Often overlooked in favor of the World Marathon Majors, the Philadelphia (Philly) Marathon is one of the most popular in the United States, for good reason!
Philadelphia Marathon race start.
1. Pre-Race Zoom Call
With the Philadelphia Marathon coming up soon, we’re bringing veterans and first-timers together to ask questions, share insights and build some excitement heading into race weekend!
Join our drop-in Zoom call on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm EST where first-time Philly runners can get answers from athletes and coaches who have run this race before.
If you think you can make it, or want to submit a question in advance, email your host TRR coach Elaina Raponi at [email protected].
Can’t make the call? We’ll record the call and share the link in the following week’s newsletter.
2. Philadelphia Marathon Race Intel
Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025
Philadelphia Marathon course map.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Start: 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Finish: Eakins Oval on Kelly Drive, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Course type: Mostly a loop; take a look at this page for more Philadelphia Marathon course info
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Elevation gain: 744 feet/ 226 meters
Elevation loss: 744 feet/ 226 meters
Temperature:
Average high: 51°F/ 10°C Average low: 34° F/ 1°C
Tips from Coaches
“Practice hills! Philly is not classified as hilly, but the rolling hills from miles 7–16 and the tougher climbs in Manayunk (miles 19–22) add up.” – Coach Jonathan Gooch
“Stick to the tangents. Kelly Drive is wide and winding, and poor tangents can add up to half a mile to your race, so minimize side-to-side movement to stay on the shortest course.” – Coach Jonathan Gooch
“The race ends with a 10 mile out-and-back on the river that feels longer than the first 16; save some mental energy to get back from the turn around.” – Coach Matt Weller
Philadelphia Marathon elevation map. PC: findmymarathon.com
3. Shakeout Run
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
4. Philadelphia Marathon Coaching Info
At Team RunRun, we have 100s of wonderful, experienced coaches ready to help you crush your goals, regardless of your ability, budget, or lifestyle. Specifically, for Philadelphia Marathon race advice, here are some coaches to start with:
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
1. Course difficulty: It’s simply a super tough course, and the 60% DNF rate will attest to that! 184km/ 120 miles with 7000m/ 23,000 feet through all 13 Valleys of the Lake District National Park is no joke!
2. Scenery: The Lake District scenery is stunning, not much more to say.
3. Race feel: There’s a great mix of big race logistics and atmosphere, yet small enough not to feel too commercial.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
1. Drop bags: You only have access to a drop back once, 75 miles in, which makes it difficult logistically.
2. Required gear and pack size: There is a large required kit list, adding up to quite a lot to carry. I needed a 20L pack for all my gear.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
David Taylor running into the night during the 13 Valleys race.
It’s at the end of the Summer season in the Lake District, so the chances of bad weather are much higher. There’s also a lot more darkness – a solid 12 hours per night – so running with a head torch is a key skill, along with navigation for the first 130km, until you pick up the way-marked 5 Valleys route.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Just how hard it was! Even with a lot of training, it’s super challenging, but what this race does is force you to tap into your mindset and willpower as much as your muscles, especially when the rain and cold hammer you early on!
My highlight was the run back through Keswick at the end. As I ran, I basically receiving a standing ovation from everyone out shopping and sitting outside the pubs!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
1) Use the drop bag well: have a full change of clothes, including shoes and waterproofs. This might be just enough to get you through the race if/when the weather changes; lots of people dropped out at this aid station because of this.
2) Get comfortable running, navigating, and working in mountains in the dark while carrying a fairly large pack.
3) If possible, check out the route ahead of time. Some of the trails are un-runnable, so being prepared for what’s to come, and knowing how to move efficiently across the boulder fields, is really useful.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
1) Plenty of hill training: being able to move efficiently up the hills, and not haven them destroy your legs, will help you get to the end.
2) Being used to using poor weather kit and waterproofs: it’s quite likely that you will need them! Too many people DNF’d because of weather-related issues.
13 Valleys course map and elevation chart.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Nothing beats being able to recce the route ahead of race day. While the course profile is hard, it’s as much the terrain that makes this race difficult: bog, boulders, and large rocks make up a lot of the paths, which just makes progress super slow.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
One of the major draws of the lakes is the stunning scenery! And when it wasn’t dark, it was simply awe inspiring.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
With a completion rate of around 40%, this is very much so a difficult race! The high attrition rate has been consistent, even after increasing the numbers in the race. This year, 240 registered, 195 started, and only 78 finished. The course is as beautiful as it is brutal.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Despite this only being the third year of the 13 Valleys race, it is already top notch in terms of organization and feel. Everything form the event village to the aid stations is dialed.
David Taylor smiling through the incredibly challenging 13 Valleys ultra.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
It’s tough to say as there weren’t any ‘big’ names, but some of the best have ran this in the past and, as the event grows, I’m sure more will be attracted to it.
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.
No, at the moment it is first come first served, with entries for the following year open before the race starts at special, super early bird prices as well.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
There are 12 aid stations along the course, that have a mix of basic and enhanced fare. The “menus” are available pre-race to allow people to plan and test out the on-course options ahead of time. The longest gap between aid stations was a half marathon, so they were well spaced out. The volunteers were all excellent.
David Taylor braving a rain storm mid-race.
Weather and typical race conditions
13 Valleys takes places at the end of summer in the Lake District, so expect variable weather and race conditions. During my race, it was around 10oC to start, going down to around 1-2oC at tops of the climbs. There was heavy rain and gusts on the first night – some of the paths were in effect turned into rivers. It rained for half the night, 5 or 6 hours, and then brightened up during the day. It was very cold during the second night, probably just above freezing, especially with wind chill (and fatigue).
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
There is a fairly large kit list which you can see online here. I ended up using a 20L pack – the normal 12L one that I use was just too tight. A 20L pack has enough room for you to get things in and out without too much of a squeeze.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
There are certain parts where spectators are allowed. This is clear in the instructions, but crewing isn’t allowed for the 13 Valleys to try and prevent too much erosion on the paths
How’s the Swag?
Fairly basic. Runners get a slate medal that doubles as a coaster and a patch, but I would’ve liked an event t-shirt. There’s plenty of merch available to buy in the event village.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
If you are up for a VERY tough challenge then a good, solid 9/10 from me. There are other versions of the race: 7 Valleys (110K), 5 Valleys (58K), and 2 Valleys (21K) that could be better options to get a feel for this event.
David Taylor is a coach with Team RunRun based in Glasgow, UK. He specializes in trails and ultras for both beginner and intermediate runners, whether you’re just bumping up in distance or looking to improve your next trail race.
TRR Coach Natalie Lutz running the 2023 Indy Marathon.
Often overlooked in favor of the World Marathon Majors, the Indianapolis (Indy) Monumental Marathon is a flat, fast race perfect for PR-seekers and first-timers.
1. Pre-Race Zoom Call
With the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon coming up soon, we’re bringing veterans and first-timers together to ask questions, share insights and build some excitement heading into race weekend!
Join our drop-in Zoom call on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 at 7:00 pm EST where first-time Indy runners can get answers from athletes and coaches who have run this race before.
If you think you can make it, or want to submit a question in advance, email your host TRR coach Elaina Raponi at [email protected].
Can’t make the call? We’ll record the call and share the link in the following week’s newsletter.
2. Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Race Intel
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon course map.
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Start: Near the Indiana State House
Finish: Near the Indiana State House
Course type: Loop; take a look at this page for more course info
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Elevation gain: 302 feet/ 92 meters
Elevation loss: 302 feet/ 92 meters
Temperature:
Average high: 58°F/ 14°C Average low: 39° F/ 3°C
Tips from Coaches
“The half marathon and marathon start at the same time. So, especially if you are in the top corrals, be aware that the race goes out very fast. Try not to get caught up and pulled along with the half marathoners in the beginning. Run your own race and pace to avoid hitting the wall too early!” – Natalie Lutz
“Be extra vigilant of your footing and the road bifurcations during the first 3 miles. In 2024, there were a few pot holes in the beginning of the race.” – Natalie Lutz
3. Race Reports
Want even more intel on the Indy Marathon? Read some of the race reports from Team RunRun coaches:
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon elevation map. PC: findmymarathon.com
4. Shakeout Run
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
5. Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Coaching Info
At Team RunRun, we have 100s of wonderful, experienced coaches ready to help you crush your goals, regardless of your ability, budget, or lifestyle. Specifically, for Indianapolis Monumental Marathon race advice, here are some coaches to start with:
TRR Coach Jennifer Kozak running the Golden Ultra 60K race. PC: Jonathan McLeod
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The Golden Ultra is a three-day stage race or a one-day ultra running race in Golden, BC, Canada. I chose the one-day, 60K ultra option.
1. Volunteers/Aid stations: This was by far the highlight of the race for me! The aid station volunteers went so above and beyond, it felt like I had crew! I would arrive, and immediately one person was helping me find my drop bag, while two other people were filling my bottles, and a fourth was holding my poles. They put ice in my hat, dumped water down my back, offered me tater tots, bacon, and quesadillas, all while telling me how good I looked, ha! As we approached the summit for the day, we were greeted with a team of dancing men dressed as fairies encouraging us up to the top. All of these amazing people meant I had a smile on my face for most of the day.
2. Flagging: The course was very well marked for the day. The few instances where I was worried that I had taken a wrong turn, I simply had to wait one minute, and the next flag would appear. Any turn was either manned or flagged so well that you knew exactly where to go. Despite some hesitancy that I missed something when I ultimately would zone out for a while, not a single turn was missed.
3. Course: The mountainous course is beautiful and challenging, and you get a little bit of everything: flowy single track through the forest, a technical, steep ridge climb to the top of the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Gondola, and some quad busting descents.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
1. Timing: From a participant perspective, it seemed like something went awry with the timing. When crossing the finish line, the zone4.ca updated your time automatically based on the chip you are wearing. Then, later in the day, all of the times had between 45 seconds to a couple minutes added to them. We were informed that this was an adjustment for gun time. This would seem fine, except for the fact that even with video evidence of crossing under the timing clock at a certain time, it was still off by nearly a minute. While it might not seem like a big deal, as it did not affect placements, for those of us who were aiming for a certain time and thrilled to squeak in just under, it was frustrating to not have that time be ‘official’. Why did we wear those bulky chips around our ankles then?!
2. Medal mishaps: They forgot to hand out medals for the 60K/30K racers. Oops! They have offered to mail them out though if we want it!
3. No watermelon? All I wanted was watermelon at the aid stations!
4. Drop bags: They only had drop bags available at one aid station (though runners visited it twice), which was at 7.5 miles (11 km) and 29 miles (47 km) into the race. I did utilize it, but it seemed too early/late in the race to need much. I would have preferred one 21 miles (34 km) into the race, at Aid Station 3, especially if I had no crew/supporters on course to help bring things.
Golden Ultra 60K Stage 2 course profile.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Overall pacing: The Golden Ultra 60K was my first ultra, so I wasn’t too sure how exactly to pace for a longer race. In hindsight, I feel like I did go out a bit hot, but felt soooo so good up until the last 12k, when the temps hit 27oC (81oF) and the quads had had enough.
Fueling: I am very happy with how fueling went for the most part. I had practiced hard for this, and it paid off!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Bring a headlamp! The 6 am start isn’t too early, but it is dark at this time of year until around 7 am. You’ll need a headlamp to feel confident on the forest trails. The headlamp can be dropped at the first aid station if you’ve got a drop bag there.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
If I could go back and do it again, I would have slowed down for the first 6 miles. That said, it is very challenging to be on single track, with a group of people behind you, and not push a little more than you intend.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
I think the most challenging part of the Golden Ultra 60K course is the final 12 km (6-7 miles). There are lots of little punchy climbs and descents that feel so challenging after pushing on the main climb/descent earlier on in the race. If you can manage your effort, or build your durability to withstand the last 12 km, you’ll be golden (I had to)!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Beautiful! Unfortunately, some wild fire smoke had entered the area for the weekend. That said, it wasn’t too bad as we ascended into the alpine, and it gave the mountains a very moody feel (see picture below). The smoke cleared later in the day, and we were treated to some epic views at the top of the gondola. Running through the lower trails was also really enjoyable.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes! The Golden Ultra 60K is ~59 km with 2500 m (or around 8200 feet) of vertical gain. The course progresses from rolling trails into one giant climb, followed by one giant descent, and then more rolling trails to the finish. There are a few sections that also require careful footing, such as the approach the aid station at the top of the gondola, and when descending the first section of the ski resort.
