Get Out

Clam Beach Run Splashes Again

By Mark Larson

getout@northcoastjournal.com

More than 600 runners and walkers lined up under warm, sunny skies in Trinidad on Saturday afternoon for the start of the 56th annual Trinidad to Clam Beach Run Honoring Ford Hess. The race, which was canceled last year due to the pandemic, was shortened to 5 ¾ miles this year and followed the usual route along Scenic Drive, splashing through the shallows of Little River and ending at Clam Beach.

Josiah Tostenson finished in first place with a time of 30:44, followed by Micah Clemons and Todd Rose. Alexandra Sciocchetti had the best women’s time of 34:30, followed by Ryley Burton-Tauzer and Lindsay Siebert. You can see all the results on the Six Rivers Running Club website, www.6rrc.com.

The finish line featured the usual postrace snacks, hot chili supplied by Brett Shuler Fine Catering and live music by the Cal Poly Humboldt Marching Lumberjacks band. The musicians ended the day with their signature rendition of “Rubber Duckie” as they headed west for their traditional quick dash into the ocean.

The Trinidad to Clam Beach Run was started in 1966 as a winter training race by Hess, the then Humboldt State University Track and Field coach, as a way to get his runners in shape for the coming season. Race organizers hope to bring back all the usual race distances of 3, 5 ¾ and 8 ¾ miles next year. l Mark Larson (he/him) is a retired Cal Poly Humboldt journalism professor and active freelance photographer who likes to walk. Runners faced a flat Clam Beach at low tide after crossing Little River and about 2 miles to go to the finish line.

Photo by Mark Larson

Josiah Tostenson (left, No. 576) crossed Little River in the lead and finished in first place with a time of 30:44, followed by Micah Clemons (right, No. 311).

Photo by Mark Larson

The bonfire at the finish line of the race offered a perfect place to stretch and warm up for Lucera Love, of McKinleyville.

Photo by Mark Larson

Alexandra Sciocchetti, of Arcata, dashed through Little River andhad the best women’s time of 34:30. She finished in 10th place overall.

Photo by Mark Larson

After wrapping up their rendition of “Rubber Duckie,” members of the Cal Poly Humboldt Marching Lumberjacks began their enthusiastic dash toward the cold surf. Photo by Mark Larson