3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Old school vibes, and community feel! The whole town really does come out to support the race, and with a population of only 400 its a great way to meet almost every resident!
Getting above 13k in elevation twice! Both climbs are so stout, and we are so lucky to spend that much time running up on the Divide!
Old school tough. Aid stations were great, but fairly far apart – 9 and 10 miles during the heart of the race!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Nothing. Just a fantastic weekend and experience. Really does feel like a mini-Hardrock. From the area and terrain, to the briefing in the gym, to the post-race awards and breakfast, SJS is a terrific and well-loved event.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Weirdest? Maybe that the ladies hosting the mile 45 aid station at Vickers’ had cold beer on ice for runners to grab and go! (and, yes I took a Banquet beer)
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
The climbs and views from the Divide were spectacular. Without much snow this year there was no glissading, but in most years you have to slide off of some pitches. Also the water crossings here shin deep instead of knee or hip deep! They say there are 7 water crossings, plan on about 20 🙂
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
About half the runners had poles. The climbs are long, but not overly steep in most places, plus the trails are quite narrow through the brush.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
The third climb doesn’t look too bad on paper — but it is LOOONG! Luckily you are in an aspen grove the whole time, but it goes on forever. 1.7-2k feet of climbing that late in the race, in the heat, was definitely the crux.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The creek crossings, and the snow, in a snow year! Lube up your feet, change shoes if you must, but know you will get very wet!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Stunning vistas and nearly every point. The only portion without views is the first half of the second climb on the jeep road. That portion is a bit of a grind!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
One of the toughest, but also one of the best 50s in the country!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Well oiled machine! This was the 29th running of the race and the enthusiasm is still at an epic high. You can tell everyone involved in the race absolutely loves it.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
VERY. Always insanely tough CO field of runners, and the winner crossed the line in ~8:20 or so….just unreal!
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.
Small town, but everyone seems to find a place to stay. They even allow camping in town the couple of nights before the race. There is a lottery, but even if you’re 150th on the wait list, you’ll probably get in! They have a permit for 300 runners, and have never started a full field 😉
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard fare, and very good! They did have coconut water on ice, which was an unexpected treat!
Weather and typical race conditions
Warm and sunny! The sun hits different at 8k+ feet, so 70s and 80s will absolutely cook you if there are no clouds. Bring sun protection, and also be prepared for the creek crossings, and possible snow field traversing.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
As mentioned, half the runners had poles. Gaiters could be a good call coming off the Divide sections. Sun protection probably wise as well.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Decently. There were two crew accessible aid stations. They seemed super crowded, so I would say for a mountainous 50 miler, that was pretty good!
How’s the Swag?
Classic t-shirt and collector’s item worthy hat! You get a different color hat for different time benchmarks, so run hard!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 out of 5! Definitely want to go back next year and improve my time. Need to get that other hat 🙂
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Supporting our veterans
Got to meet some great people
Shattered my PR by more than 1 minute
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Nothing. It was great!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
GPS signal was very weak. Couldn’t really rely on my garmin to keep me in my pace zones. I wasn’t able to close out the race on my Garmin until I was on the way home.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Since I couldn’t rely on pacing from the Garmin, I had to instead rely on all the work I’ve done with my Runrun coach to get myself in what I thought was my correct pace.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Trust your coach! Whenever I have doubts about my ability to hit goals, Coach Mark always is there to give me words of support and advice.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
This race is very flat, like most races on the coast of SC. However, you definitely want to get near the front at the start because the walkers have the same start time.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It’s a nice course through a quiet neighborhood.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
The course is very easy.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This was well organized.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
For such a small race (200), the competition for over 40 was very good. The 20-39 groups were weak though.
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 only thing to keep in mind is that the streets will close to traffic about 45 minutes before the start. Get there early or you will have a long walk just to get to the event.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
One hydration station, which is nice for a 5k.
Weather and typical race conditions
The weather was beautiful. About 75°.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes
How’s the Swag?
The swag is good, but only first place in each gender, masters, and age group (10 year increments) get a trophy. Nice t-shirt and the participant medal is nice.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4 stars. I recommend this to other runners that are looking for an easy course. It’s for a great cause.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Day Before Sign Up: not many ultra events allow for spontaneity!