Jennifer Kozak descending a steep climb during the Golden Ultra 60K. PC: Jonathan McLeod
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Everything (aside from the timing) seemed like a well-oiled machine. Package pick up/drop bag drop off was super smooth. Helpfully, race information was shared quite a few times leading up to the race via email or on the Golden Ultra Facebook forum. As mentioned above, the aid stations were incredible.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes, there are some very strong runners in this race! People travel from all over to attend, but you’ll find the majority from in and around BC/Alberta.
A moody, early morning shot of the major course climbs. PC: Jonathan McLeod
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.
They usually have tiered pricing for the Golden Ultra event, so, if you are the first to register, you’ll get a cheaper price than if you book a month after registration opens. Because of this, they had a lot of traffic the first day of registration and it caused a few glitches. They worked hard to remedy this, and fixed any issues people had with their registration. The race itself did not seem to sell out though until a month or two before the actual race start. Accommodation was trickier as the town is quite small. If you stay at the resort (where a lot of the vacation rentals are), be prepared to be trained getting to the start line!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
As mentioned above, these were the best aid stations! This was more so for the people than the food itself (which I barely ate any of). They had Xact Bars as their sponsored nutrition and F2C as their electrolyte. I knew neither of these would work for me, so I didn’t partake. And despite their lack of watermelon, they had seemingly everything else: oranges, grapes, cookies, candy, chips, pretzels, tater tots, bacon, quesadillas, and more.
Weather and typical race conditions
Last year, the weather was colder and quite socked in (perfect running temps)! This year, it was hot with a bit of smoke in the air. With it being a higher alpine environment, the weather can change very quickly: expect every type of weather from blazing sun to snow.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Jennifer Kozak finishing her first ultramarathon. PC: Jonathan McLeod
They have a required gear list for the Golden Ultra 60K: jacket, gloves, toque/beanie, and emergency blanket. Bear spray is optional. Personally, I liked having poles for the major climb and tucked them away for the rest of the race after that. While it’s not on the required list, a headlamp is 100% needed for the first hour or so.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes, there are quite a few spots to view. The first spot would be at the first aid station (I believe you can walk/drive in). The most popular spot would be at the top of the gondola. Spectators would need to buy a sightseeing gondola pass for the day from the resort, and make it up there to see your runner (and the views)! I was able to see my family at the top of the gondola (where they provided aid), at the bottom of the long descent down the ski hill, and again at the finish line.
How’s the Swag?
I loved it! Runners received a T-shirt (non-technical) and a metal cup branded with Golden Ultra at check in. Before the race start, the race director was handing out collapsible cups for use at aid stations during the race (which is great because I had forgotten mine). At the finish, a hard-earned medal (pending…see above) and pint glass await.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4.5/5! I loved the Golden Ultra 60K and would 100% run it again! My little annoyances of the race pale in comparison to the overall event and weekend, which was nothing but enjoyable. I would highly recommend any runner coming to BC to try one of these events!
Jennifer Kozak is a coach with Team RunRun who knows how to balance training with family, on both the roads and the trails. Jenn works with athlete of all abilities, from those dipping their toes in trail races or tackling new goals on the roads, from the 5k up to the marathon.
I liked that the Grindstone 100 is mostly on single track trails. Also, the 6pm start means everyone has to run through at least one full night, and this adds another challenge to the race.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The downside to all the single track was that some parts were pretty overgrown, making it harder to stay on pace.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
The final miles are very smooth and runnable – a nice “treat” after 90+ miles of technical single track! It felt very good to drop the pace and finish the race strong. (Certainly not something you feel at the end of most 100 milers!)
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Above all, take the climbs easy! They are gnarly and long, so you need to measure your energy and effort appropriately.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The lollipop section (miles 53-66) of the Grindstone 100 course is very gnarly and tough to get through. Oh, and it’s 105.1 miles, not 100.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes! The course is mostly on single track trails, providing continuous variety that keeps you motivated. And the upside to the gnarly climbs are the beautiful views you’re treated to at the top.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes, undoubtedly so!!! Those climbs are tough, and the technical terrain makes it even harder! Plus, you gain 21,000 feet over the 105-mile course! Grindstone 100 is one of the most difficult 100-mile races in the US.
Grindstone 100 elevation map with aid stations and time cutoffs labelled.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Yes! It’s a UTMB race, so it’s very well organized.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes! Again, with it being a UTMB race, it will always attract a strong field of athletes trying to qualify for the UTMB finals in France.
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.
No major logistical hurdles, simply go to the website and sign up!
Lukas and his pacer at the finish line.
Note UTMB’s trail stewardship policy: all the Grindstone 100 racers are required to complete 8 hours of trail work prior to race day, which they submit via a Trail Work Form.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
There are 15 aid stations throughout the Grindstone 100, 1 about every 6-8 miles, and you can have crew and/or drop bags at 5 of them. The offerings are standard, and Naak is the on-course nutrition and hydration brand. That said, the North River Gap aid station (which is also a crewable aid station) was the best, thanks to the variety of food options available!
Weather and typical race conditions
It was pretty hot and humid on race day this year! Therefore, I’d recommend asking your crew to have ice available at aid stations to stay cool.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
There is a mandatory gear list but, as far as UTMB races are concerned, it doesn’t list anything you shouldn’t already think to carry.
My #1 recommendation is poles! Bring poles, you won’t regret it!!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
There are a good number of crewed aid stations, meaning crew, friends, and spectators can see and support the runners more often than in a lot of 100-milers. However, trail ultramarathons are never the most spectator-friendly! There is a whole festival setup at the finish line area, perfect for spectators to await finishers.
How’s the Swag?
You get a nice 100-mile finishers belt buckle, race t-shirt, and picture from the park!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5/5! I would recommend the Grindstone 100 to anyone looking to gain some milestones for UTMB who likes technical and gnarly races.
Lukas Burrer is a coach with Team RunRun originally from Germany, but now based in Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in trail and ultrarunning, and loves helping athletes take on big challenges!
I just love the racing environment of UTMB. They organize it so well, the energy is amazing, and the setting is absolutely epic. I have run this race three times, and I want to keep coming back!!
I also love that after having been in the trail running community for so many years, I can go to this race and see so many people I know from all around the world!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The start. I’m just outside of the “elite” category so I don’t get a spot near the front of the race. Two years ago when I raced, I got there more than an hour before the start and sat out in the sun waiting. This year, I got there 30 minutes before and was in the middle of the crowd. It took me 2 minutes to push/get pushed to the start line, and then we walked out of town. I wasn’t feeling super competitive this year, but walking slowly amid tons of runners with selfie-sticks, rather than running this nice flat part of the course was frustrating. I think they need to have corrals based on bib numbers (which are based on UTMB Index ranking).
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
I’m still a bit in awe at all the deli meat and cheese available at the aid stations. They don’t have gels, and the overall food selection is noticeably different from US ultras. I basically lived on Naak waffles and Naak sports drink for 30 hours!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Matt at the finish line of UTMB, greeted by TRR athlete and star crew, Jose Medina!
I got out of trouble. I made a really big error on the climb to Col du Bonhomme: I didn’t layer up for the weather. It was raining, and I had on my rain jacket and rain mitts, but I didn’t put on more layers. By the time it was windy and snowing up high (at 2am!), and I knew I needed to get warm fast, my hands were too cold to function. I couldn’t get my vest off, let alone get it open, in order to get more warm layers out. Thankfully, they had a warming hut open at the top. It looked brutal in there with people shivering, crying, and just in total disarray – I was one of them, shaking violently for 30+ minutes.
I am proud that I eventually regrouped, got warm enough, got my gear on properly, and carried on to finish the race. But there was a brief period before that warming hut (which I didn’t know would be open to us!) where I was scared for my life, more than any other running event I’ve ever been in. But I got out of trouble and UTMB!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Get good at downhill running. There is so much downhill! Get good at running fast on steep long descents. That is a huge advantage.
Be fit. The stronger a runner you are, the better you’ll do on the climbs and the various runnable sections.
Know your gear. There’s a big required gear list, and while you might think it’s overkill, I needed all (well, almost all!) of it this year. Practice with it, know where it is in your pack, and be quick to use it! In training, simply practicing running with the weight of it all will be a big benefit, even if you never need to get into it!
Relax and smile. It’s a really long race, and it’s really easy to get caught up early in the competition. Slap hands in St. Gervais and Les Contamines, soak in that crazy tunnel of people at the start of the big Col du Bonhomme climb. And then stay focused: it’s a long, long race!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
In future, I’ll be way quicker to get my cold gear on at any race where it might be getting cold!
It’s way more fun to be fit! I didn’t train well for UTMB this year. I was able to get by with good power hiking on the long climbs, and good descending skills. But it’s just a better race when you’re well prepared.
UTMB 108.1-mile race course map.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The last big section from Col des Montets to La Flégère is tough! You’re met with steep, big rocks, an up-and-down and then another long up, before you finally get to the last big up, which is a ski slope. It’s plain tough at this point in the race, so be ready for it!
Also, to me, that climb out of Trient is just a beast! So steep for so long!
Lastly, the rocky climb once you’re out of Champex-Lac is a pain. There are so many big rocks that it’s tough to find a rhythm (plus, I had my own special suffering going on through that section which didn’t help!).
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
UTMB is one of the prettiest courses I know of. I just LOVE racing in Chamonix!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes! With a 46.5-hour cutoff to cover 108 miles and over 32,000 feet of vert, it’s an awesomely difficult race!
UTMB elevation chart with the main climbs labelled.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
YES! The best in the world. While the buses and the start still need work, UTMB is the best run race out there.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
YES! Again, the best!
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.
Matt meeting his crew at an aid station to refuel during UTMB.
Know the game with the UTMB stones and the qualifying system. It’s not that tough to get into (as of 2025) – certainly not as hard as some people make it out to be! I got in with 4 stones via the lottery in my first attempt.
Lodging is expensive in Chamonix now. Be ready to pay up. But it’s such a great town and we love visiting each year!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
If you like Euro-style aid stations, you’re good to go. Meat, cheese, bread… But for me (vegan), there isn’t much. I had gels ready at the 5 crew stops, along with Skratch carbohydrate and electrolyte drink. Otherwise, I relied on Naak waffles (cut into 1/4s – I grabbed 4-6 of them each at aid station) and Naak sports drink. I picked up some veggie broth a couple times too, but it was so hot that it took forever to drink, so I didn’t stick with that.
The hype and energy of the aid stations is awesome though!
Be warned: Les Contamines’ aid station is an absolute shit show! It’s so busy and so crazy with people because the race hasn’t spread out yet. It’s hard to find your crew, and they won’t even be allowed into the tent area until they know you’re close. Be ready for chaos there!
Weather and typical race conditions
It can be hot, it can snow, it can be everything in between. They have a hot weather required kit and a cold weather one – I’ve had both activated during my 3 times running this race. Be ready for anything!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
There is a HUGE required gear list for UTMB. I know it’s expensive, but it’s worth spending time and money to get high quality stuff. Once you have the good gear, make sure you know how to use it! Practice running with the gear in training too. Take the required gear list seriously: they do check it at couple aid stations throughout the race. This year, I had to show my 3 upper layers (cold weather year) and my emergency blanket.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes and no. There are tons of spectators on course and it’s awesome! But it’s tough to get around as a spectator. All crew and spectators had to buy bus passes by early July this year (I didn’t do that!). Fortunately, I was able to secure passes for my crew in the final days before the race, but only for them, no one else. It’s a bit pricey for bus passes too, but my crew had a blast with it all. Summary: there are tons of people on course, but it’s also tough to get around, so plan ahead.
Runners on course during UTMB. PC: Pascal Tournaire/UTMB
How’s the Swag?
It’s lean: finisher vest only, no medals. People come for the race, not the swag. The t-shirt was sized large this year. The men’s small was too big for me. 🙁
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10 out of 10! I love UTMB, and I will want to do it again (even though I said – multiple times – I was done with ultras mid-race!)!!
