Wisconsin, who become the first Silver Medalist in Women’s history of the PPHC.

Lednihcs earns
her Silver Medal

Natalie Anderson held on for a strong Bronze Medal finish and became the first Minnesota Woman in history to complete the course. “During the final quarter mile, the cheering spectators and the PPHC Race Director motivated me to set a fast record for 27 year old women,” said Anderson after the race. “I hurdled the snow bank at the edge of the park, climbed the snow-covered hill, and found the finish line!”

Anderson sets the
MN Women's Record

2007 PPHC!

PPHC #4 Highlight Video!
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Add to My Profile | More VideosHartmark Almost Taken Out!

PPHC Lead Vehicle Almost Takes Out Hartmark - 2007

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Add to My Profile | More VideosAccepting Applications for 2008 PPHC Staff

We are currently reviewing and accepting applications for the 2008 Prospect Park Hill Climb Staff. Positions currently available include:

Sponsorship Recruiters(very important to the growth of the PPHC)

Elite Athlete Coordinators/ Recruiters

PPHC Journalists for website articles

PPHC Photographers

Head of Research and Development

Volunteer Coordinator

Let us know if you or anyone you know is interested in becoming part of the PPHC Family!

Save the Date?

To change or not to change... that is the question. There has been much talk over the last year about whether to keep the traditional date of December 31st for the Prospect Park Hill Climb.

What aspects are the most important to this race... our race? Do we want to have it on the weekend so that more people can participate? Would more people show up on race day if the race were on a weekend? This year, for example, I’m not sure it would have made a huge difference. Maybe in the future it would though.

Is it important for us to keep tradition with the date?

Is it important for our race to compete on the final day of the year?

Is it important to try and make it the most accessible date for the most people?

Do we want to change the automatic huge post race party? After all, the PPHC is looked at by many as a huge party that just happens to have a race beforehand.

Would people travel for Christmas, then travel to the PPHC that weekend, and then travel again for New Years? If the weekend were too close after Christmas, would it interfere with many people’s Christmas travel plans?

Do we want to have the race extra early in the morning before people go to work on December 31st? Do we want to have it in the evening after work on the 31st? Either way, the race would end up being in the dark and the traffic would be heavier/ more dangerous.

I think we should have a vote. Write to us and let us know what you think. Should the Prospect Park Hill Climb change the date to the weekend in the future or will the hardcore PPHC family show up regardless?

I’ve spoken with several people about this in the past week. Some people feel strongly about changing the date to the weekend, some say that the date should stay the same. My favorite answer, however, comes from 2 time PPHC finisher and former Silver Medalist Eric Pierce, who said...

"Just quit your job, that’s what I did!"

Top 10 Greatest PPHC Moments?

What are the Top 10 Greatest Moments in PPHC History? We'll let you decide! Send us a list of your favorite/ most amazing moments in Prospect Park Hill Climb History and we will compile an official list according to your votes!

Carleton Dominates 2007 Malt-O-Meal Challenge

The Carleton Alumni arose victorious in the Malt-O-Meal Division of the 2007 Prospect Park Hill Climb. This is the first year the highly anticipated duel between the Carleton and St. Olaf Alumni was contested. Even with most of their squad either injured due to their grueling training programs (3xPPHC?) or not able to attend for other unknown reasons, Carleton dominated. The Knights were led to their first ever victory in this division by 2007 PPHC Silver Medalist, Chris Lundberg who was followed closely by his teammate Dan Church in 5th.

"This Carleton group is the most enthusiastic, excited, and well prepared group of first time participants I have ever seen," said Co-Race Director Eric Hartmark. "They wrote Blogs, led course tours, and ran the most grueling workouts I have ever heard attempted on this course. After seeing some of those workouts on paper, I was afraid that their entire team would end up injured prior to race day. Fortunately for the Carls, they had another weapon in their arsenal. Some highly advanced virtual training software was developed at Carleton in 1971. I have been researching this program, and have found that the mountainous sections of the Oregon Trail strike an uncanny and almost exact resemblance to the current PPHC Course. I think that by using this virtual training, the Knights were able to rest their legs, while at the same time keep their minds sharp for race day."