Cocodona Vibes: I didn’t run the full 250 this time, but I did get to cross the same finish line with all those indescribable Coco vibes I experienced 2 years ago.
Shared Course with the Sedona 125: I loved cheering on and offering encouragement to the 125 runners!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
I did not care for the paved sections, especially portions that went through industrial areas. However, they were necessary to link the trails.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Feeling fresh and fast on a course where the longer distance folks are passed out taking dirt naps.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I stood at the start of Flagstaff Crest 40 still processing how I’d gotten there. Cocodona week has become an annual reunion for my extended group of close friends. I arrived planning to crew/pace one athlete in Cocodona 250 and then jump over to join another team supporting a Sedona 125 runner. The week unfolded differently than any of us anticipated with both racers getting medically pulled (DNF) out of their respective events. Then my friend and I were offered walk-up spots in the Flagstaff Crest 40. I had no specific training for a fast and flattish route and knew nothing about the course at the time. Instead of a taper during the week, I had gotten 1/4th my normal sleep, paced 37 miles, completed a threshold run, explored the Hangover Trail and climbed Elden with a sprint finish. In other words, the opposite of a proper lead up to an event. However, if we completed Flagstaff Crest 40 together our group with have a combined 250+ race miles. In other words, a Coco Relay of sorts. I knew I had the foundation and training to safely complete the volume and contend with the course environment, so about 15 hours before the race start, we registered. We’d run for the athletes who hadn’t made it to Heritage Square.
Without a taper or specific training, the general plan was to complete the course as a supported long run. Zero goals or expectations beyond having a great time on some new trails. My friend and I set off on our adventure on a cool Friday morning at a quick, but comfortable clip. Although the trail was single track, it was wide allowing for easy maneuvering around other runners with soft pine needles to cushion our steps. I think we both assumed that lots of folks would pass us in our unrested state, but we held our place well.
In a blink, we arrived at the first aid station. A quick refill and we were off again. A little bit later I fell back and ran solo sensing my RPE was a touch too high to maintain. Running with others is fantastic, but self-awareness is critical. I needed to run my own race…. I mean long run!
The course brought us onto the pavement which I didn’t care for, but we did pass a prairie dog town on the highway which made up for it. During this less scenic section I began to get curious. Typically, I run conservatively until the final 1/3 of the race. What would happen if I stepped on the gas just enough to be uncomfortable for the duration of the event? Could I hang on? Would I fade? I had no pre-conceived notions or expectations of myself. My goal became simple: “don’t limit yourself.” When I hit the dirt again, I stepped on the metaphorical gas pedal straying from my usual cautious approach. If I blew up it wouldn’t matter because I had a backup plan.
Earlier that morning I struggled with the decision of whether or not to carry the full “cold weather race kit”. Athletes did not need to bring the full kit unless they expected to arrive at the Woody Aid Station (mile 22.9) after 2pm. Originally, I wasn’t going to bring the extra gear, but then I began to worry about blowing up from the fatigue of the week and I threw everything in my vest. Yes, it was extra weight, but it was also freedom. Knowledge that I had this extended kit gave me courage to take a pacing risk and give into my personal inquisitiveness.
Intermixed with the 40-milers dashing down the trail were the haggard Sedona 125 runners. The contrast was almost comical and it was crazy to consider that they would arrive at the finish line hours behind me (assuming I held on). I did my best to provide encouragement as I passed and pointed out how lovely the breeze was on an otherwise warm day. A small positive to focus on. Typically, I’m running the 100+M distance and it was fascinating to see things from the short distance side. Their grit inspired me to kick harder. If the 125M runners could keep moving forward after days in the desert I could run faster after just a few hours.
I hiked briefly uphill to reach the high plateau of the Observatory before returning to a running gait. I’d been leap frogging a few people for the past hour and, with 10ish miles left, I wanted to break the rubber band. The competitive streak that had been dormant over the past year suddenly came back with a vengeance. The long run ended. I was racing. I put my mountain legs to use and surged on any short uphill and stretches of technical terrain. Twenty minutes later when I looked back the trail was quiet. I pushed on picking up the pace a notch to keep my position. I had nothing to lose at this point. When the route dropped into the neighborhood with about 3 miles to go, I began to run all out with everything I had left. Typically, I wait for the last mile to sprint, but I was taking chances. Beginning the charge to the finish early felt appropriate at that moment. Descending into Downtown Flagstaff I found yet another gear. I remember nothing about my surroundings. I was focused on hanging on and timing VT (ventilatory threshold) to hit at the finish line.