Matt Urbanski is the founder of Team RunRun, as well as a coach. He enjoys coaching self-motivated runners to optimize training time, push limits, transition to ultras, podium, BQ, and other big challenges!
How well does your sportswear fit? Is it optimized for running economy, efficiency, and performance like the shoes you carefully researched and tested? No? I didn’t think so.
A group of female runners at the track.
When we think about performance in sport, our minds usually go straight to training, nutrition, or the latest piece of high-tech equipment. But one piece of the puzzle rarely gets the same attention — and it should. That piece is what women and girls wear to compete.
For decades, women’s sportswear was an afterthought: a smaller, pinker version of men’s gear. Yet the fit, feel, and design of apparel play a direct role in how athletes perform. Well-designed clothing supports the body’s mechanics, reduces distractions, and boosts confidence. In contrast, poorly designed gear can do the opposite.
Even the biggest brands are waking up to this. In June 2025, the world watched Breaking4, Nike’s high-profile attempt to help Faith Kipyegon become the first woman to break the four-minute mile. Nike poured resources into every detail: pacing formations, weather conditions, super spikes — even Kipyegon’s clothing. The message was clear: marginal gains matter, and apparel is part of the equation.
This isn’t just about elites, though. Girls lining up at their first 5K, college athletes grinding through practice, and women at every level deserve sportswear designed for their bodies and their needs. It’s time to rethink women’s sportswear.
How the Right Fit Impacts the Body
It’s easy to dismiss fit as “just comfort.” But science shows it’s much more. A 2024 study led by Kipp and et al., titled Sports Bra Restriction on Respiratory Mechanics during Exercise, found that the tightness of a sports bra’s underband can actually compromise breathing.
Two different sports bra types and their features.
Nine highly trained female runners performed hard running sessions wearing loose, self-selected, and tight-fitting sports bras. The tighter bras increased the work of breathing, changed breathing patterns (more rapid breaths, smaller tidal volumes), and even raised oxygen cost during steady-state running.
Loosening the underband reduced the energy cost of breathing and allowed deeper, more efficient breaths — essentially improving running economy.
A 2025 follow-up study echoed these findings: women experienced less respiratory muscle fatigue, better ventilation coordination, and lower perceived breathlessness in looser underbands during high-intensity running.
Bottom line: a “supportive” sports bra that feels restrictive may actually be draining your performance.
How the Right Fit Impacts the Mind
Clothing affects not only how our bodies move, but how our minds focus. Research published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review shows that tight and revealing athletic clothing can shift women’s attention toward their bodies and away from the task at hand.
In that study, women wearing tight and revealing clothes moved more slowly and less consistently on a motor performance task than those in loose, concealing clothes. The researchers suggest that “body monitoring” — being hyper-aware of how you look — diverts mental energy from performance.
This dynamic is especially relevant in sport, where women and girls are often aware of being watched and judged on appearance. Gear that feels comfortable and unobtrusive lets athletes focus on the movement, the skill, the game — not on self-consciousness.
How Paradis Sport are rethinking women’s sportwear, starting with performance underwear.
Why the First Layer Counts
Sports bras usually get the spotlight, but the first layer matters too. Poorly designed underwear can chafe, shift, and distract — especially during high-impact movement.
A brand that’s doing it right here, rethinking women’s sportswear from the ground up, is Paradis Sport. Founded by and for women, Paradis Sport spent three years and 17 prototypes testing with 37 elite and professional athletes to create performance underwear that stays put, resists chafing, and feels invisible. No itchy tags. No harsh chemicals. And absolutely no distractions.
Elite runners and TRR coaches, Ruby Wyles and Hillary Allen, are singing Paradis’ praises. After years of trying brands that fell short — most designed by men or as an afterthought in a big product line — I (Ruby) finally found Paradis Sport. Their underwear performed so well during my runs and races that I barely noticed it was there. That’s the point.
This post is not sponsored by Paradis Sport, but TRR members can save 20% with the code listed on the TRR Community Discounts page.
Time to Raise the Standard
The science is clear: the right apparel can improve breathing efficiency, movement economy, focus, and confidence. However, the wrong apparel can quietly sabotage all of it.
From sports bras that support respiration to underwear that actually stays in place, brands have a chance — and a responsibility — to design gear for women’s bodies, not just shrink down men’s.
Nike’s Breaking4 project showed the world that every detail counts. For millions of women and girls, the right sportwear might not be a marginal gain at all — it might be transformative.
Nike design team custom fitting apparel for Faith Kipyegon’s Breaking 4. PC: Nike
Your Move
As athletes, coaches, parents, and consumers, we can push for change. Support brands that are rethinking women’s sportswear and prioritizing their needs. Share feedback. Celebrate companies leading the way.
Because when apparel fits right, women can focus on what matters: breaking barriers, reaching goals, and enjoying the sports they love.
Ruby Wyles is a coach with Team RunRun based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is most fulfilled by helping athletes overcome limiting beliefs with joy. Ruby is also a proud science nerd, and advocate for athletes’ mental and physical health.
Did you know that the 2024 New York City Marathon became the world’s largest marathon ever with 55,646 total finishers? Now you do!
Team RunRun athlete, Laura, after crushing the New York City Marathon!
And with all the intel below, you’re on your way to your own historic NYC finish!
1. Pre-Race Zoom Call
With the New York City (NYC) Marathon coming up soon, we’re bringing veterans and first-timers together to ask questions, share insights and build some excitement heading into race weekend!
Join our drop-in Zoom call on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 at 7:00 pm EST where first-time NYC runners can get answers from athletes and coaches who have run this race before.
If you think you can make it, or want to submit a question in advance, email your host TRR coach Elaina Raponi at [email protected].
Can’t make the call? We’ll record the call and share the link in the following week’s newsletter.
2. New York City (NYC) Marathon Race Intel
New York City Marathon course map.
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
Location: New York City, NY
Start: Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
Finish: Central Park, between West 67th Street and West 68th Street
Course type: Point-to-point; take a look at this page for more course info
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Elevation gain: 810 feet/ 246 meters
Elevation loss: 824 feet/ 251 meters
Temperature:
Average high: 57°F/ 13°C Average low: 36° F/ 2°C
Tips from Coaches
“While crossing the Madison Avenue Bridge (Last Damn Bridge) around mile 21, move to your right for tons of encouragement and goodies to help propel you to the finish!” – Coach Dana Caruso
”The Verrazano is a suspension bridge, so there’s subtle bounce that reduces perceived exertion. Combined with the adrenaline of starting the New York City Marathon, it doesn’t feel as tough — be sure to hold back and not get too excited so early in!” – Coach Martina Nadeau
”The bridges lie and make your GPS go wild. Therefore, pace by effort, not GPS. Splits will be wrong in multiple spots, so do not panic.” – Coach Martina Nadeau
”The first mile is crowded and a lot of folks stop mid-course to take photos – try not to get too frustrated! Instead, be cautious of the runners around you to avoid twisting an ankle or short stopping.” – Coach Martina Nadeau
New York City Marathon elevation map.
3. Race Reports
Want even more intel on the New York City Marathon? Read some of the race reports from Team RunRun coaches:
Team RunRun athlete, Phil, setting a 14-minute PR at the 2023 New York City Marathon.
At Team RunRun, we have 100s of wonderful, experienced coaches ready to help you crush your goals, regardless of your ability, budget, or lifestyle. Specifically, for New York City Marathon race advice, here are some coaches to start with:
This year, Team RunRunner Jason completed his epic goal of running the Hood to Coast Relay in 34 hours! As a part of a small team, Jason ran a total of 9 legs and 50 miles over the two day event. The 2025 Hood to Coast will be remembered for being the hottest edition to date being the hottest one to date, with temperatures soaring over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Following the event, he wrote up this wonderful race recap, and shared this: “There’s no way I would have been able to do this, and recover as quickly as I did, without the gradual build up in mileage that TRR Coach Brian Comer has had me doing in preparation for a sub 3-hour marathon. At over 50 years old, I have more endurance now than ever before in my life!”
On the Springwater Trail
I heard a pop, almost like a whistle, before my right foot felt like it was getting pricked every time I ran a step. For sure, I thought I had stepped on a nail. I kept on running anyway, which didn’t work; the nail kept pricking at my foot. I knew I’d have to stop. Sort this out. The problem was that I was running the Hood to Coast Relay and the temperature in Happy Valley, Oregon, was over 100 degrees. I was on the Springwater Corridor, a remote section of the blackest asphalt, and it felt like running on the sun. The last thing I wanted to do was stop and prolong this experience–with no shade. No access for cars. My team couldn’t help. And I was all out of water.
Jason finishing one of his Hood to Coast Relay legs.
Oh, and I had about 44 miles to go in the next few days–because I was running the “The Mother of All Relays” in a team of only three people. I had just run Leg 9 and was now three miles or so into Leg 10, which was essentially the start of the relay for me.
Back to reality…
I already felt laid out.
So I sat down beside the trail, on the dead dry grass, and took off my shoe. I inspected the bottom. It wasn’t a nail. It was a stout little wooden sliver, almost an inch long. No blood. It didn’t pierce my skin, which was nice. Except I couldn’t quite pinch it out of the bottom of my shoe with my finger nails, either. This was a big problem. I tried to bite it out with my teeth, before I realized how this looks to other runners: some shirtless, half-naked man with his short-shorts on, eating his own shoe. They’d think the heat really got to me.
Eventually, after about 20 minutes of fiddling with it, I slowly but surely pushed and wiggled the sliver out. When I stood back up, I almost passed out. I now had 3 miles to go to the next exchange, if I didn’t die.
Heat exhaustion (if not death) was a real concern.
This is certainly an issue when the ambient temperature is over 100 degrees and you are running on asphalt, which absorbs the heat and cooks your feet and body from below. Even my water bottle ended up scalding to my own touch. I could tell how close I was getting to the next exchange from the ambulance sirens getting louder and louder.
Our Hood to Coast (H2C) Team: The Running Yeti Its
H2C teams have a long tradition of creative names and we were the “Running Yeti Its.” I was the main Yeti It (which sounds like “idiot”) because I had decided to run nine legs in what turned out to be the hottest Hood to Coast since the race’s inception in 1982.
Normally, runners ran three legs each for a total of 14-17 miles each over two days, Friday and Saturday. This time, I didn’t want to spend so much time in a van. Since the only other option was running, and someone had dropped out with a broken toe, I was “runners” 4 in Van One, as well as 9 and 10 in Van Two, for a total of close to 50 miles. This meant that I would transfer vans at each major exchange, leaving very little time for sleep. I thought this would be fun and exciting, and it was–until the sun fully came out and I was marooned on the hot asphalt trail eating my own shoe.
We had eight people on our team for a relay that took us 196 miles from almost the top of Mount Hood to the city of Seaside, Oregon. See the picture to the right for us in front of our Air Dancer Yeti It mascot before the event.
From left to right in the picture:
Casey “Who’s Going to Carry the Boats” Carroll
Jessica Bailey, our superstar HR event organizer and Team Captain, my sister, and pregnant but doing this anyway
Aaron Schoknecht, Jessie’s husband, who was tall enough to be an alt Yeti It mascot by throwing up his hands at exchanges so we could always find our people
Jason Hagen (me)
Stephanie Hagen, my other sister and Van Two “mom” with 25 years of experience as an EMT, which made us feel safer
Adria Biasi, our physical therapist who kept Jessica and I running, overcoming niggles and injuries. We couldn’t have done this without her. And her ultramarathon friends (and our new friends) from Seattle:
Jocelyn O’Donnell who had run 80 miles to be the overall winner of the One Step Closer 18 hour ultra in Seattle, WA, the weekend before H2C and had the severe blisters to prove it
Walter Hicks, finisher of the Cascade Crest 100
In the above picture, on my red tank top, it said:
Let’s Wake Up Really Early and Run Super Far.– Psychopaths
Luckily, we could get away with 8 people instead of the recommended 12 because we had three people running 6 legs or more: Adria, Jocelyn, Walter and I (Jason). The four of us made up Van One, while myself and Adria ran in both Van One and Van Two.
Our Hood to Coast Relay team plan, with boxes and the check marks for completed legs.