Many were baffled by the DNS of 2006 PPHC Bronze Medalist and St. Olaf Alumnus, Sam Hauck. After his first time completing the course in 2006, Hauck stated, "It won’t be my last. I’ll be back here next year. I’ll be training for it...everyday." Hauck, who has the 5th fastest time in PPHC history would have greatly helped the Oles, who were led by Derek Phillips in 7th. When asked about the Malt-O-Meal division of the PPHC, Hauck said, "This carleton/olaf duel could become potentially dangerous. I mean we are talking about hazardous heights and vicious rivals in the same sentence." Could it be that this combination of factors led to the intimidation of Hauck and therefore a DNS for him in the 2007 PPHC Results? The answer to this question is currently unknown as Sam Hauck was unable to be reached at press time.

Amusing Quote from 2007
I was just looking at some of the comments made on this space over the last year and I came across one that was pretty amusing...

Matt: "I'll be there."
Eric: "Will you Matt... will you?"
Matt: "Don't question me H."

-Matt Hooley
2007

NEW RECORDS IN 2007!!

Women's Course Record
Sara Rudesill- 16:28.12

Single Age Record for 25 year old women
Sara Rudesill- 16:28.12

Single Age Record for 26 year old women
Gina Lednihcs- 16:57.58

Single Age Record for 27 year old women
Natalie Anderson- 18:00.32

Single Age Record for 24 year old Men
Chris Lundberg- 12:31.02

Single Age Record for 29 year old Men
Eric Hartmark- 10:37.37
(old record: Noah Billig- 13:32 in 2005)

Single Age Record for 31 year old Men
Eric Pierce- 13:14.94

Single Age Record for 33 year old Men
Chris Grossinger- 12:44.50
(old record: Derek Phillips- 13:43 in 2006)

Single Age Record for 34 year old Men
Derek Phillips- 13:55.24

Minnesota Men's Course Record
Eric Hartmark- 10:37.37

Minnesota Women's Course Record
Natalie Anderson- 18:00.32

Coldest PPHC Ever
15° (felt like 8°)
(old record low: 21° in 2004)

Calmest PPHC Ever
5mph wind
(old record: 8mph wind in 2006)

Lowest Visibility Ever
1.8 miles
(old record: 2.9 miles in 2006)

Highest Barometric Pressure
29.94
(old record: 29.91 in 2004)

Deepest Snow Cover
8.00 inches
(old record: 6.00 inches in 2005)

Most Finishers Ever

Most Men's Finishers Ever
(tied with 2006)

Most Women's Finishers Ever

2007 PPHC MEN'S RESULTS

1. Eric Hartmark...........Duluth, MN...........10:37
2. Chris Lundberg............................12:31
3. Ross Substad.............................12:37
4. Chris Grossinger................ MN..........12:44
5. Dan Church...... MN..............12:53
6. Eric Pierce..............Minneapolis, MN..........13:14
7. Derek Phillips..........Minneapolis, MN..........13:55
8. Tom Church............MN............DNS
9. Mike Little..........Minneapolis, MN....DNS
10. Ed Whetham...........MN.............DNS
11. Doug Hartmark.......Duluth, MN.....DNS
12. Ryan Meissen.........WI.......DNS
13. Mike Reneau.......Rochester Hills, MI......DNS
14. Sam Hauck.........MN..............DNS
15. Matt Hooley..........WI........DNS
16. Kevin Haas...........MN........DNS
17. Jason Finch..........River Falls, WI....DNS
18. Chris Lundstrom.......MN............DNS
19. Phil Schrader.........MN............DNS
20. Andy Sherman..........MN............DNS
21. Blake Boldon..........IA............DNS
22. Corey Stelljes........WI............DNS
23. Lucas McMillan......................DNS
24. Brandon Heebink......MN.............DNS
25. Josh Moen............IA.............DNS
26. Brandon Kohlts.......Duluth, MN.....DNS
27. Kevin Hanson.........Minneapolis, MN....DNS
28. Seb Hanson...........Minneapolis, MN....DNS
29. Brant Hollenkamp.....Minneapolis, MN....DNS
30. Brady Anderson.......Minneapolis, MN....DNS