Turning into Heritage Square I surged one more time. I didn’t even notice my team on the sidelines cheering. Tunnel vision to the finish. I crossed. I doubled over trying to catch my breathe. Nothing left. And somehow, I finished in front of the overall pack with the top ten women.
I never considered myself skilled at fast, flat(ish) and/or short events. Coming from an alpinist background maybe I thought I “should” only be good at technical and lengthy mountain events where efficiently comes before speed. Flagstaff Crest 40 made me rethink all that. Now it feels like more of a self-imposed limitation. Something unlocked for me during this unplanned event and I’m curious to see what’s ahead.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Though I didn’t begin this event with a strategy I did come up with one plan on the spot that I think really made a difference in the later miles. There is only 4.6 miles between Woody Mountain and FAC aid stations. The obvious tendency is to carry minimal hydration during this section. On the contrary I chose to double my fluid and electrolyte mix capacity. Why? The final section was 11.5 miles in the heat of the day and I wanted to preload on salt and fluid during the short portion. I think this strategy paid off. As with any race in the heat, make use of the cold water/ice soaks at the aid stations even if you don’t feel very hot yet.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I’ve aways considered myself better at longer distance events over mountainous terrain. This event revealed that, contrary to my prior beliefs, I actually can run well on fast, gentle and short courses.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It’s tempting to blast out of the gate on this flatter course. However, I ended up passing a lot of folks who blew by me during the first miles when I reached mile 20. I did not go conservatively, but I was not full throttle either. I believe this allowed me to hang on and even push the pace as the day grew warmer. Take the heat, exposure and attitude into consideration when making pacing choices.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes! Excellent views of the observatory and pleasant trails through towering ponderosa.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I would rate this as an easy course compared to others I have done. The vert is gentle throughout and there are very few technical sections.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This event is part of the Cocodona Race Series organized by Aravaipa Running. Perfectly organized. No hiccups.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I don’t think there were any elites in the field, but it was way more competitive than previous years when I look at prior finishing times and stats.
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.
I was invited to run this race within 24 hours of the start and registered as a “walk-up” the evening before. Zero planning was required on my part this year. I don’t use indoor housing when I travel, but I suspect booking well advance (6-8 months?) would be wise for any Cocodona week event.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard fare of fruit, candy, cookies and chips. The engineered fuel sponsors this year were Precision (chews), Tailwind (hydration) and NeverSecond (gels).
Weather and typical race conditions
This year was about 78F with a breeze. In some highly exposed sections, it felt hotter. The weather overall was standard for this time of year in Flagstaff.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Photo: Giulia Conte
Have enough water capacity to get through the longer sections without aid in the heat.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Very family friendly! Nothing beats the party at the Heritage Square Finish Line!
How’s the Swag?
A high quality Janji Sun shirt is included with registration and finishers receive a medal.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I wasn’t expecting to love the course as much as I did. 10/10
Dandelion is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.
Team RunRun coach Ryan Sheehy knows you can probably do an ultramarathon. He also knows how and why. Ryan digs into the important question of how to train for an ultra when you have a life!
Everyone has a reason it won’t work. The schedule. The kids. The job. The energy.
Those reasons are real. They are also the same reasons that make finishing an ultramarathon one of the most meaningful things a working professional can do. Anyone can do this. But only those who commit actually will.
Here is what that commitment actually looks like.
The Problem Is Not Time. It Is Structure.
The biggest mistake busy professionals make is not overtraining. It is inconsistency. They run when motivated and disappear when life gets loud. The result is a fitness graph that looks like a stock market crash — jagged, unpredictable, and going nowhere.
6 to 8 hours a week is enough to get to a finish line. But those hours have to be intentional, and your training block has to be built around your work calendar, not against it.
Three Things to Protect No Matter What
🌅 Own your mornings. The most underutilized training window for working professionals is 5am. Done before the world wakes up, before the inbox opens, before someone else decides how your day goes. Protect this window and your training becomes nearly untouchable.