Running Yeti Its’ Team Strategy
My family has been doing H2C yearly since 2023, and I had run as two people the year before. This time, I wanted to bridge the vans as a runner in both Van One and Van Two. Adria was willing to try this as well. Jocelyn and Walter represented two runners (six legs each) and remained in Van One with us.
Two things changed the game this year when bridging vans: basically no sleep, and then the heat. When you bridge vans, you do not have much time to sleep because you are always just finished running or preparing to run again throughout the day and night. With the heat, you need to slow down to avoid heat exhaustion. This makes pacing, hydration, and calories key to feeling okay (or maybe just blazay) throughout the relay.
Running Multiple Hood to Coast Relay Legs: My Pacing Plan
For pacing, I tried to keep my heart rate below 130 bpm as a general guideline. A simple rule of thumb for estimating your maximum heart rate is to subtract your age from 220. As a 50-year-old man, my estimated max would be roughly 170 beats per minute. I wanted to remain at a solid “zone 1” or “zone 2” pace, staying well below my max effort.
After I was through Friday’s heat wave, however, I had discussed with my awesome Team RunRun Coach, Brian Comer, how it would be all right to pick up the pace on Saturday. So, on Saturday night at around 2am, on some nice downhills with my heart rate hovering around 120 bpm at a pace of around 9-9:30 minutes per mile with a cool breeze, I decided to “send it,” to speed up, to get up and GO–but I didn’t. Physically, I couldn’t. This was odd. My brain and legs struggled to understand each other.
My Brain: Let’s go! Let’s do this. Come on!
My Legs: Go to hell.
My Brain: There’s plenty of bpm room here to speed up and Brian said I could.
My Legs: No. You don’t know me. I know me.
My Brain: Come on, you pussies!
My Legs: You need to run H2C again in a matter of hours, another 16 miles, you idiot.
My Brain: Oh, yeah.
My Legs: Dude. Stop reasoning. I got this.
Fueling The Hood to Coast Relay
I ate like a toddler or an elderly man on hospice (pick your analogy on either side of that spectrum). Immediately after each run, I drank an Ensure Plus for 350 calories after each run. This was usually followed up with grapes, bananas, Pedialyte, and a lot of water, constantly sipping. I still ended up dehydrated.
Solid foods were minimal, mostly consisting of what I called “Yeti It Pizza”: peanut butter, banana slices, and crushed M&Ms sandwiched inside of two tortillas, cut like pizza. The only ‘super solid food’ I ate were bagels with cream cheese that Adria thankfully made for me. While I had to keep the solid food light to keep my stomach in check, I knew the importance of fueling. In order to consume adequate carbohydrates and protein, I set nutrition targets for every hour or two. For protein, I targeted 20-30 grams every two hours. Ultimately, this proved challenging when combined with constantly drinking water and getting in enough total calories
For fueling while running, on shorter legs, I downed a GU, or the equivalent gel, for about 100 calories every 20 minutes. On my longer legs (or when stacking two relay legs back-to-back), I carried a bottle of ice cold Pedialyte and targeted 100 calories every mile, via either GU or Clif Bloks. Additionally, I would meet my team at the exchanges midway throughout the legs for refills of water or Pedialyte.
Back on the Springwater Trail…
When I finally stood up, having removed the splinter from my shoe, fought off the strong inclination to pass out from the sudden head rush of hot blood, I stumbled into a slow jog. I looked off into the distance and saw that most of the runners had been reduced to a slow walk. I could hear ambulance sirens popping off all over Gresham or Sandy or wherever the hell I was.
I reminded myself that my sisters and friends were waiting for me with a cold wash rag, hugs, and congratulations–if I could just make it through this leg without hurting myself. So I played it safe. When my heart rate hit 150 bpm or above, I walked. This happened about every 0.10 miles. I would walk for a minute to lower my bpm to about 130 (which was, alarmingly, as low as it would go) before plodding along again.
1 Mile to Go!
Finally, with about a mile to go, I witnessed a reprieve in the form of a volunteer or some guardian angel neighbor with a water station, handing out cold water bottles–and hoped this wasn’t a mirage. The station saved some lives out there, I’m sure of it. I took three bottles. I downed one on the spot, used another to refill my own water bottle, and used one more to cool off my head and lower my core body temperature.
This enabled me to finish the leg and hand off to our epic family physical therapist, Adria. She proceeded to throw down an unbelievable pace to the next major exchange. Despite her Camelbak vest not working for the water and having only a hand-held bottle, she steamrolled all the way to OMSI and beyond, down the waterfront and through the city of Portland. By her own normal standards, she paced it easy and played it safe, but we’ve never seen anything like it. Although she felt like a “beotchy” hot mess by the end, she was in good form in no time, if only a little more stiff for the rest of the relay.
Our entire team completed all of our legs safely and without incident in a year when many teams ended up not finishing legs due to the heat. Additionally, many teams were asked to skip legs in order to finish on time. So, we’re pretty proud of our little family of Yeti Its.
Team Running Yeti Its at the finish of the Hood to Coast Relay.
Finishing the 2025 Hood to Coast Relay
We finished in 34 hours. Our Team Captain, Jessica, led us through the finish line where we could finally grab our medals, go home, eat cheeseburgers or pizza or whatever we wanted, and finally take some showers!
And then, of course, there was a wonderful welcome waiting for us at our family beach house. See the picture to the left for proof!
Cleared at 6 Weeks Postpartum—But Am I Ready to Run?
Mom of 3 and TRR Coach Amanda Hamilton is documenting her return to running postpartum journey here on the Team RunRun blog. This is journal entry #1 in a multi-part series.
TRR Coach Amanda Hamilton next to a running track with her newborn daughter.
Before we dive in, keep in mind that neither Amanda Hamilton nor the TRR team are medical professionals. There exists a wide range of conflicting advice concerning returning to running, so always consult your own providers. The article below is just meant to share one runner’s experience.
6 Weeks Postpartum (and Beyond)
September 4th marks 6.5 weeks since I gave birth to my third daughter. The topic of returning to running postpartum is on my mind. Typically, your provider (obstetrician or midwife) will see you at the 6-week mark to assess your physical readiness to exercise. Having recently had my 6-week appointment and passing all their checks, I am now “medically cleared” to do any movement/workouts that I feel comfortable with. But what does that really mean for me? Am I ready to run?
Not quite. This will be my third time returning to running after a baby, and I’ve learned a lot from my past two experiences. While recommendations and timelines vary widely, most pelvic floor physical therapists — whom I would consider to be the experts in this area — recommend waiting until the 12-week mark before returning to running.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: A Must for New Moms
In many European countries, pelvic floor physical therapy is the gold standard in postpartum recovery and included in the typical care plan. Unfortunately, in the United States, this care is less common, and a lot of women don’t know they even exists. Once you know, however, you can search for a local provider, and try to prioritize seeing someone in person. For some, you will have to pay out-of-pocket, whereas others take insurance (and you may only have a small co-payment). Fortunately, I found out about pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) after my first baby. As a result, I’ve been seeing a wonderful physical therapist on and off since then.
Expecting and Empowered’s Instagram page with pelvic floor physical therapy resources.
Virtual Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Resources
If you are unable to get in to see someone in person, here are my favorite evidence-based, pelvic floor resources:
Expecting and Empowered (E&E): “Two sisters on a mission to empower all women to thrive both physically and mentally throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journeys.” One of the sisters/founders is a pelvic floor physical therapist, and applied her expertise to their at-home workout app. The app includes a test that assesses your readiness to return to running. I utilized this test after my first baby and found it very useful. In addition to the app (which you have to pay for, though they do offer a free 7-day trial), E&E has a lot of free resources available on their Instagram account.
Dr. Mae Hughes: Dr. Hughes is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified pelvic floor specialist based in Nashville, Tennessee. She is another great follow on Instagram, with a lot of helpful videos, FAQs, etc. Similar to E&E, Dr. Hughes has created her own “Run Readiness Checklist”. She will send it to you via email for free.
As both Expecting & Empowered and Dr. Mae Hughes will frequently remind their followers, clinical expertise and scientific evidence indicate best outcomes for women who wait at least 12 weeks post-baby before returning to running. This 2022 article from the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy entitled “Maximizing Recovery in the Postpartum Period: A Timeline for Rehabilitation from Pregnancy through Return to Sport” is frequently cited by PTs and worth a read in its entirety if you have a deeper interest in this subject area. The article includes helpful tables with week-by-week benchmarks.
Waiting to Run Postpartum: Coping Strategies for Impatient Runners
Coach Amanda and her family at the beach.
If you thought waiting until your 6-week check up to return to running postpartum was long enough, a 12-week wait is going to feel endless. The good news is that no one is advocating for 12 weeks of rest. Everyone is different, but I can share what has been helping me during this period.
Physically, two of the best things for me have been diaphragmatic breathing and walking. I have also prioritized recovery services like massage and sauna. Mentally, the wait to return to running can be even tougher! I have maintained excitement, optimism, and motivation by ensuring I have specific things to look forward to when I return. For me, this has meant planning my upcoming race calendar and signing up for my next few races (a 5K in January, 10K in February, and a half marathon in late April). In addition, I bought some new running apparel that I am holding on to for my return, and I’m looking forward to wearing! Lastly, I’ve been curating a “return to running” Spotify playlist over the past few weeks. (I’m accepting song suggestions if anyone would like to contribute!)
I will be continuing to document my return to running postpartum in these journal entries. Expect more from me around the 12-week mark. Thanks for following along!
Amanda Hamilton is a coach with Team RunRun based near Los Angeles, California. She knows what it’s like balancing a family, returning to running, working and running, and she’s excited to help both beginner and intermediate runners achieve their goals.
Your go-to spot for all things Marine Corps Marathon, one of the largest marathons in the US and the world, nicknamed “The People’s Marathon.” 2025 will mark the event’s 50th anniversary!
1. Pre-Race Zoom Call
With the Marine Corps Marathon coming up soon, we’re bringing veterans and first-timers together to ask questions, share insights and build some excitement heading into race weekend!
Join our drop-in Zoom call on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 at 7:00 pm EST where first-time Marine Corps runners can get answers from athletes and coaches who have run this race before.
If you think you can make it, or want to submit a question in advance, email your host TRR coach Elaina Raponi at [email protected].
Can’t make the call? We’ll record the call and share the link in the following week’s newsletter.
2. Marine Corps Marathon Race Intel
Marine Corps Marathon course map.
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Start: Arlington, between thePentagon and Arlington National Cemetery
Finish: U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Course type: Loop; take a look at this great, interactive course map
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Elevation gain: 699 feet/ 213 meters
Elevation loss: 666 feet/ 203 meters
Temperature:
Average high : 64°F/ 17°C Average low: 46° F/ 7°C
Tips from Coaches
“Miles 20–22 (14th Street Bridge) feel endless. There are no spectators, the pavement is hot and there is little shade – prepare yourself mentally and physically for this tough stretch of the course” – Coach Leah Pan
“The finish at Iwo Jima has a sharp incline. Save a little energy to power up for your strong finish photo!” – Coach Leah Pan
”Mile 20 is tough at every race — at thMarine Corps, there’s a sneaky hill that won’t look like much but you’ll feel it. Because it’s around mile 20, this can lead many runners to think they’re bonking. Push those thoughts aside, push through this tough and quiet section of the course, and you’ll be just fine!” – Coach Nicole Thome
Marine Corps Marathon elevation map. PC: marinecorpsmarathon.com
3. Race Reports
Want even more intel on the marathon? Read some of the race reports from Team RunRun coaches:
Location: Meet in Rosslyn at the Rosslyn Gateway Park. There is street parking, and/or paid parking at nearby Upside on Moore (where you can also grab breakfast and/or coffee after the run).
Shake off the pre-race jitters and meet us for 2.5 miles at a leisurely pace! Complete this short questionnaire if you’re interested in attending so we can plan accordingly.
All paces are welcome and the more the merrier! Feel free to bring a friend, even if they’re not a Team RunRun athlete!
