30 in 24 hike reveals sites, heart

Group members hike the Superior Hiking Trail. Out of the 14 members that started only seven remained after the 15 hours. Photo courtesy of Juliana Olson

On Oct. 6, the UMD Recreation Sports Outdoors Program (RSOP) hosted their fifth annual 30 miles in 24 hours hike. According to RSOP associate director Tim Bates the 30 in 24 started when some adventurous RSOP leaders wanted to try hiking the part of the Superior Hiking Trail that runs through Duluth. The following year they decided to make it an RSOP sponsored event. The hike began at 4 a.m. and took participants from the Fond Du Lac neighborhood in West Duluth back to campus by means of the Superior Hiking Trail.

The hike was lead by student RSOP leaders, Juliana Olson and Sam Nesheim. The group they were leading started out with 14 participants, but only half made it the whole way. When the hike began the group was made up of five boys and nine girls. Finishing were four boys and only three girls.

The weather played a big role in the hikes successful turnout. When the hike began it had been raining but by the time the group watched the sunrise the rain had stopped. Being mid forties and breezy all day, no one got too hot. The only hindrance was the grounds wetness made it hard to sit and have a snack. Breaks were critical as everyone was going to get tired and hungry at some point in the trek.

Leaders Juliana Olson and Sam Nesheim, with fellow hiker Abbey Graner. Photo courtesy of Juliana Olson

Both the leaders agreed that the hike was amazing because of the weather and because they got to see plenty of Duluth’s highlights along the Superior Hiking Trail. During the hike, they stopped to rest at look out spots such as, Ely’s Peak, Spirit Mountain, Enger Tower, Canal Park and Chester Park before finally reaching campus. Sam Nesheim attested to the natural beauty they got too see as highlights of their trip. The fall colors are almost in full swing and that tied with the sound of rushing waterfalls highlighted the pure beauty of Duluth. After seeing all the natural beauty of Duluth they were glad to be back to campus and truly realised just how far they had pushed themselves to go.

Not only was this a site seeing hike it was a test of mental strength. Leader Juliana Olson said during the hike she literally had to remind herself out loud “I can do this.” Both leaders agree that an advantage to going on this hike is that you really get to test yourself.

“It was a learning experience of myself and what I can handle,” Juliana said.

They both also agreed their legs are still sore but it’s a small reminder of the incredible feat they reached last weekend.

This hike is just one example of the many activities RSOP hosts throughout the year. See the RSOP homepage for a full list of all they have to offer.