2007 PPHC WOMEN'S RESULTS

1. Sara Rudesill...........River Falls, WI...........16:28
2. Gina Lednihcs............Oak Creek, WI................16:57
3. Natalie Anderson...........Minneapolis, MN..................18:00
4. Carla Hartmark............Duluth, MN.....DNS
5. Erin Ward................Minneapolis, MN....DNS
6. Maureen Smith............Minneapolis, MN....DNS
7. Angie Voight.............Minneapolis, MN....DNS
8. Melissa Gacek............Minneapolis, MN....DNS
9. Alison Traffanstedt......WI...........DNS
10. Jessica Deutsch.........MN...........DNS
11. Mary Mullen..............Ireland......DNS
12. Mary Ross.............St. Paul, MN...DNS
13. Leah Kohlts...........Duluth, MN.....DNS
14. Lori Anne Peterson....MN.............DNS

Women's PPHC Dec. Rankings
12/30/07

FINAL RANKINGS BEFORE THE BIG DAY!!
10. Alison Traffanstedt - (-1)

9. Maureen Smith - (-1)

8. Sara Rudesill - (-1)

7. Lori Anne Peterson - (+3) A huge jump for Lori in the final rankings!

6. Gina Lednihcs - (-1)

5. Mary Ross - (+1) Mary ran a solid marathon in Arizona this month, which moves her back into her usual position at number 5.

4. Jessica Deutsch - (=)

3. Erin Ward - (=)

2. Melissa Gacek - (=)

1. Angie Voight - (=) Angie holds onto that top spot in the final rankings before the big race. The Top 3 has been switching back and forth all year... how will it all shake out on December 31st?

(Also receiving votes for this month were Natalie Anderson and Carla Hartmark)

Men's PPHC Dec. Rankings
12/30/07

10. Eric Pierce - (-1)

9. Corey Stelljes - (+1)

8. Blake Boldon- (-2)

7. Chris Grossinger - (+1) Chris went out to USATF Club Nationals and raced with the Run n' Fun Team this month as he jumps up one position in the final rankings.

6. Derek Phillips - (+1)

5. Sam Hauck - (=)

4. Chris Lundstrom - (=)

3. Josh Moen - (=)

2. Mike Reneau - (=)

1. Eric Hartmark - (=) Hartmark has a strong race to lead Run n' Fun at the USATF Cross Country Nationals. He holds on to the Top spot in this final rankins list. Will he be able to win an unprecedented 4th PPHC Championship?

(Also receiving votes for this month were Mike Little, Matt Hooley, Jason Finch, Ryan Meissen, Doug Hartmark, Brandon Heebink, Ross Substad, Brant Hollenkamp, Ed Whetham, Chris Lundberg, and Brandon Kohlts)

Women's PPHC Nov. Rankings
11/30/07

10. Lori Anne Peterson - (NR) Another new face in the Women's PPHC Rankings! Her solid year of racing up to this point gives Lori a slot on this month's list.

9. Alison Traffanstedt - (=)

8. Maureen Smith - (=)

7. Sara Rudesill - (=)

6. Mary Ross - (-1)

5. Gina Lednihcs - (+1) Gina had a solid 2 mile performance as well as finishing in the Top 3 of a very hilly cross country race this month. Her consistancy and great performances over the past few months continue to move her up in the rankings.

4. Jessica Deutsch - (=)

3. Erin Ward - (=)

2. Melissa Gacek - (-1)

1. Angie Voight - (+1) Angie forcefully grabs the top spot in the rankings this month as she threw down the Top 3 performances of all PPHC women this month! She ran a great 10k, 15k, and 10 mile all in November! Congratulations on your first number 1 Ranking Angie!