5. Marine Corps Marathon Coaching Info
At Team RunRun, we have 100s of wonderful, experienced coaches ready to help you crush your goals, regardless of your ability, budget, or lifestyle. Specifically, for Marine Corps Marathon race advice, here are some coaches to start with:
The UltrAspire Legacy 3.0 Race Vest is a great option for road and trail runs of any length. However, I think it really shines in 50+ mile ultra distance events and big adventure days in the mountains. Abundant storage space (10 liters) in both the main compartment and variety of easily accessible pockets make is possible to carry ample fuel, layers and safety gear needed for lengthy remote endeavors. If water is scarce on the route, the vest can accommodate a 2-liter bladder in addition to four bottles in front and two bottles in the back side pockets. With so many storage accommodation options, you can easily customize and configure the vest to best suite your personal needs.
Personal Experiences:
The Legacy 3.0 is my go-to vest for unsupported fast and light missions in the deep alpine. I can always fit everything I need (plus a few extras for safety) in this vest. For example, I venture into grizzly country often and the back side pockets happen to fit my bear spray perfectly. I also love that this vest not only features a traditional shock cord attachment for poles, but an ice axe carry attachment as well. This makes the Legacy 3.0 an ideal companion during early season alpine runs when steep snow travel is likely, or if my chosen route happens to cross a glacier or snowfield.
In the isolated and unforgiving terrain I often adventure in, my fitness and gear is frequently my only lifeline. My vest must, therefore, be as rugged as the landscape I traverse. No matter what the distance or how treacherous the terrain, I feel confident that the Legacy 3.0 will survive the journey with it’s robust build. Rewind to an early season adventure last summer, I returned with my shirt and jacket torn but my vest was completely unscathed. When I travel with the Legacy 3.0, I can focus on my footing and surroundings instead of on shielding my vest (and gear within). For me, these qualities make this vest the ideal choice for big adventures in backcountry.
Behind view of the UltrAspire Legacy 3.0 Race Vest.
Sizing:
One size fits most– and they mean it!
Additional Sizing Comments:
As a smaller female, I’m typically hesitant to purchase “one size fits all”. Many products of “one size” will, at worse, fit too loose and, at best, fit awkwardly. Impressively, this is not true of the Legacy 3.0 Race Vest. On me, it fits like it was made specially for my smaller frame. On the other hand, my husband, who is much larger than me, remarks that this same vest fits him like a glove too! It’s truly amazing the wide range of sizes this one vest can accommodate!
Comparison to Previous Models:
The UltrAspire Legacy 3.0 Race Vest has an updated wrap around for improved fit. The reservoir compartment now boasts the insulated UltrAcool sleeve to keep water cold during warm outings. Finally, the upgraded fabrics have durability, breathability, and comfort in mind. More durable, dual adjustable shoulder straps allow for you to run with heavier loads without the vest bouncing.
Comparison to Other Brands:
The Black Diamond Distance 8 is a similar sized adventure vest with durable material. However, I have found their product lacking in pockets and the fabric more abrasive. Salomon carries several vests similar in size too. Unfortunately, Salomon textiles, in my experience, don’t seem to stand the test of time, and the chafing can be unreal. Finally, both of these alternates are not one size fits most.
Durability:
Front view of the UltrAspire Legacy 3.0 Race Vest.
This vest has been with me on 300+ miles of adventures. Some of these outings were traditional trail runs, but most were big mountain outings. The vest scrapped up against rocks while scrambling, and was subjected to thick foliage while bushwhacking. It also carried my ice axe. Safe to say, I’ve put the UltrAspire Legacy 3.0 Race Vest to the test and it’s still like new, without even the slightest hint of fabric deterioration or a single tear.
Changes for the Next Model:
I’d like more color options (currently only available in black).
The True Test – Would You Recommend It?
Yes, I think the UltrAspire Legacy 3.0 Race Vest is an outstanding adventure and race vest that would be a wonderful addition to any athlete’s quiver, especially if they are rough on their gear in the mountains. This is also a handy vest in a household where a vest is shared between several athletes since this one size really does fit most!
Keeping it Honest – Did You Get This Gear for Free?
Full disclosure, I am sponsored by UltrAspire, but used their products well before I had a relationship with the brand. I do not get anything from the company for leaving a positive review. I received this vest for free as a prototype before it was released.
Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a multisport outdoor athlete, ultra-runner and certified coach. She is passionate about collaborating with driven athletes who love to explore, train and play outside.
Team RunRunner Michael Norton after finishing the 2024 marathon.
Your go-to spot for all things Bank of America Chicago Marathon, one of the fastest Abbott World Marathon Majors, occurring each October in the United States of America.
1. Pre-Race Zoom Call
With Chicago coming up soon, we brought veterans and first-timers together to ask questions, share insights and build some excitement heading into race weekend!
We had a great drop-in Zoom call full of Chicago Marathon racing info and tips: Catch the replay here!
2. Chicago Marathon Race Intel
Chicago course map.
Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Location: Chicago, USA
Start: Grant Park
Finish: Grant Park
Course type: Loop; undeniably fast and flat!
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Elevation gain: 243 feet/ 74 meters
Elevation loss: 242 feet/ 73 meters
Temperature:
Average high : 64°F/ 17°C Average low: 46° F/ 7°C
Tips from Coaches
”Enjoy the final stretch down Columbus Drive. In any case, soak it all in!” – Coach Christina Mather
Chicago Marathon elevation map. PC: findmymarathon.com
3. Race Reports
Want even more intel on the marathon? Read some of the race reports from Team RunRun coaches:
Date: Saturday, October 11th Time: 9 am CST (Chicago local time) Location: Millennial Park, Cloud Gate “the Bean”
All paces are welcome and the more the merrier! Feel free to bring a friend, even if they’re not a Team RunRun athlete!
TRR Coach CJ Albertsonfinishing the 2024 Chicago Marathon in 7th overall and 1st American in a time of 2:08:17! PC: Michael Reaves/ Getty Images
5. Chicago Marathon Coaching Info
At Team RunRun, we have 100s of wonderful, experienced coaches ready to help you crush your goals, regardless of your ability, budget, or lifestyle. Specifically, for Chicago race advice, here are some coaches to start with:
There’s lots of things that go into being a better trail runner: training, nutrition, sleep, strategy, and psychology are just a few. When it comes to physical training, running is, of course, the main focus, however cross training and strength training are also important tools in the trail-runner’s tool box.
A group of runners strength training.
As a coach, I believe that every runner, and especially trail runners, should incorporate some form of strength training. And the good news is that you don’t have to be a gym rat or lift super heavy in order to see results. In this article, I’ll go over the benefits of adding strength workouts into your trail running training.
3 Benefits of Strength Training for Trail Runners
1. Agility and multi-planar movements
While road running is primarily a forward motion, trail running often requires movement in multiple planes, recruiting muscles throughout your full body. Depending on the terrain and the distance, you may be making those moves suddenly and with quite a bit of force. Strength training prepares you to be able to make those moves well, without causing injury.
2. Durability and injury prevention
Beyond the obvious muscle strengthening, resistance training strengthens bones by building density. Strength training can also help correct imbalances that can otherwise lead to injury. Being more durable and avoiding injury allows you to train consistently, and consistency is one of the more important tools in becoming a better runner.
3. Upper body strength
While most runners tend to think of run-specific strength training as lower body-focused, trail runners can also benefit from upper body strength. This helps when using poles on the run, carrying hydration packs and bottles, and especially when scrambling or climbing is involved. Upper body strength can also protect you from injuries when the almost-inevitable fall happens.
Concerns of Trail Runners: “I don’t want to bulk up”
Trail runners on an easy run.
One of the biggest concerns for runners, and especially female runners, is that strength training will make them bulk up. This is typically not the case. Firstly, in order to bulk up you need to intentionally eat enough calories. I can speak to this personally as I am also a rugby player, and in rugby season I need to eat a meal every 2-3 hours while awake to get enough calories to maintain weight and muscle mass. When your training is focused on running, it’s hard to maintain that kind of calorie surplus. Bulking also requires a focus on frequent strength training sessions, much more than the recommended 2-3 a week for runners. By continuing to run as normal, alongside a few strength training sessions weekly, you’ll avoid bulking up.
While you don’t want such a large calorie surplus that you bulk, there is the concern of having enough energy to do both lifting and running. This can include making sure you get enough calories to fuel extra workouts, avoiding the heavy legged feeling when lifting and running, and just generally fitting lifting and running into all the things you do. I will address the timing of lifting below, but, in general, you’ll need to plan your workouts well to balance the demands of lifting and running. You also may need to have cycles where you focus more on lifting, then others where you back off and focus more on running to keep that balance.
Timing
As with any kind of training, there is the ideal, and then there is the reality of how you can fit things in based on real life. The suggestions I offer on timing are just that, suggestions. Getting in some lifting with a less than ideal schedule is always better than not lifting at all.
For starters, you want there to be a time separation between running and lifting. This helps you recover between sessions, and makes sure you’re not taxing all of your body’s systems all at once. Especially on your speed or long run days, you shouldn’t lift before you run. I like to keep the hard days hard and the easy days easy; if you do a speed session in the morning, fitting in a strength session in the afternoon or evening is ideal, leaving another day open for easier training or recovery. If you run in the evening, you can always lift the morning after a hard workout.
You don’t need to do focused 30-60 minute sessions in the gym in order to get the benefits of strength training either. 5-10-minute strength training “snacks” after runs can still offer similar benefits. Some of my clients like to do a hybrid: one longer gym session a week, coupled with some shorter bodyweight exercises on other days. Again, the idea is to not let perfect be the enemy of good.
Tapering Strength Training
Just as with your running, you’ll want to taper your strength training before races. I usually don’t assign athletes strength work the week of a race, and for goal races we might remove or lighten strength training a few weeks beforehand. On step-down/ recovery weeks for running, I also prescribe lighter strength training, or maybe just some mobility, to give the body a chance to recover fully. And then after races, I find it’s sometimes good to mix in some light strength training before you’re back to running, but this is by no means a necessity.
Trail runners doing bodyweight strength training.
Final Thoughts on Strength Training for Trail Runners
To summarize, strength training can provide many benefits to trail runners which they can’t get from simply adding more miles. Effective strength training doesn’t require a gym membership or a large time commitment; there are flexible ways to build it into your current training schedule. And, as always, listen to your body, and remember that any strength training is better than none!
Sample Strength Training Plans
I’ve included two sample plans at the end of the article. One is a focused gym session plan, the other is a daily bodyweight plan. It’s a place to start, but if you’re serious about doing strength to improve your trail running, it’s a good idea to meet with a strength coach, or at least a coach with strength training experience who can help get you set up with a plan tailored to your needs. (And don’t forget to tell your run coach if you’re planning to add in or change strength training. It’s normal for your body to feel more sore or tired at first while it adjusts to the change.)
Gym Sessions
A runner doing squats in the gym.
Day 1: Runners Legs
Do 2-3 sets of 5-10 reps of each of the following exercises:
You should use a weight where you can move fairly explosively, if you get to a rep where you are struggling and moving slowly you are done with that set.
Session 2: Plyometrics
Pick 3-5 of the following exercises, and do 3 sets of 10 reps of each:
Achilles Twists: No video for this, but you raise yourself up on your toes, rotate out so the outside of your foot is touching the ground, slowly rock back so your heel is on the ground, and rotate in so the inside of your foot is on the ground.
Core Workout: Complete 30 reps (15 per side) of each of the following:
Des Clarke is a Team RunRun coach based in Phoenix, AZ. She helps a diverse array of athletes with a holistic approach integrate running and racing as part of their lives.
Your go-to spot for all things Berlin Marathon, one of the fastest Abbott World Marathon Majors, occurring each September in Germany.
1. Pre-Race Zoom Call
With the Berlin Marathon coming up soon, we’re bringing Berlin veterans and first-timers together to ask questions, share insights and build some excitement heading into race weekend!
We had a great drop-in Zoom call full of Berlin Marathon racing insights, information, and tips.
Start: Straße des 17, between the Brandenburg Gate and the “Kleiner Stern”
Finish: Straße des 17, just after the Brandenburg Gate
Course type: Loop; undeniably fast and flat!
Berlin Marathon course map.
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Elevation gain: 241 feet/ 73 meters
Elevation loss: 260 feet/ 79 meters
Berlin Marathon elevation map.