🔋 Consistent volume, fueling, and sleep. Not your tempo run. Not your interval session. Volume, food, and rest. Skipping meals and sleeping five hours a night produces injuries faster than any training error. Easy miles run consistently will always outperform hard miles run sporadically.
🧠 Respect life miles. A brutal week at work is physiological stress, full stop. If it is keeping you up at night, we modify the schedule. The question I ask every athlete before a training week: how recovered do you actually feel? That answer shapes everything.
If You Can Run a 10K, You Can Run an Ultra.
That is not a motivational platitude. That is physiology. The aerobic base that carried you through 6.2 miles is the same engine that gets rebuilt, extended, and hardened into something that can cover 50, 100, 250 miles. The distance changes. The foundation does not.
What separates a 10K runner from an ultramarathoner is not talent. It is not genetics. It is not even training volume.
It is the decision to commit.
The athletes who make it to an ultra finish line are not superhuman. They are ordinary people who stopped treating the idea as fantasy and started treating it as a plan. The 10K was proof of concept. The ultra is just the next chapter.
What Nobody Tells You About Month Four
Three to four months into a structured training block, the fitness gains are real. But that is not what surprises my athletes most.
What surprises them is this: they realize their best years have not passed them by. That everything they thought was behind them is still available, right now, today. Not someday. Not after the kids grow up or the job slows down.
Now.
The Finish Line Is Not the Point
A few days after crossing a finish line, the awe fades. The congratulations go quiet. And in that stillness, athletes look back with a clearer lens.
That is when they realize it was never about the finish line. It was about the process. The discipline. The person who showed up at 5am when nobody was watching and ran anyway.
The finish line is just the receipt. The real return was paid out every week, long before race day.
Anyone can do this. Not everyone will.
Conclusion
If you are ready to be one of the ones who does, take the first step. Find a coach that fits your goals and budget to map out exactly what your path looks like. No generic plan. No guesswork. Just a clear starting point built around your life.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The race was extremely well organized! There were a plethora of porta-potties that didn’t require waiting in line, aside from lines that formed 10 minutes before race start.
The community. With the race being in the Track Town of the US, the running community is extremely strong here! The spectators came out in full cheering mode, so running through the streets of Eugene felt like a breeze. On top of that, there are restaurants that hand out discounts to those who race that weekend.
The finish on Hayward Field is iconic! It really is a spectacular finish.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The first half of the race is through the town of Eugene, so there’s a ton of support through the neighborhoods, but as you make your way towards the second half, it’s on a scenic trail, which means there wasn’t much crowd support. If you don’t do well with quiet environments, this is something to keep in mind!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I like that the first half of the course has larger hills, so it forces you to slow down in the beginning. Because I didn’t try to push the pace on these hills, I naturally had more energy in my legs by the end and avoided a major blow-up!
Grant Fisher was spectating along the course! It was a pleasant surprise to pass by him at mile 3.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Don’t force the larger hills in the beginning! There are undulations and rolling hills throughout, so make sure you train hills and reserve energy for the second half of the race.
There are a ton of pace groups for virtually every pace up to 2:55. It makes it really easy to find a group and share miles with them, as marathons can be mentally tough when running solo.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Train for more hills during your runs! I wish I had more strength in my legs to handle the rolling hills, so I’d definitely improve on my lower-body strength by incorporating more strength training or hill sprints.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Miles 14-24 are pretty quiet as you approach Springfield and the trail. Make sure that you’re mentally prepared for this, as it can be a stark contrast from the beginning of the race, where crowd support is plentiful.
Miles 4 and 8 bring the two biggest hills, so make sure you’re prepared for them. Knowing this in advance will help you stay calm when you see your pace slow.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes, it’s a very pretty course! You get to see the entire town of Eugene through the first half and run along a trail in nature for the second half.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I wouldn’t say that it’s a very tough course, but the Eugene Marathon is often classified as a flat marathon, which I disagree with. There are definitely rolling hills throughout and ~500 ft. of elevation gain total, so be mindful of that.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well organized! The expo was a smooth in-and-out operation, and the start line corrals were very well split up. There was no pushing or shoving to get into the corral at the beginning. Lines for the porta-potties can stack up closer to the race start, so make sure to go early if you need to!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes, there’s a very strong field! A lot of people this year were gunning for the Olympic Trail Qualifying (OTQ) time, along with runners also trying to qualify for Boston.
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.