(Also receiving votes for this month were Natalie Anderson and Carla Hartmark)

Men's PPHC Nov. Rankings
11/30/07

10. Corey Stelljes - (+1) Corey jumps into the Top 10 after a great marathon this month.

9. Eric Pierce - (-1)

8. Chris Grossinger - (+1)

7. Derek Phillips- (=)

6. Blake Boldon - (-1)

5. Sam Hauck - (+1)

4. Chris Lundstrom - (=)

3. Josh Moen - (=)

2. Mike Reneau - (=)

1. Eric Hartmark - (=) Hartmark sets yet another course record in November.

(Also receiving votes for this month were Ryan Meissen, Jason Finch, Ed Whetham, Doug Hartmark, Brandon Heebink, Ross Substad, Matt Hooley, Chris Lundberg, and Brandon Kohlts)

Women's PPHC Oct. Rankings
10/31/07

10. Natalie Anderson - (NR) A new face in the Women's PPHC Rankings! Natalie decided to add her name to the list of runners for the PPHC this year. On top of that, she ran one of the 3 fastest 10k's of PPHC women this month which throws her into the mix in the Top 10 Rankings! Welcome to the PPHC Natalie!

9. Alison Traffanstedt - (=)

8. Maureen Smith - (=)

7. Sara Rudesill - (-1)

6. Gina Lednihcs - (+1) Gina ran her PR in the marathon this month! Congratulations Gina! Her fast time on a very warm October day leaps her over Sara Rudesill in the rankings to her highest position ever on this list!

5. Mary Ross - (=)

4. Jessica Deutsch - (=)

3. Erin Ward - (-1) Erin ran an amazing marathon this month and qualified for the Olympic Marathon Trials! Congratulations Erin!

2. Angie Voight - (+1) Angie has been consistantly putting in top performances all year. Looking at her racing results from the past 8 months, her times have been in the top 2 for PPHC women for 7 of the past 8 months! On top of that, she ran a great marathon in very hot conditions as she finished in the top 10 overall and was the Top Minnesotan in this year's Twin Cities Marathon. This great month of running shoots Angie up to her highest PPHC ranking to date! Congratulations Angie!

1. Melissa Gacek - (=)

(Also receiving votes for this month were Mary Mullen and Carla Hartmark)

Men's PPHC Oct. Rankings
10/31/07

10. Jason Finch - (-1)

9. Chris Grossinger - (NR) The 5th place finisher from the 2006 PPHC returns once again! Chris jumps into the Top 10 Rankings after a strong race at the Twin Cities 10 miler this month.

8. Eric Pierce - (=) Pierce ran his first marathon ever in some hot conditions at Twin Cities this month and went on to win the Pumpkin Chase 5k in a sprint to the finish.

7. Derek Phillips- (=)

6. Sam Hauck - (=)

5. Blake Boldon - (=)

4. Chris Lundstrom - (=)

3. Josh Moen - (=)

2. Mike Reneau - (=)

1. Eric Hartmark - (=) Hartmark keeps the top spot by winning a marathon while setting the course record this month.

(Also receiving votes for this month were Corey Stelljes, Matt Hooley, Ed Whetham,Doug Hartmark, Brandon Heebink, Ross Substad, Ryan Meissen, and Dan Church)

Hartmark/Anderson take first!
10/28/07

2007 PPHC registrants Eric Hartmark and Natalie Anderson took first prize in the Men's and Women's costume contest at this year's needtorace.com Halloween Party!

Grossinger Commits!
10/27/07

Chris Grossinger added his name to this star studded field of the 2007 Prospect Park Hill Climb today. He made his official announcement at the 2007 needtorace.com Halloween Party. Grossinger has the 6th fastest time in course history and is also the single age record holder for 31 year old males. "With the welcome addition of Chris to the field this year, we now have commitments from 4 of our top 5 finishers from last year's race," said co-race director Eric Hartmark. "It is awesome to see so many of our top runners returning for another shot at the Hill."

Sam Hauck Interview
6/20/07

Well, it took me a little over half of a year to figure out how to convert these files into a format supported by myspace, but I finally did it! So, here it is finally... the Sam Hauck post race interview...The 3rd place finisher overall and top Minnesotan from 2006 shares his PPHC experience.

Sam Hauck interview

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