Temperature:
Average high : 63°F/ 17°C Average low: 47° F/ 8°C
Tips from Coaches:
“Like most Majors, it’s a crowded race. Unlike many Majors, they don’t do a great job of enforcing waves/corrals. For that reason, you’ll want to manage expectations for the first couple of miles. Take it easy, stay calm and know that things will ‘settle in’ after the first 5k or so.” – Coach Nicole Thome
”There is a decent walk from the gate to the start corral, so allow for plenty of time!” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
”Remember, the Berlin Marathon paints a blue line on the road to mark the tangents (the shortest possible route) of the course, so follow that for an “easier” route!” – Coach Vivian Vassall
”You’ll feel the urge to pick up the pace as soon as the Brandenburg Gate comes into your view (and you’ll notice other runners doing so), but know that the actual finish line is 400m past the gate!” – Coach Vivian Vassall
3. Race Reports
Want even more intel on the Berlin Marathon? Read some of the race reports from Team RunRun coaches:
Eliud Kipchoge winning with a new World Record at the 2022 BMW Berlin Marathon! PC: SCC Events
4. Shakeout Run
Date: TBD Time: TBD Location: TBD
All paces are welcome and the more the merrier! Feel free to bring a friend, even if they’re not a Team RunRun athlete!
5. Berlin Marathon Coaching Info
At Team RunRun, we have 100s of wonderful, experienced coaches ready to help you crush your goals, regardless of your ability, budget, or lifestyle. For Berlin Marathon-specific advice, here are some coaches to start with:
How the ActivityTracker app can help runners stay consistent and connected to their goals.
ActivityTracker app screen on an Apple Watch.
We are surrounded by distractions in our day-to-day life that can push fitness goals to the wayside: that’s where the ActivityTracker app comes in! Your personal accountability partner in your pocket, ActivityTracker helps you stay consistent and progressing towards your goals. Here’s how:
1. Real-Time Feedback
ActivityTracker uses your phone or Apple Watch to monitor your steps, distance, active minutes, and heart rate. The real-time feedback from the app can be particularly useful for those just starting out to understand their movement habits. Similarly for coaches, the app allows them to see a wide variety of their athletes’ metrics.
2. Visualizing Progress
Let’s be honest, tracking your progress over time can be motivating. Daily and weekly charts, monthly mileage goals, and habit streaks make fitness more tangible and rewarding. The ActivityTracker app is very user friendly, with a clean interface that makes tracking activities a breeze–even for those who are not very tech savvy!
3. Goal Setting and Accountability
You can set a variety of daily and weekly goals: steps, calorie targets, distance covered, and more. ActivityTracker also offers reminders to help you stay active. Personally, I think this feature is awesome–especially for those who are tied to a desk for work–prompting you to get up and move in order to stay on track with your goals.
Screenshots from the ActivityTracker app.
4. Workout Tracking
As the name “activity tracker” implies, you’re able to log your walks, runs, hikes, and bike rides with ease. The app seamlessly integrates with Apple Health and Apple Watch, as well as providing its own in-app tracking feature to collect workout data and log your fitness.
5. Injury Prevention Through ActivityTracker Trends
One of the most beneficial parts of the ActivityTracker app is the ability to see your trend data. By evaluating your workout history and trends, you can get a look at whether you might be under or overtraining. For example, you might notice a link between days you strength train and days you don’t hit your step count or distance goals. Or perhaps you see that after a rest day, your daily step count is through the roof!
Not only do you see activity patterns for the past few days and weeks, the app gives you trends over months and years! If you develop an injury, you can easily look back through your workouts and activity trends for the past weeks and months prior, allowing you to identify potential contributing factors. This may include jumps in weekly mileage or step count, additional training sessions, intensity increases, and more.
In addition, the historical trend data is also great for those who want to see their progress, providing a visual representation of where you started and how far you’ve come.
ActivityTracker App: Final Thoughts
To summarize, the ActivityTracker app isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present. It helps you stay engaged and motivated with your goals, and build momentum one day at a time. Whether you’re a casual walker or an avid runner, using the activity tracker could be the smartest way to stay in motion and keep the motivation to continue chasing big goals!
Jake Eckberg is a coach with Team RunRun based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He helps runners of all levels train for distances from the 5K to ultra marathon distances, through the pillars of consistency, growth, mental toughness, injury prevention, and recovery.
For a thoughtful, more detailed write-up of Dandelion’s Hardrock 100 Mile race experience, from start to finish, check out “Hardrock 100: TRR Coach Dandelion’s Race Rundown“. You’ll read how her mental and physical strength allowed her to endure a myriad of challenges and still finish smiling!
TRR Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott finishing the Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run. PC: Andrew Podbielski
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Extreme mountain environment: With a high point of 14,048 feet and an average elevation of 11,000 feet, the Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run course is the definition of a high alpine setting. As an athlete who lives in the Wyoming Rockies and trains high, I am fascinated by altitude. I am also highly drawn to races with rough and rugged terrain. One of my favorite puzzles to solve is how to adapt and move with these kinds of mountain environments.
The lure: There is something captivating and pleasantly intimidating about running a race that less than 2,000 people have completed in its 30 runnings!
Handies Peak: Ascending to the summit of a 14’er (a mountain with a peak above 14,000-foot) in the middle of a 100-mile race is so uniquely special!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Nothing!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Kissing “the rock” at the finish is likely the most delightfully weird quirk of Hardrock! Another unique factor is that the race alternates between going clockwise and counter-clockwise each year. You’re not a “True Hardrocker” unless you have gone both directions.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
One of the biggest highlights of Hardrock for me was how strong and smooth the first half felt. I was hitting my paces, my fueling was spot on, and I was genuinely enjoying myself out there. Climbing Handies Peak with a couple of other runners was probably my favorite moment—we worked together really well, and being on top of a 14er mid-race with that view was just unforgettable.
Dandelion kissing the infamous rock at the finish line. PC: Travis McWhorter
What made this race extra special, though, was how much I actually took it in. Usually in races I’m so focused on execution that I barely notice what’s around me. But during Hardrock, I made sure to stop for a second here and there to really appreciate the San Juans—the wildflowers, the ridgelines, the stillness. It felt like I was part of something much bigger.
I also feel proud of how I handled the second half when things got rough. My nutrition fell apart, and the heat and altitude started hitting hard. I had a moment where I broke down crying, but I didn’t let it derail me. My pacers were incredible, and once I got it out of my system, I reset, dug deep, and just kept going. That emotional turnaround—choosing to keep moving forward when it got really hard—is something I’ll carry with me for a long time.
More than anything, I loved the connection I felt: with the mountains, my crew, and even with myself. It was one of those experiences that shifts something inside you.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Don’t think of each alpine running variable individually (exposure, weather, intensity, attitude, technical terrain, etc.). Instead consider how they might compound. For example, I live at altitude and sleep in an altitude tent, but I still struggled at elevation later in the event because of how the elements combined.
I also recommend working with a team of professionals while training for a rare opportunity event like the Hardrock 100 Mile. I believe that having a coach, in addition to a running specific physical therapist and sports chiropractor, allowed me to stay healthy and endure the massive training load this event required.
Finally, if you are running supported, choose crew and pacers you can 10,000% trust with the right mix of personalities. After I gave my team a pre-race orientation, I never thought about it again. I knew with absolutely certainly that they would carry out my plan and also make the appropriate changes when necessary. You don’t want to wonder if your team will have the right drink mixed for you upon your arrival while you’re climbing Handies!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Be prepared to troubleshoot things that have never happened to you before. I never get GI distress… and yet I did big time at Hardrock!
Hardrock 100 course map.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
A lot of focus is on the 33,000ft of uphill…. but you also have to descend the same amount! Practice your downhill technique and train for the eccentric loading.
Views of the beautiful Hardrock 100 Mile course.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Imagine rugged, snowcapped mountains towering into the sky. Majestic sunsets/rises. Unique and colorful geology. Florescent wildflower meadows. Cascading waterfalls. Shimmering alpine lakes… yep it was pretty!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
YES! It was indeed both wild and tough, in addition to being hard and rocky! The terrain, exposure, elements, steep grades, and vert/descent are all huge undertakings on their own! It’s not the individual difficulties, but how they compound throughout 100 miles.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
The Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run is a tremendously well-oiled machine! The care and attention to detail to ensure this event is a unique and remarkable experience for every runner present was unmatched. The check in process was seamless. Trail marking was exceptional. And, most of all, the volunteers at every aid station were knowledgeable, full of energy, and went above and beyond the call of duty. One thing that stands out is when I arrived at Sherman, I was directed to a volunteer who already had my drop bag items laid out on a table. She then proceeded to take care of anything I needed. My own personal volunteer! I’ve never encountered anything like it before. Mind blowing!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
YES! One of the strongest fields I have ever had the pleasure to race with!
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 Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run is a lottery race and you must run a qualifying race every 2 years to be considered. I was lucky enough to get into the race after only 2 years of applying, but there are folks who wait 10+ years! The process is nuanced, and more in-depth information can be found here.
Dandelion pre-race holding her Hardrock 100 bib. PC: Travis McWhorter
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
The aid stations have the standard fare like PB&J, quesadillas, fruit, chips, cookies, broth, candy, etc. This year, engineered nutrition/hydration was provided by Tailwind and Maurten. Most aid stations also have a “special offering” that is unique to them: pizza, homemade rice krispies, perogies, etc.
Weather and typical race conditions
This is the San Juans! Anything and everything can happen. This year, there was smoke during the beginning of the race that cleared. Then it was hot during the day (70-85F) and mildly chilly at night (40-50F), which was unusual. Most years see some kind of electric event along with rain, hail or snow …or all of it! It is also common to experience very hot days followed by nights below freezing.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Poles and backup poles. I would not want to do this race without them! Extra electrolytes come to mind as well, because at altitude you need so much more! Also, sun protection, rain and cold weather gear.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
The course passes though the towns of Silverton, Ouray and Telluride which are all very accessible for spectators. Other aid stations require a 4×4 or ATV.
How’s the Swag?
So much swag! I left check in with three shirts! Additionally, there were tables filled with items for purchase. And, of course, there’s the awesome Hardrock 100 Mile finishers’ buckle!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10,000 out of 10! This race is custom made for high alpine mountain runners who want to challenge themselves like never before and witness surreal beauty.
Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a multisport outdoor athlete, ultra-runner and certified coach. She is passionate about collaborating with driven athletes who love to explore, train and play outside.
Team RunRun Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott finished the 2025 Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run in 47 hours, 3 minutes, and 41 seconds, less than 1 hour under the 48-hour time limit. Far from the 33-hour finish she’d trained for, Dandelion’s mental and physical strength allowed her to endure a myriad of challenges and still finish smiling. Alongside her traditional race recap, which can be found here, Dandelion details her race experience beautifully below.
“It Was The Best of Times; It Was The Worst of Times”
Dandelion at the finish of the Hardrock 100. PC: Andrew Podbielski.
The quote from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities perfectly sums up my Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run experience: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” But let’s start from the beginning.
Lottery Luck: I’m Racing the Hardrock 100!
On December 1, 2024, I returned from a long desert run to a flood of congratulatory texts. I couldn’t fathom what I’d done to earn so much praise—until I opened my inbox and saw the UltraSignUp receipt. Against all odds, I’d gotten into the Hardrock 100 with only two tickets! In an instant, my 2025 plans were rearranged, and training for high-level mountain running became my mission. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the preparation involved copious amounts of blood, sweat and tears! The volume of running, hiking, strength work, vert, cross-training, and corrective exercises was massive. Countless talks with my coach, visits to my chiropractor, and physical therapy sessions kept me on track and my body tuned for the intense workload. And then, abruptly, it was time to taper.
The Final Countdown
By the time I arrived in Silverton, Colorado, I felt like a caged tiger—I just wanted to GO! Thankfully, my team kept me in check: easy shakeout run, race check-in, gear review, nutrition planning, crew meeting, bedtime.
Surprisingly, I slept well the night before the race. There was a palpable sense of calm and tranquility. I trusted my crew, my training, and my experience with the distance. Yet I also recognized I was stepping into the great unknown—part of what made it so exhilarating—and I deeply respected the course. I felt confident I had done everything I could to prepare. Now it was time to execute the plan, adapt to the inevitable problems, and see what unfolded.