There are a lot of hotels throughout the city, and there are convenient shuttle stops at popular hotels, so just make sure you plan your booking and shuttle stops accordingly. Having a rental car is ideal, as you can drive around and out of the city.
Although people said the race typically sells out closer to April, the race sold out in January this year. I imagine that it might sell out even quicker next year, so if you want to sign up, do it in advance!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
There are a plethora of aid stations – about one aid station with restrooms every 2 miles. There’s only one aid station in the course (around mile 17), where there is no restroom.
Weather and typical race conditions
The weather this year was amazing! It started around 45 F° and only reached the 60s about 3 hours into the race. Based on what I’ve seen from older pictures, it’s typically cloudy, but this year was sunny.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes! The first half of the race goes through Eugene, so it’s easy to find a spot to spectate. There’s also a point where runners pass by twice on the trail, so that’s another good spectating spot. Lastly, the finish is in Hayward Field, where there are plenty of seats to watch, record, or take pictures of your runner’s finish.
How’s the Swag?
The swag was pretty cool! The free t-shirt was a standard Nike Dri-Fit shirt. The merchandise at the expo had really great designs this year, so I was able to snag a hoodie.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10/10! I LOVED this race because of how well organized it was and the course difficulty being on the easier end. I’d highly recommend the Eugene Marathon!
The relentless climb up Torre, we still had about another 30-45 minutes after this point!
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Scenery – I’ve run several races around Portugal and this was pretty epic (I haven’t run on Madeira or the Azores yet, just mainland Portugal). It goes to the highest point on mainland Portugal (Torre at 1,993 meters (6,539) feet), has epic views on the climb and descent of Torre, and goes through a sort of high alpine area on the descent.
Organization – I ran the Nice 50k in its first year and there were definitely hiccups and with this being the first year of the OMD 50k by UTMB, I was a little worried about that, but it was super smooth from packet pickup to the shuttle to the start, course markings, aid stations, finish line, etc.
Competition – So many great runners in this race from start to finish, lots of different nationalities, and several different race differences. I was never alone but it also never felt crowded, thank goodness for the 4 wave start, that made all the difference!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Pre-race bathrooms, this always seems to be an issue for UTMB races, including OCC! There were 2 bathrooms near the start and a cafe that was bombarded from the moment everyone got off the shuttle. Because there were two shuttle times, 6am and 7am, that made it slightly better, but there were something like 800-900 runners, about 200 of them women.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
OMD stands for Oh Meu Deus = Oh My God, ha!
The race t-shirt could have used the help of a native English speaker. Serra da Estrela is in the center of Portugal, geographically, so the slogan was, “You in the center,” but on the shirt, it had a * (star) in the center, because estrela means star in English, and it’s like you’re the center of the race as well, but the shirt just looks weird with, “You in the C*nter.” When I ran into two South African women in the race, the first thing they asked me was, “So what do you think of the race shirt?”
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I didn’t quit, ha! I didn’t realize that out of the ~9000 feet of gain, about half of that was in the one climb up to Torre, so I was feeling very down on myself on that never-ending climb.
Fueling – I managed to eat 10 gels, 3 tailwinds, 1 naak drink, and lots of water. I historically struggle with nausea and I did later in the race but was able to cool off in any water sources that I could find, and I continued to sip tailwind/naak and ate 1 gel an hour in the second half and my stomach held it together.
I saved my music until 28k so I had it for the last 24k and it was such a boost!
My legs were there for the climbing until the bitter end and it ended with an uphill to the finish, so I was happy that my training had me ready for all the climbing, descending, and runnable stuff in the second half.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
The first 8-10km is fast and “easy” compared to the next ~20km. Then the last 20km is much faster than the previous 20km if you still have your legs under you for climbing and running.
The climb up Torre has many false summits and takes forever. Just find a good rhythm, ignore all those around you busting their asses, and once you reach that massive rock cairn, the majority of the climbing is over but you’re still not at the top.
Cool off in any water source available after the halfway point if it’s a sunny day, as the second climb is exposed and hot. Torre is exposed too but it’s so early that it’s a little chilly and less likely to be an issue. If the weather is bad, be ready for wind/rain/cold on the climb up Torre.
The descent from Torre starts on the road but the trail eventually becomes quite technical, rocky, slick, and full of bogs to hop over. I’m terrible at this stuff so it took immense patience and focus for me.
