Jason Wara, 29, of Madera was the first of 39 runners to cross the finish line in a time of 1:21.10. at the July 7 Shadow of the Giants off-road 18K held in the Nelder Grove area above Oakhurst.

Close behind Wara for second place was Yosemite High School distance runner Alex Simpson, 16, who completed the course in 1:23.17. Third place went to Fresno native JK Lundberg, 32.

The women's division was won by Amie Voorhees, 38, of Coarsegold with a time of 1:54:10. Emmy Hume placed second in the women's division in a time of 1:55.40 in her first appearance in the race. Libby Nye of Bass Lake placed third.

The course is mainly on fire roads with about a four mile section of single trail where the runners pass through the Grave Yard of the Giants at about 5,800 feet elevation.

Race Director Baz Hawley has been organizing the famous Shadow of the Giants 50K ultra race for 23 years in Fish Camp. He added the three race Summer Trail Series to further promote trail running in the mountains of Eastern Madera county.

"The runners really enjoy the scenic course," Hawley said. "In addition to Central Valley runners, we have participants from the Los Angeles area and even one entry from South Africa."

Hawley is not just a race director -- He has been promoting and competing in races for more than 26 years. He knows the sport -- What it demands and how to produce a quality race.

The final race in the series is July 21, the Snow Play Loop 15K in Fish Camp.

"All runners are welcome ... the courses are well marked and the experience is well worth the effort," Hawley said.

Details: Baz Hawley, (559) 683-7420, bigbaztrailraces.com, bazhawley@sti.net.