Dandelion pre-race holding her Hardrock 100 bib with her pacers. PC: Travis McWhorter
I trained not just to finish but to perform. I wasn’t under any illusion I’d outrun the elite-level runners on the start list, but if everything went well, I believed I could finish in 33–35 hours. On race morning, Dale Garland called us to the corral, and I found myself lining up right next to legends Katie Schide and Zach Miller, two of the best runners in the world. It was surreal! The countdown began—and we were off, galloping down the road toward the mountains.
And We’re Off on the Hardrock 100!
As expected, everyone shot out hot. We were running Hardrock! I settled into my pacing strategy as the wide streets of Silverton gave way to trails, letting the field spread out. This was not the time to race—this was time to chase, savor the moment, and practice restraint. Meanwhile, smoke from wildfires drifted in overnight, and the air smelled of ash. Thankfully, as we climbed higher, the smoke thinned and finally disappeared, revealing astoundingly beautiful 360-degree views.
At the Cunningham Aid Station, my husband met me and guided me to Luke and Andrew. Vest swap. Food. Protein shake. NASCAR pit crew style—I was out of there. I wouldn’t see my team again for about 50K. (You can better understand the names and layout along the course of the aid stations here.)
50 Miles to Remember (Positively)
Running ultras without crew support is my norm, so the solo 50K felt comfortable. The section to Burrows Aid Station included steep climbs and the most “rolly” terrain of the course. I trotted along, cooling off in creeks and snow patches as midday heat rose, bouncing in and out of a bubble of runners. Sometimes we chatted, other times we ran in shared silence, awestruck by vast wildflower meadows and stunning vistas. In most races, I barely notice scenery, absorbed in execution, but here I made sure to soak in the San Juans before returning to my race strategy. My fueling, salt, and hydration were on point. Everything was going to plan, and I was having a blast playing in the mountains.
After Burrows, the main objective loomed: Handies Peak—the course’s high point at 14,048 feet. I teamed up with two athletes on the ascent, and together we made efficient work of the climb. Between the great company and tagging a 14er summit mid-race, this was easily my favorite section. Nothing compares to standing atop a 14er during Hardrock!
TRR Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott enjoying the beautiful trails and scenery. PC: Travis McWhorter
Steep ascents are followed by steep descents, and this one felt endless but offered incredible scenery. At sunset, I rolled into Animas Forks Aid, reuniting with my crew. Toenail blister lanced, shoes swapped. I tried eating solid food but struggled to swallow—it all felt like sandpaper. Still, I could handle gels and liquids, so I didn’t overthink it.
Night #1: The Unravelling
Luke joined me for pacing duty, and we climbed toward Engineer Pass. Though we were moving efficiently, I observed that my breathing was getting more labored compared to earlier in the day. Then, at the next aid station, I realized solid food was no longer an option, and gels were becoming repulsive. Luke insisted on consistent gel consumption, monitoring each one to ensure I finished it. I was doing my best to keep calories coming in, but I knew I was starting to fall behind. The gorge descending into Ouray was electrifying at night! A narrow and technical trail beside a dark drop-off into nothing. Luckily, my background as an alpinist helped me feel comfortable with the mystery exposure!
Andrew took over pacing from Ouray. The climb out of town—up a dull, washboard road—was my least favorite section. Without Andrew’s engaging stories, those miles would’ve been excruciatingly monotonous. Higher up, the nearly full moon illuminated the craggy peaks, transforming the environment into something magical. By then, I couldn’t eat gels while walking anymore—the simple multitasking spiked my heart rate. Hilariously, consuming one now involved soft whimpers. Even in the moment, I saw the humor in it! Yet, despite everything, I kept drinking fluids (including liquid calories) and electrolytes never feeling dehydrated.
Hardrock Survival Tools: Consistent Training, Muscle Memory, and 5* Crew/Pacers!
Dandelion on course and still smiling during the Hardrock 100. PC: Travis McWhorter
As dawn broke, we climbed steep singletrack. Andrew watched carefully for signs of me sleepwalking off the trail. Though utterly exhausted, I stayed sure-footed. Nearing Kroger’s Canteen aid station, we climbed a 50-degree icy snow slope with a handline for good measure—like boot-packing a glacier with a full backcountry ski pack. Using the “rest step” from mountaineering, I reached Hardrock’s most remote aid station. Andrew remarked how impressed he was that my technical skills were intact after so many miles—a testament to years of ingrained muscle memory, even if I was moving slowly.
A brief stop at Kroger’s brought a few pierogis and broth—solid food was finally tolerable again! We descended into sun-drenched talus, making our way to Telluride. The sun felt revitalizing, but the night had taken a heavy toll. In Telluride, my legs were massaged, and I devoured solid calories, feeling almost normal again.
Andrew, continuing his marathon-long, 10,000 feet-vert pacing shift, set out with me for a remote 10-mile stretch. The first 1,000 feet of climbing went well, but then my body stopped responding. Whether from heat, steepness, or both, my pace collapsed. Concerned about heat illness, Andrew had me pause in the shade regularly and dunk my hat in cold streams. I continued forcing down revolting gels under Andrew’s watchful eye.
A Plan is Great… Until You Get Punched in the (Metaphorical) Face
The low calories overnight had triggered a cascade I couldn’t reverse. Hardrock is unforgiving: without sufficient calories, my body couldn’t regulate itself or cope with heat and altitude as I had the day before. Even though I live and train at altitude, slept in an altitude tent, and did a sauna protocol pre-race, the single issue of being unable to consume fuel overnight dominated. The early wildfire smoke may have also contributed, but it likely wasn’t the main issue.
Negative thoughts crept in, swirling with imposter syndrome. I knew I was slipping behind, and I questioned if I belonged here. When we paused at yet another creek, I burst into tears.
Dandelion moving through an aid station. PC: Travis McWhorter
Andrew calmly put his arm around me and asked, “Are you going to finish this?” “Yes,” I replied through tears.
And just like that, the pity party ended. I needed the emotional release, capped with self-affirmation. I started back up the hill so fast I knocked the wind out of myself—Andrew had to grab my vest to slow me down! Though I couldn’t push hard, my mood soared and determination set in.
Pacer Swap and Into Night #2
After an eternity of climbing, we reached a blustery ridge, then descended a steep talus slope. The San Juans were relentless. At Chapman aid station, I reunited with my crew and serendipitously crossed paths with Kat, a friend from Wy’east Wonder 50M. I ate, got a brief massage, and took a five-minute nap before following Luke up the next wooded trail.
At first, I felt decent, but soon a vague calf tightness escalated into searing pain. Luke, patient but firm, reminded me I had to maintain at least 2 mph on flats and descents to finish. Inside, I thought, Are you crazy? The downs are harder than the ups—and I can’t believe I’m heading into a second night! But I didn’t argue. He was right, and I willed myself to move.
Emerging from the forest, we slogged up ever-steepening talus and scree. I was zoning in and out of consciousness but recognized Grand Swamp Pass—infamously difficult and something I’d looked forward to. I broke the remaining miles into smaller goals: “Just get to the top.” Despite calf pain, I kept moving methodically, drawing on mountaineering experience.
To DNF or Not To DNF the Hardrock 100?
We topped Grand Swamp Pass at sunset, catching the course’s most iconic panorama. One landmark down, next goal: KT Aid Station. I don’t remember much of the descent. At KT, Luke asked what I wanted to do, saying he believed I could finish but would support any choice. The aid station volunteers kindly insisted I still had time. I wasn’t worried about cutoffs—I was evaluating my calf. My personal rule is never to quit because it’s hard or performance isn’t as hoped, but I won’t risk injury that sidelines me for weeks or puts me in danger.
Dandelion kissing the infamous rock at the Hardrock 100 finish line. PC: Travis McWhorter
I recalled my husband mentioning a knot during the earlier leg massage, which reassured me. “Let’s go one more mile,” I said—classic!
We got up and headed out. I knew Luke wouldn’t hesitate to be a drill sergeant, so I decided to not give him a chance to bark orders! Each step was agony and every rock I stubbed a toe on felt like a knife. I didn’t try to push the pain aside anymore. Instead, I embraced it. A mile went by… then another. My calf didn’t get worse so I settled on it being a wicked knot and kept trudging. The truth is, when I left KT Aid Station I had completely committed to making it to the finish. I just couldn’t mentally handle thinking about that monumental task yet. One mile seemed much more attainable.
The Final 5 Miles: Putnam to Kissing the [Hard]Rock!
False summits revealed more headlamps, but I accepted there’d be no reprieve until Silverton and pressed on. At the final aid station, Putnam, we quickly refilled bottles before heading into the last six miles. Normally, I follow my pacer, but in this instance, Luke stayed behind, gently herding me down the trail. Moving urgently, but knowing I’d make it within the time cutoff, we even managed some casual conversation, lightening the mood. The final miles flew by: crossing the river, traversing the hillside, climbing up the road, descending into Silverton, through the chute—and finally, I kissed the rock.
Hardrock 100 Post-Race Reflections
Did the race unfold as I’d hoped? Nope, not at all! But oddly, I’m not upset. It’s almost comical: my best 50 miles ever were in the same event as my worst 50 miles—endless comedic value! More importantly, races that don’t go to plan teach the greatest lessons. The grit, determination, and resilience I needed to finish were unmatched in any event I’ve done—including Cocodona 250. I’ll carry what I learned at Hardrock 100 into every future race and adventure. That holds far more value to me than a podium finish. Performance goals push me beyond perceived limits, but what I truly seek is self-discovery on the wilderness path of endurance—adapting and moving with the environment, building grit, remaining a student of the sport, and having a life-changing adventure. Hardrock delivered all that and more.
Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a multisport outdoor athlete, ultra-runner and certified coach. She is passionate about collaborating with driven athletes who love to explore, train and play outside.
Understanding cross country, and how to best support a young runner.
So, your high schooler just signed up for cross country, and now you’re wondering what that even means? Or maybe you know what cross country is and you’re questioning why anyone would ever choose to participate in this sport? Well, you’ve landed in the right place. In this guide, I’m going to share everything a parent needs to know to be supportive of their athlete, alongside why I think this sport is transformative for a high schooler’s growth and character development. (Note, for brevity’s sake I’ve used “high schooler”, but this could easily be replaced with “middle schooler”.)
San Marcos High School girls’ cross country team‘s pre-race huddle.
How to Best Care for Your Young Runner
Top 4 things to know about your young cross country runner:
1. They are going to be HUNGRY!
They are going to be HUNGRY. Parents, be ready to increase your grocery budget, because a cross country runner needs to be fed a lot! Especially a high school runner, as they are exercising more than they have in the past, and at the same time their bodies are growing and continuing to develop.
Eating enough to fuel the work they are doing is more important than what they are eating.That said, well balanced meals are best with plenty of protein, fats, and lots of carbs.
Snacks! Things like granola bars, protein bars, bananas, peanut butter crackers, apples, etc, are easy for your athlete to take with them to school. Let them snack throughout the day in addition to eating their breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A well-fueled athlete is a healthy and happy athlete.
Timing is important here too. A big meal immediately before a workout or race is not ideal, but having a meal 2-3 hours before is a great idea. Then, a lighter, carbohydrate-based snack closer to their workout or race helps to keep their energy up. After a run, it is important to have a high protein snack within 30 minutes (if possible) to kickstart the recovery process.
Young athletes running a hot cross country race.
2. They are going to be SWEATY.
Even though cross country is a fall sport, expect the cross country season to still be a hot season! Especially if your athlete is running through the summer.
Laundry! Parents, prepare to have the washer and dryer running more often this fall! If they don’t already, be sure to teach those teens to take care of their own laundry (you’ll thank me for this later).
Hydrating with electrolytes to replenish sweat losses. I require my high school athlete to bring a 30oz water bottle with them to school and practice. They should be filling that bottle multiple times a day as they stay hydrated. In addition to water, purchase some electrolyte drink mixes or tablets to help them replenish what they’ve lost at practice. You can find some helpful suggestions in “Electrolytes for Runners“.
3. They are going to be TIRED.
Sleep is the number one recovery tool any runner needs to master–easier said than done in high school! Encourage them to be diligent about completing their homework with enough time to wind down and relax before bed. Underscore the importance of sleep–ideally 8-10 hours per night–for performance and injury free running.
