AUSTIN – An estimated 150 four-person relay teams showed up to run the annual Zilker Relays, braving triple digit temps under the sweltering August sun. Austin-based Rogue Running dominated the field, bringing more than 30 squads and taking top honors in the Overall Men, Overall Women, “Just for Fun”, Open Women, Family, Open Mixed, Master Women and Master Mixed.

Race Director Paul Perrone, sweaty and visibly tired from running his 2.5 mile leg, was pleased. “What a great evening,” he proclaimed. “I’m so happy with the turnout and how it has all been so smooth.”

In previous years, the start/finish line area was somewhat of a free for all, elbowing and jockeying with those around you to get out front and ensure you could see your partner coming. This year, they crowd was much more controlled – something Perrone wanted to ensure was fixed.

Excitement for the evening was provided by the top two men squads with a back and forth matchup of familiar faces from the Austin running scene. The winning squad of Erik Stanley, Dave Edwards, Carl Stones and Peter Westhuizen staved off another team of “Rogues” anchored by local stud David Fuentes.

On the women’s side, the group of Megan Betts, Danielle Burke, Nora Colligan and Amy Shackleford never left any doubt on who would control the pace. They took the crown by more than three minutes from the closest competitor and ranked in the top ten against all-men squads.

In the Master divisions, Paul Frost, Ariel Galvan, Todd Heitz, and Mike Lilly made the drive up from San Antonio to take their title. The Women’s “Old Fast Rogues” – Lisa Ansin, Kim Eldrige, Stacy Jessen and Francie Thurman – controlled the pace from the beginning to bring home the trophy.

Next up in the local running scene is the Car2Go Marathon Relay on September 22nd, followed by the official kickoff of the fall racing season – the Uptown Classic 10K on October 6th.

RESULTS – ZILKER RELAYS 2013

The handoff section at the 2013 Zilker Relays.

The third leg of the eventual winning team “Rogue Joggers”

Erik Stanley runs side by side with Jarred Carson to complete the second leg.

Race Director Paul Perrone finishes his leg, an annual tradition. Jack Murray was a no-show so the duo couldn’t complete their “Has Beens” team this year.

It was still 99 degrees at 7 PM.

Runners ascend the final hill before darting to the finish at about mile 2 on the course.