Race: Arkansas Traveller 100
Runner: Rick Harris
Race Date: 10/02/2021
Location: Perryville, Arkansas
Results: 28:50:44
Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/4cUFL1ydmkb
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
1. Well-organized
2. Positive volunteers
3. Challenging temperatures/humidity
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Parking was a pain. Had to park on one side of the road leading to the start/finish, so I ended up with a 1/4 mile walk from my truck. Not a big deal until after the race! But, a couple of volunteers saw me and gave me a ride back to my truck after the race without me having to ask. Just plan for the walk or be 1st at race morning check-in!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Getting my quads rolled out at 2AM by an aid station volunteer dressed in a sparkly gold suit. Too bad someone didn’t get that on video!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
– Minimized aid station turn-arounds: unless I was actually doing something necessary for the race, I didn’t hang around.
– It was a hilly course, so I NEVER ran ANY significant climb (I hiked a lot from the start). That saved my legs.
– Heat-training made a difference for me in the warm/humid weather. Spent a lot of time training in the midday FL humidity and some sauna sessions in the months leading up to race day.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Put everything in your drop bags in plastic bags. If you’re going to see the drop bag multiple times (out-back or looped course), consider packing specific supplies for specific stops I their own ziplock baggy and numbering each bag. That way, when you have ultra brain in the middle of the night, you don’t have to think: just grab the next bag and replenish your pack.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Desitin (or similar diaper rash cream) works wonders when chaffing after miles in the rain. Also, Squirrels Nut Butter, TriSlide, and Sport Shield totally eclipsed Body Glide for minimizing chafing for me after running in the rain for most of the day.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Zero flats. Just long climbs and descents. A few are steep, but most are moderate.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very pretty. Spend most of the time in the woods.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
For me, it was tough. Only my second 100-miler, but the long climbs and warmer temps really challenged my body and mind.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Super-well run. They’ve got it down!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The winner this year placed 6th at Badwater a couple years ago, so it does attract some good runners. It is also a WSER qualifier. That said, there’s was around a 35-40% drop rate.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
You can find it on Ultrasignup, but will have to link to their website to register.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard. Hydration was water or Gatorade. Many stations also cooked up quesadillas and pancakes fresh.
Weather and typical race conditions
Warm/humid.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
A lot of the course is on gravel roads or packed clay, so having some cushion under your feet helps. Only eight miles on single track; but that has a lot of mossy rock, so choose footwear accordingly (esp. if it rains). I ran faster, lower stack, grippier shoes for the first 16 miles and then switch to my Altra Olympus after the single track was done.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Not really. A lot of aid stations but moderate access for crews. Spectators will be disappointed.
How’s the Swag?
The buckle is small… but I don’t really care. Felt perfect in my hand once I stepped across the finish!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5/5. Plenty of aid stations. I ran without a crew, but the aid stations volunteers were so attentive, it felt like they all became my crew!
Want to read more about the Arkansas Traveller 100? You can also check out Coach Ashley Nordell’s race report – she holds one of the top 10 fastest times!