A first-time racer has set a new record for Unalaska's Ballyhoo Mountain Run.
On Saturday, Joanna "JJ" Hinderberger conquered the peak in 31 minutes and 18 seconds, shaving 17 seconds off the women's record set by Beatriz Dietrick two years ago.
"I'm feeling very good! Very tired," said Hinderberger at the finish line. "That's a tough run, for sure."
Going into the race, Hinderberger said she had no expectations of breaking the record. She had never even hiked up the 1,600-foot summit.
"I was just excited to be at the top," she said. "I'd never been to the top of Ballyhoo, so this seemed like a good opportunity to do that."
Hinderberger, the principal of Eagle's View Elementary Achigaalux, fell once during the downhill section. Otherwise, she said the race went smoothly and she's looking forward to running it again.
"The uphill always feels hard until you turn around and realize how hard the downhill is on your knees," she laughed. "But there are a few different paths, so it's fun to pick which route you’re going to go on."
In the men's division, reigning champion Max Kaufman held on to his title with a time of 25 minutes and 55 seconds.
The visiting volcano scientist has won the Ballyhoo Run several times, but the men's record of 24 minutes still stands. That was set by Ben Bolock in 2010.
You can see the full race results below.
Adult Men
- Max Kauffman
- USCG, Ingam
- USCG, Belanger
Adult Women
- Joanna Hindenberger
- Maria Kallman
- Susan Seman
Youth Boys
- Deklan Nettleton
- Jamon O’Brien
- Iver Gates
Youth Girls
- Dalyla Nettleton
