TOMAHAWK – Tomahawk area runners took to the track on Saturday for the inaugural Hatchet Mid-Summer Mile, battling hot temperatures and even hotter competition at Hatchet Field.
The evening kicked off with youth events, where Curtis Raith won the kids’ 400m in 1:26, followed by Avalyn Schultz taking the girls’ race in 1:47.
In the 800m, Evan Zorn claimed the top spot with a strong 3:07 performance.
One of the night’s most unique challenges came from the Weight-Vest Mile, where athletes raced a full mile wearing a 14‑lb. vest (women) or 20‑lb. vest (men). Jim Blackiston won the men’s division in 7:42, with Natalie Ponsler earning the women’s title in 7:47.
The Corporate Challenge 1600m Relay brought spirited team competition, with each squad fielding two men and two women running 400m legs. CrossFit 453 – represented by Jim Blackiston, Natalie Ponsler, Adam Prescott and Dani Whiting – crossed the line first in 4:49, with Harley‑Davidson Tomahawk Operations securing the runner‑up position.
The evening’s mile races delivered plenty of excitement. In the middle school division, Sam Hanneman won the boys race in 5:22, while Fjola Erickson captured the girls title in 7:28. The Community and Masters Mile ran together, where Masters athlete Nathan Koch posted the fastest time of the entire event with a 5:18. Cassey Krueger won the women’s Masters division in 5:59, and Amanda Koshak claimed the Community Mile victory in 6:25.
High school athletes closed out the night. In the Girls’ Championship Mile, Ella Hansen surged late to secure the trophy and the top girls’ time of the night with a 5:57, edging out early leader Charlee Lund. Ella’s sister, Katherine Hansen, won her race in 7:30, and Noelle Mayo took top honors in the freshman division with a 6:43.
On the boys’ side, Connor Zorn used his speed to dominate the Championship Mile in 5:41, while Emmett Schultz won the freshman race in 5:56.
Despite the hot track conditions, athletes and spectators alike enjoyed a fun, competitive evening.
Proceeds from the event will help purchase new uniforms for the Tomahawk Middle School cross country team.
Events like this rely on tremendous community support, and we extend our sincere thanks to all volunteers, participants and sponsors who made the inaugural Hatchet Mid‑Summer Mile possible. Special appreciation goes to Big Bear Mini Golf and Ice Cream, DAAR Engineering, Harley‑Davidson Tomahawk Operations, Dog N’ Suds, Tilted Loon Saloon, UpNorth Nutrition, Northwoods Awards and Engraving, Simply Stitched, Coasters Cycleworks, CrossFit 453 and 51 North Design.
Full results are available at www.live.tandhtiming.com.
We look forward to hosting this event again in July 2027.
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