They’re determined, able, and ready to race. On Saturday, April 13, the The Cliffhangers will relay down a 75-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge foothills during the Ville to Ville Craft Brew Relay. Beginning in Asheville, North Carolina, the team of six will climb and coast their way through local craft breweries and quaint southern towns on their way towards Greenville, South Carolina. As the presenting host, The Cliffs is proud to host a mid-way stop for runners, spectators and family fans – and is humbled by the dedication of its member team. Let us introduce you to this talented team of runners.
Vivian Dunlop
The Cliffs at Glassy
q: How long have you been running?
a: 25 years.
q: What got you into it?
a: A co-worker wanted me to join her in a triathlon. At the time I was swimming and cycling, so I added the running. I always thought I would not like running until I tried it.
q: Treadmill or outdoors?
a: Outdoors always, I have not been on a treadmill in 15 years.
q: Favorite Trail?
a: I run/walk a few trails at Glassy.
q: Running Shoe?
a: Brooks.
q: Music or no?
a: No music, I run mostly with friends in Spartanburg and Greenville.
Ed Lang
The Cliffs at Mountain Park
q: How long have you been running?
a: I have been running for about 16 years.
q: What got you into it?
a: I started running a few miles a few times a week to stay in shape. I continued to build up my distance and then started running to compete in longer distances. I’ve raced in about a dozen marathons over my 16 years of running.
q: Treadmill or outdoors?
a: I always run outdoors no matter the conditions.
q: Favorite Trail?
a: We just finished building our house at The Cliffs at Mountain Park in October (2018) so I haven’t had too many chances to run through the trails onsite yet. I have run the trails of Pleasant Ridge Park and really enjoyed it.
q: Running Shoe?
a: I run in HOKAs.
q: Music or no?
a: I don’t listen to music while I run because I enjoy listening to the sounds of nature.
Ali Stout
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove
q: How long have you been running?
a: I got into running in 1985.
q: What got you into it?
a: I had a cycling accident, broke my left wrist and right clavicle and a co-worker challenged me to run a race in Chicago. Everyone was cheering for the lady in a cast and clavicle harness. It was amazing – I was instantly hooked. Thank you, Bob Seidenberg!
q: Treadmill or outdoors?
a: I try to run outdoors if at all possible. However, I will go indoors rather than miss a run.
q: Favorite Trail?
a: I like to run very early in the morning, and the hills and golf course in Walnut Cove are amazing. Not to mention Bent Creek, which is just down the road.
q: Running Shoe?
a: I alternate between New Balance and Brooks shoes.
q: Music or no?
a: I really enjoy running to music – but good companionship trumps everything.
Scott Hickman
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove
Team Cliffhangers Captain
q: How long have you been running?
a: I’ve been running since I was 13; I ran competitively in high school and college.
q: What got you into it?
a: I grew up in the ’70s on the side of a mountain in Northern California with endless, beautiful running trails. It was a golden era for American middle- and long-distance runners – Jim Ryun, Marty Liquori, Frank Shorter, Dave Wottle and Steve Prefontaine were my childhood heroes. And I can recall buying my first pair of Nikes in 1973 from one of the original Nike storefronts.
q: Treadmill or outdoors?
a: Only outdoors, and only on dirt (except for occasional races.) I firmly believe that is why I have been able to run relatively injury free for 48 years – and counting!
q: Favorite Trail?
a: Living in Walnut Cove means that I have hundreds of miles of trails available five minutes away in Bent Creek and along the Mountains to Sea Trail. Hard to pick a favorite.
q: Running Shoe?
a: I try out new shoes regularly. Currently I’m running in Salomon Sense Rides, which I really like.
q: Music or no?
a: Usually not – but for longer runs sometimes I’ll strap on some tunes for a little extra energy.
Lisa Adams
The Cliffs at Mountain Park
q: How long have you been running?
a: I began running seriously in 1994 for guaranteed quiet time (as a mother of three children all under the age of four).
q: What got you into it?
a: I wanted to complete a marathon before I turned 40…38 marathons later, I have 12 states remaining before I have done one in all 50 states.
q: Treadmill or outdoors?
a: I always run outside, for quiet time with my Maker.
q: Running Shoe?
a: My favorite shoe is Asics Gel Kayanos.
q: Music or no?
a: Worship music in one ear.
Tracy Hall
The Cliffs at Mountain Park
q: How long have you been running?
a: I’ve been running for over 30 years. I’ve run 20 marathons.
q: What got you into it?
a: I started running in college for general exercise and stress relief. After I had my children, my brother and father died in 1995 and I did my first marathon. The running was therapeutic for me.
q: Treadmill or outdoors?
a: Most of my running has been on outdoor surfaces but I have done a 20 miler on the treadmill.
q: Favorite Trail?
a: I generally do most of my running at Furman Green Valley and the Swamp Rabbit Trail because I run before work. I’m a Physical therapist for ATI in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. My favorite marathon is Grandfather Mountain Marathon. I came in fourth place for women the last time I ran.
q: Running Shoe?
a: I generally like to run in Mizunos and Diadoras.
q: Music or no?
a: I love listening to music when I run.