4. They are going to be SORE, especially at first!
Being able to distinguish soreness from injury is an important skill to develop. Here is a general rule of thumb that I share with my team: if the feeling is bilateral (both sides of the body) it is likely soreness, but if it is unilateral (one side of the body) it could be an indicator of something worse.
Notes on running shoes for your young runner:
Proper, quality footwear for daily training can reduce the likelihood of young runners developing injuries. I would suggest going to a local run specialty store and getting fitted for a shoe. If there is not a store near you, purchasing shoes from runningwarehouse.com is a great option. Be sure to look for a road running daily trainer (yep, even if they’re running on grass), and replace every 300-400 miles, or approximately every 3 months. When one of my athletes complains of lower leg or foot pain, the first question I ask them is how old are your shoes: old shoes are often a major contributing factor.
Specific racing shoes are not a requirement but they can be fun! Depending on the courses that your runner will compete on, purchasing cross country spikes or flats might be appropriate: ask their coach for recommendations. Racing shoes should be used only for racing or a few key workouts; a supportive daily trainer is still a must-have.
High school runners during a muddy cross country race.
Back to the Basics: Cross Country 101
Now that we’ve gotten the critical information out there, let’s dive into the sport of cross country more deeply. Afterall, understanding your child’s sport is crucial to being able to connect with and support them best.
What is Cross Country?
Cross country is an endurance running sport where teams compete on courses that have varied terrain: grass, dirt, asphalt, gravel, uphill, downhill, and more. For high school cross country, courses are typically 5 kilometers or 3 miles long, while in middle school, athletes run shorter distances, such as 1 mile or 2 kilometers.
Scoring Cross Country as a Team Sport
San Marcos High School girls’ cross country team.
Compared to other forms of distance running, cross country is the closest to a team sport. Generally, a scoring cross country team consists of the team’s first 7 finishers in a given race. The overall finishing places of the top 5 athletes on a team are added up to total the team’s score. The team with the lowest score wins. Athletes finishing 6th and 7th for their team can be thought of as the defense. They add to another team’s score by finishing in front of a runner in their top 5 and are scored in the case of a tie. Athletes who finish 8th and up for their team do not factor in the scoring for that race, even if they finish in front of another team’s 5th runner, and their place will be skipped in the scoring.
Cross Country Conversations with Your Athlete
Every cross country course is different, so when having a conversation with your runner about their race it’s best to ask them open-ended questions like, “how did you feel?”, and “what were you thinking about in the last mile?”. Far too often, athletes get asked, “what was your time?” and that information isn’t really relevant to their performance in a cross country race. And don’t worry, if they ran a personal best time they will let you know without being asked!
Benefits of Cross Country for Young Runners
Inclusivity
I have seen it time and again, students who don’t feel they “fit in” in other sports find their way to cross country and have a transformative experience. Cross country is inherently inclusive as, unlike the majority of other sports, it is often a “no-cuts” sport. All are welcome to join regardless of ability, and all have the opportunity to work hard and improve their running.
Resilience
San Marcos High School boys’ cross country team.
It takes discipline to show up to practice each day with a positive attitude and continue to do a difficult thing.
Athletes develop an ability to recover from difficult practices and still choose to come back the next day.
They are resilient in unity and togetherness, challenging one another to accomplish more as a team than they could alone. The team bonding that happens naturally amazes me every year. Cross country runners make friends for life.
Integrity
Oftentimes, the coach isn’t able to follow each athlete on every run. That is where integrity comes in: choosing to complete the prescribed run without cutting corners, the core routine, strides, stretching, etc. Former cross country runners are some of the most trustworthy people I know: they follow through on their commitments, and hold themselves to a high standard.
Socializing
Cross country is a very social sport. Easy running makes up the majority of a cross country runner’s training, often described by coaches as a “conversational” pace. Put simply, we are encouraging your kids to talk with each other! They have 30-90 minutes of uninterrupted time with their friends, and without their phones in their hands, to talk to each other, ask questions, and tell each other stories. There’s a reason run clubs have become so popular among adults; the cross country team at your local high school already figured that out years ago!
Benefits of Cross Country for Parents
It’s cheap, far cheaper than other sports!
The only equipment needed are high quality running shoes, a watch to time workouts, and a water bottle. Sure, there are other “nice to have” items like specialty running shorts, hats, socks, and those cool looking multi-colored sunglasses. But the basic necessities to participate in cross country are few.
Shared experiences with your child
Your child participating in cross country gives you a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, learn about a new sport, and quite frankly get some exercise chasing them around a course to cheer them on. I invite you to buy in. Just as you would like your athlete to be all in on their training and connecting with their teammates, choose to be all in as a parent. Host a team dinner, provide some post-meet snacks, cheer the team on at their meets. The athletes and the coaches will truly appreciate it!
For those without a school cross country team, or young runners looking for alternate training and racing opportunities, check out this list for cross country clubs across the US.
Evan Covell is a coach with Team RunRun based in Santa Barbara, California. He helps runners set and achieve their goals through personalized, science-based training and injury prevention.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Outstanding race organization
Supportive spectators and crew
Beautiful and challenging course
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The whole race is at an elevation above 10,000 feet, and this was definitely a factor. Coming from Charlotte, North Carolina (basically sea level), it took about 10–12 miles before my heart rate settled into a manageable rhythm. Even after a few training runs in Colorado in the days leading up to the Silver Rush 50, there were still moments where the thin air made it tough to breathe.
Fueling was also bit tricky (which is common at high altitude). It was warm, and I didn’t feel very hungry during the race. I relied mostly on liquid calories, which worked fine until around mile 40 when I started feeling a little lightheaded. Looking back, I would have worked on eating more solid foods earlier on to help keep things balanced.
The climbs were no joke. Some sections had over 4 miles of steady uphill grades that tested the legs. If I were to do it again, I’d target more specific training spots to better simulate those long, sustained climbs.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The Leadville Silver Rush 50 Run kicks off at the base of a snow tubing hill in downtown Leadville. As the starting gun fires, runners begin with a steep uphill climb. One of the most exciting aspects of this race is that the first male and female to reach the top earn a coveted Leadville 100 Run lottery coin, gaining them entry into that race!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
The breathtaking views. Running through the mountains at over 10,000 feet offered some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever experienced. The views around Leadville were truly surreal—there were moments I had to pinch myself to believe it was real. Leadville holds a special place in the ultra-running world, and I felt incredibly fortunate just to be out there running.
My crew—made up of my parents, aunt, and best friend—meant everything to me. They’re my anchor during these long endurance events, and I love sharing the energy, excitement, and sense of accomplishment with them. Being part of a community like this, with their support, is something I’ll never take for granted.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Advice from a sea-level runner:
Coming from close to sea level, my biggest piece of advice for anyone considering the Silver Rush 50 Run is to train for elevation. If possible, spend time in Colorado—or another high-elevation area—and get in a few long runs to help your body adjust. If that’s not an option, try to arrive a few days before the race to give yourself time to acclimate.
Another important tip: be mindful of your hydration and nutrition. Hyponatremia can be a real issue out there. Not taking in enough calories or overhydrating without proper electrolytes can seriously impact your race—and cost you that strong finish you’ve trained for. Be conscious of what you’re putting into your body and make a fueling plan that works for you. Always practice with your fuel before you race to ensure it sits right in your stomach!
Leadville Silver Rush 50 Run course elevation profile.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The Silver Rush 50 course features mostly rocky roads rather than single-track trails, with plenty of climbing and power hiking. I recommend training specifically for steep uphill climbs to prepare your body for this event. Prepare to be shocked by the stunning views as well!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
This course is absolutely stunning! Throughout the race, you’ll pass through historic mining areas—especially as you near the turnaround point—and be treated to breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains from nearly every angle. The course winds past several majestic 14,000-foot peaks, with vibrant wildflowers lining the trail. You’ll even cross a few small streams, which are perfect for cooling off by dunking your hat when the heat kicks in. I’d give the views a solid 10/10! For many, this might just be the most beautiful course they’ve ever run.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
The Silver Rush 50 presents a unique challenge for runners. The trail is scattered with rocks, making footing tricky for anyone who isn’t paying close attention. It’s easy to see how one wrong step could lead to a twisted ankle. Both the climbs and descents are tough and relentless, demanding not just physical stamina but serious mental grit. Because the race is an out-and-back, it can be difficult to stay in the moment—you know exactly what’s waiting for you on the return trip. Mental strength is key here. The best approach is to focus on one mile at a time and stay locked into the present.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Life Time put on outstanding events. Their strong reputation for top-notch race organization really shines throughout the entire day. From the well-stocked aid stations and energetic volunteers, to the smooth award ceremony and exciting LT100 lottery drawing, every detail reflects their passion and dedication. The course is marked with signs and ribbons on the trees, leaving no guesswork for runners. Life Time truly capture the spirit of the trail running community, uplifting the Leadville area, and leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.
TRR Coach Tanner Amrhien during the Leadville Silver Rush 50 Run. PC: Marathon FOTO
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The Silver Rush 50 Run boasts an exceptionally competitive and stacked field across all categories, including male, female, and non-binary participants. Any Leadville 100 qualifier race will be competitive!
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.
Since there aren’t commercial flights into Leadville, most people fly into Denver and then rent a car for the roughly 2 hour and 15 minute drive to the Leadville area. While Leadville has some smaller hotels and motels, my crew and I chose an Airbnb in Twin Lakes, about 23 minutes away. Leadville offers a variety of dining options, but we decided to pick up groceries at a local store and prepare our own meals at the Airbnb. Race registration opens in January, right after the LT100 Run lottery results are announced. I recommend signing up as soon as registration opens, since the race tends to sell out quickly as summer approaches. Likewise, booking your lodging early is a good idea because accommodations fill up fast. The 2025 registration fee was $125: a great value for a top notch 50-mile race.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
The aid stations were well-stocked with classic favorites like bananas, M&Ms, and pretzels. They also offered a variety of Skratch Labs carbohydrate mixes, Neversecond C30 gels, and Skratch Labs chews. These options were especially helpful for runners who hadn’t been able to bring all their own nutrition for the race.
Weather and typical race conditions
This year, 2025, the race started at 6 am with a crisp temperature of around 47°F. As the day went on, it warmed up to the low 70s under bright sunshine—pretty typical for Leadville this time of year. Also, it’s not uncommon to have a brief late morning/afternoon rain shower. It does not last very long and will probably feel good if you’re hot!
One key tip: don’t forget your sunscreen. At this high elevation, the sun’s intensity is stronger, so make sure to use a sunscreen that suits your skin and helps keep you cool while you run . Another thing to keep in mind is to bring ice for your crew to give you. You can pat your neck or face with it to help control your body temperature. Personally, I preferred going without a hat throughout the afternoon. I felt extremely hot wearing my hat from miles 31 to 45. If you’re determined to wear a hat the whole time, I recommend investing in a lightweight spandex hat that still provides UV protection and keeps you cool.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I highly recommend using poles for the long uphill sections of this race, especially the climb between Stumptown and Printer Boy aid stations. That stretch features several miles of steady uphill, and poles can really help save your legs.
A runner racing on the Leadville trails with beautiful scenery in the background. PC: Life Time
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
The aid stations were staffed with high-energy crews who were incredibly encouraging to all runners. There are shuttles available to transport your crew to the aid stations, which can be helpful, but they don’t always guarantee your crew will arrive before you do. According to my crew, getting to the Stumptown aid station (the turnaround point) was a bit tricky, so I’d recommend giving yourself (as crew or spectators) plenty of time to make that drive.
How’s the Swag?
Runners receive a high quality Leadville Silver Rush 50 Run shirt, some snacks, and a set of rubber stretch bands. All finishers are awarded a custom finisher medal and a copper cup engraved with “Leadville Finisher.”
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10/10! I thoroughly enjoyed every part of the Leadville Silver Rush 50 Run—from the infectious positive energy of the runners, event staff, crews, and spectators, to the challenging yet manageable course. I’d highly recommend signing up for this, or another Life Time event!
Tanner Amrhien is a coach with Team RunRun based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes improve performance through thoughtful training, science-based nutrition guidance, and injury prevention strategies.
