Many hikers throughout the state put their skills to the test by pushing through the ultimate challenge of climbing to the top of the peak of Sam A. Baker Park.
The Ozark’s Mountain Challenge took place over the weekend in Patterson, MO, where 78 different cities and eight different states were represented. The event maxed out at 200, and it was sold out in March. All the cabins and RV spots at Sam A. Baker were sold out and took over 60% of the campgrounds.
With 200 people signed up for the event, Steve Halter, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, was blown away by how hard everyone worked during the hike. Out of the 185 people who showed up, 71% of the participants did all nine climbs up Mudlick Mountain in less than 12 hours.
“This was an incredible event for Sam A. Baker State Park and our entire area,” Halter said. “It was hot and humid, and I was amazed how hard everyone worked to hike up an 8,000’ incline to complete 17 miles.”
Poplar Bluff had 28 hikers to represent the area, and Shirley Allison snagged first place with a time of 7:22:02. Allison was the participant from the area to finish in the top 10.