An overdue trail runner nearly “outran the rescue team” as they searched for her after nightfall in the California wilderness.
The Montrose Search and Rescue Team got a call about an overdue trail runner at about 9 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14, rescuers said in a Facebook post.
“She is a semi-pro trail runner and had never been in the area around Switzers (Falls),” Mike Leum, an assistant director with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, said in a Facebook post.
When two hours had passed since the runner’s expected return time, the 22-year-old woman’s “very anxious mom” drove to the trail and found her daughter’s car, according to Leum.
“Luckily she told mom WHERE she was going and WHEN she should be finished,” Leum said.
Rescuers said the runner had intended to travel from Switzer Falls to Bear Canyon Trail Camp in Angeles National Forest.
“I told my teammates that based on her level of fitness, we might be chasing her all night,” Leum said.
Leum said he was searching with a new team member, along with two trainees.
“I told them to start yelling the subject’s name and within minutes we heard her respond,” Leum said. “It was great to see the excitement of the trainees on their first live find.”
The runner, who was found about 20 minutes after rescuers set out to look for her, was headed back toward the trailhead, rescuers said.
“We’re thankful she was moving toward us when we made contact, because let’s be honest—she could have easily outrun our team, and they’re no slouches when it comes to fitness,” rescuers said.
The woman was in good spirits, “despite her ‘run’ turning into an unplanned 20-mile adventure after getting turned around and running out of cell phone battery,” rescuers said.
Leum said the woman asked about potentially joining the search and rescue team.
“I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have a problem with our fitness test,” Leum said he told the runner.
Rescuers said the “incident highlights how important it is to leave a detailed route plan with someone you trust and stick to it.”
“Her preparation allowed us to respond quickly, and her family’s decision to call when she was overdue was the right move,” rescuers said.