Race: Baker Lake 50K
Runner: Stephanie G
Race Date: 10/06/2018
Location: Baker Lake
Results: 4:58:07, 2nd female, 9th overall
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1888824722/overview
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- The weather this year was just fantastic, which made the views great.
- Maybe the friendliest finish line I’ve been to.
- Nice trails
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Everything was great!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Probably the self-serve water stations (which are great). This year they had gallon jugs of water out at two places on the trail.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I drank well this year. Last year I ran out of water twice on the way back and had to fill up at streams because I didn’t drink enough in the first half. This year I drank from the start and only had to refill at the turnaround aid station.
With about 3/4 of a mile to go I caught someone and for the first time ever, I was able to race to the finish and actually come out ahead. Whether mental or physical, that is not usually a strength, so I was pleased by that.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Be prepared to pass a lot of people no matter your speed since it’s an out and back course. There’s an actual bathroom near the start/finish line. There was a long line for the porta-potties, but barely a line for the bathroom each of the probably 4 times I went.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Drinking from the start really does work!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The first/last ~1.5 miles are on road. Other than that, mostly rolling trail, with a couple decent climbs.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It is – mostly in the woods, with the occasional glimpses of the mountains and lake that are beautiful if the weather cooperates.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Very runnable with not a ton of elevation
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well run
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I wouldn’t say it’s highly competitive, but just depends on who signs up!
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.
The hardest part is probably the drive there, unless you camp.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Only one aid station, with typical ultra food. Water caches on the trail that you pass by 4 times.
Weather and typical race conditions
Probably more gray and drizzly than this year was.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Nope
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
No – they can only see you at the turnaround, and only if they want to drive all the way down the lake.
How’s the Swag?
Finisher medals
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
It’s a nice local, low-key race.