ATR GETS A NEW RACE DIRECTOR

Whats new with the Afton Trail Run for 2008?

2008 ushers in a new era of the Afton Trail Run. Scott Wagner, who served as the race director for ATR from 2001 through 2007, is officially stepping down from this position. Filling his shoes for the 2008 race will be John Storkamp, a good friend of Scott, and friend of the park.

As a result of this change, very little will change.

Scott will remain highly involved with the race along with all of the great volunteers and friends of the race whom you have gotten to know over the years. We cannot thank Scott enough for the energy and tireless years of service that he has put into the Afton Trail Run. Scott gave freely of his time and resources to organize this run that we all love so much. The next time that you see him, please be sure to thank Scott for everything that he has done for the race. The look of the race has been updated and some minor changes will take place, but at its core, the Afton Trail Run's mission will remain the same. 

One Simple Mission:

The Afton Trail Run is held each year as a celebration of Afton State Park. Net proceeds from this event are donated to the park as a gift given in return for all of the gifts that the park gives us. The Afton Trail Run's primary mission is to help to ensure the health and longevity of the park for generations to come.

About the new Race Director:

John Storkamp was born and raised in Hastings, Minnesota, just 15 minutes down the road from Afton State Park. John has been visiting the park since the age of 12 and has spent countless hours over the last 16 years there and throughout the St. Croix River Valley, running, cycling, camping, skiing and exploring. John is a 14-year veteran of long-distance running, having run his first marathon at the age of 16. John has competed in and has won many events ranging from 5Ks to 135 mile races. John still lives in Hastings today and he and his wife Cheri have a daughter, Emma, and their dog Autumn. John and his family consider Afton State park their second home and can be found at the park year-round running, snowshoeing, camping, swimming at the beach and spending time with friends.

A note from John Storkamp:

I am extremely honored to be the new race director of the Afton Trail Run. Organizing this event is certainly not a solitary effort and the race could not be held without the support and dedication of so many wonderful friends. I look forward to seeing all of you at the park this summer.