Bigfoot 100k Race Report – Delaney H

bigfoot 100k race reportRace: Bigfoot 100k

Runner: Delaney H

Race Date: 08/10/2018

Location: Cougar, Washington

Results: http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=53584#id902373

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

The aid stations were amazing!!!! The course was so beautiful and had such varied terrain. The course was marked SO well.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

There are many parts of this race that are not runnable (boulders, etc.). There are also very long stretches with no aid stations (there were two 18-mile stretches with no aid). Both of these things are totally fine, but it’s important to know this going in.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

My drop bag from the mile 55 aid station disappeared. There’s no cell service up there, so the volunteers at the start/finish couldn’t tell me where my bag was or where it might be. I waited around several hours to see if it would show up, but I had to give up. The race directors are more than a little busy with the 200 mile race that goes on for 4ish days, so it will take some time to figure out if it has turned up.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I feel like I was able to run pretty much everything that is runnable on this course. I feel like I also was able to handle the climbs (particularly in the exposed areas) pretty well.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

The terrain is crazy. There are some lovely runnable areas with tree-lined trails, but there are also lots of areas with loose dirt/scree next to a sheer drop so that a wrong step will send you sliding down a long way. There are some boulder fields that take some time to get through. There are long stretches that are very exposed, so if it’s hot, there’s nowhere to hide. If it’s raining, there’s nowhere to hide. Windy? Nowhere to hide.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

If you get a rock in your shoe, don’t ignore it for 50 miles. Also, when you get to the aid station and think, “sweet, only 13 more miles until I’m done,” know that it’s a lot of pretty crazy trail and it’ll force you to move slow in much of those last few miles.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Expect to be out on course for a while. It’s remote, much of it is very difficult to run.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s amazing!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

So hard!

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

The aid stations were insane. One even had food to order. The volunteers really took care of us. As I write this, it’s a little over a week since the race and my drop bag from Aid Station 55 is still missing. I have not heard from the race yet. Granted, they were very busy getting the 200 mile race squared away, so I’m not expecting much contact just yet.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

No idea. I spent my time in the middle of the pack.

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.

Nothing special required, but it’s hard. I wouldn’t recommend this as a first ultra (though I met one gentleman who WAS running it as his first ultra).

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

There aren’t a lot of aid stations, but they are spectacular!

Weather and typical race conditions

It’s August, so I think it’s typically pretty warm. It’s exposed, so whatever weather you get, you can’t hide.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

There is recommended gear – emergency blanket, hooded jacket, water filter (there are a couple of 18 mile stretches with no aid, but there are some creeks), whistle, extra batteries for your headlamp, poles.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

There are a couple places where spectators can view runners, but not many.

How’s the Swag?

Nothing much. You can buy a shirt. I think I was supposed to get a pint glass, but didn’t realize it.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

I’d recommend it. It was a great experience.