Clark, Barton Finish First in Mt. Wilson Trail Race

John Clark, 38, of Santa Margarita finished first in the 54th Annual Mount Wilson Trail Race Saturday morning, completing the grueling 8.6 mile course in a winning time of 1:02:53. Clark's close friend and training partner, Michelle Barton of Laguna Niguel, was the first female runner to complete the course and the 26th runner overall, finishing in 1:19:38.

"I'm very pleased.  This is my first time running in this race and I didn't know what to expect other than that it was going to hurt,"  Barton said in the moments after her victory.

"It felt really good. We had a great race," said Clark.

"It definitely hurt, and it was beautiful, and breathtaking. I feel blessed to be a part of history, in this race that started more than a hundred years ago. I am floating on cloud nine," said Barton. "The volunteers are amazing, and thanks to the people who maintain it so well like Gary Hilliard, it is such a beautiful trail."

Barton expressed great pride about Clark and his impressive performance at the 104th anniversary of the legendary San Gabriel Valley race.   

"Whereas I enjoy long distance competition, John's specialty are shorter, tougher runs, especially under extreme conditions or rough terrain. This race is perfect for him," Barton said.

Patch wishes the top overall finishers and every runner who participated in the 54th Mount Wilson Trail Race sincere congratulations!