Mike Emerson won the men’s title in the 2025 Vibe-X Lake Norman Half Marathon Series with 450 points, and Sarah Trichardt won the women’s title with 227 points. Josh Freedman and Brad Fortier rounded out the men’s money spots, while Melissa Witte and Margaret McInnis took second and third for the women.
The 2025 Vibe-X Lake Norman Half Marathon Series finished with a bang! The top 3 money spots had massive adjustments in both the men’s and women’s divisions, and the men’s course record got a haircut. Overall, an amazing day.
Here’s the full breakdown, how the scoring works, and how you can get in on the 2026 series.
Who won the 2025 Lake Norman Half Marathon Series?
Two runners stood on top when the dust settled. Mike Emerson took the men’s series and Sarah Trichardt took the women’s series.
Both earned it the hard way: by showing up and racing half marathon after half marathon across the season. That’s not one good day. That’s a whole year of good days.
What were the men’s final standings?
- Mike Emerson – 450 points – $175
- Josh Freedman – 414 points – $75
- Brad Fortier – 358 points – $50
- Cameron Bearder – 327 points
- Nicholas Wallman – 274 points
- Johannes Lenselink – 182 points
- Gary Olnowich – 25 points
Mike’s 450 points put him clear at the top, with Josh Freedman second at 414 and Brad Fortier third at 358. Those top three took home the prize money: $175, $75 and $50.
Behind them, Cameron Bearder, Nicholas Wallman, Johannes Lenselink and Gary Olnowich all banked series points. Every one of those numbers represents a lot of miles on Lake Norman roads.
What were the women’s final standings?
- Sarah Trichardt – 227 points
- Melissa Witte – 180 points
- Margaret McInnis – 124 points
- Tess Rice – 89 points
- Jami Gomes – 76 points
Sarah Trichardt led the women with 227 points. Melissa Witte was second with 180, and Margaret McInnis was third with 124. Tess Rice and Jami Gomes finished fourth and fifth.
Huge congrats to all five. Racing multiple half marathons in one year takes real grit, and these women brought it.
How do you qualify for the Lake Norman Half Marathon Series?
To be considered a finisher of the 2025 series, runners had to compete in at least 3 of these 4 half marathons:
- Lake Norman Half Marathon Wildman
- Lake Norman Half Marathon Forest Run
- Lake Norman Half Marathon Turkey Trot
- Lake Norman Half Marathon Elf Classic
You don’t register for the series itself. Every half marathoner who completes three of the four races is counted automatically.
How are Lake Norman Half Marathon Series points calculated?
Points come from finishing the half marathon, and they’re based on where you place compared to everyone else who finished that race.
The winner of a race earns points equal to the number of finishers. Second place earns one fewer, third place one fewer than that, and so on, down to 1 point for the last finisher.
So if 97 people finish a race, first place earns 97 points, second earns 96, third earns 95 and fourth earns 94. Bigger fields mean more points on the table, which is why the totals can swing a lot from race to race.
Why do series standings change so much late in the year?
Because points depend on both your place and the size of each field, one strong race can move you up several spots. That’s exactly what happened in 2025, when the top 3 money spots shifted big time in both divisions at the final race.
It’s what makes the series fun. Nobody’s locked in until the last finisher crosses the line.
Is the Lake Norman Half Marathon Series right for me?
If you’ve run a half marathon and want a reason to keep racing, yes. The series gives every race a little more meaning, because each finish counts toward something bigger.
You don’t have to be chasing a podium either. Points go to every finisher, all the way down to 1 point for the last person across the line. Plenty of runners use the series as a goal for the year: finish three half marathons and see what happens.
What’s the best strategy for scoring series points?
Show up healthy and finish. Only your best three of the four races are needed to qualify, so you have a little breathing room if one race goes sideways.
Spread out your effort, recover well between races and remember the courses differ. Some are fast and open, and some are hilly and shaded, so race each one for what it is.
Where can I see the full 2025 series standings?
You can see the full series standings right here. It has every runner’s points across the season.
Standings for other years are listed on the Lake Norman Half Marathon Series page.
How can I race the next Lake Norman Half Marathon Series?
Pick your races and get started. Run at least three of the four series half marathons and you’re in the hunt.
Next up is the Lake Norman Half Marathon Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2026, in Cornelius. Earn some points, earn your pie, and see where you stack up. You can also check the full list of Epic races to plan your season.
Congrats again to Mike, Sarah and every runner who chased points in 2025. You did it. Who’s next? You can do this.
Lake Norman Half Marathon Series FAQ
Who won the 2025 Lake Norman Half Marathon Series?
Mike Emerson won the men’s series with 450 points. Sarah Trichardt won the women’s series with 227 points.
How many races do I need to finish to count in the series?
At least 3 of the 4 series half marathons: Wildman, Forest Run, Turkey Trot and Elf Classic.
Do I need to register for the series separately?
No. Half marathoners who complete 3 of the 4 races are counted automatically.
How are series points awarded?
Points are based on your finish place versus the number of finishers. The winner earns points equal to the number of finishers, and last place earns 1 point.
What prize money did the 2025 men’s top three earn?
First place earned $175, second earned $75 and third earned $50.