Be ready to have wet feet for much of the race. I always put aquafor on my feet and toes ahead of time and had zero blisters.
Looking up at one of the many false summits up Torre.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I would mentally prepare myself for that climb up Torre. I texted a few friends that I was quitting, ha! Then I finally started running again after the super tough descent and it got better, I put on music, chatted with other runners, and saw the light of day after 28km.
Maybe use poles? I didn’t use them and I loved not having them for the second half and I’m just as fast or faster on the climbs than others with poles. I debate if they’d help me even more on the climbs and/or give me more confidence on the descents, but I doubt it.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
That first climb up Torre is the hardest and longest one and all the rest pales in comparison to it.
The descent is equally hard if you’re not great at descending (me).
The second half is faster, save your legs for it.
Very exposed so cool down in random water sources when you can once the day starts warming up, which was near the last kms of the descent from Torre. Lots of people puking and cramping up!
The second climb has some steep bits but it’s nothing in length compared to Torre, just find a good rhythm and don’t get defeated.
Same goes for the rest of the climbing, little pop ups with steep bits.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Absolutely, some of the prettiest stuff I’ve seen in Portugal, I’ve always wanted to run in this area and I’m so glad I finally got to!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes. 52km and they say it’s 9500 feet, my watched showed 9100, but still, that’s a lot. OCC has more. I finished in 8:19 and I’m not sure I had anything much faster in me given some of the technical terrain and climbing. Maybe if I’d had an absolutely perfect day, I could have been up to 30 minutes faster, if that. I finished in OCC in ~11.5 hours but had to walk the last 12km with nausea, so it’s not quite as difficult as OCC, especially with how runnable the second half is in OMD, but it would be really hard for someone’s first 50km!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well organized, it’s a UTMB race, which means it’s a high likelihood that it’s done well. The pictures they took were all kind of terrible, it was the automatic pictures that are set up throughout the course, and they needed more bathrooms at the start, but those are very minor details.
The descent from Torre, absolutely beautiful.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Super strong with it being a UTMB race.
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.
Register as early as you can, the 50km sold out (not sure about other races)
Hotels and airbnbs in Seia went fast, we booked off Booking.com in a town about 20 minutes from the start, which was totally fine.
Limited parking near the start, which stressed me out, so I got to the parking lot at 5:20am for my 6am shuttle, then my car was right there after the finish. Pure bliss.
Several grocery stores in town near the finish and packet pickup.
Fly into Lisbon or Porto and it’s 2-4 hours drive, depending on where you flew into, so you’ll need a rental car + lodging
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Naak products and I only had the drink, I had 14 gels on me and 3 tailwinds (started with 1 mixed already and had 2 bottles with just the powder inside).
Standard fare, nothing super special but lots of volunteers to help with water.
Sunscreen at the last aid station with 10km to go, which I totally used. I stood there as they sprayed me down with it.
Flushing toilets at the Torre aid station around 18km, huzzah!
Weather and typical race conditions
Big swings in temperature, cold at night and warm during the day
High chance of rain
Bring all kinds of clothes to the race and make a game day decision based on weather.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
If you use poles, this is a good race for them.
Minimum required gear list, just a rain jacket, no headlamp, woo hoo!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
I don’t think so, I saw spectators randomly, a few of which were the same. People can drive to the top of Torre, so that’s kind of cool! If someone sees you at the start in Loiriga, they can see you again at 28km there.
How’s the Swag?
Typical technical tee and a medal. I was hoping for cooler swag, my favorite thus far has been the waterproof backpack from the Nice 50k.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4.5 out of 5. It’s beautiful, challenging, well-organized and a really fun way to see this part of Portugal, amidst a fantastic field of runners.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The scenery! Running 26.2 miles in paradise is an unbeatable experience, with sweeping ocean views, friendly neighborhood vibes, and a run past Diamond Head. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful races I’ve ever run.
The spectators are so friendly! The back half of the race is through neighborhoods, so a lot of people come out to cheer, hand out snacks, or spray their hoses on runners who are overheating.
I loved that the race didn’t have a time limit. Although it does pose as a hindrance by blocking roads, the organizers do a good job about slowly opening up the roads based on the last runner. It gives a lot of opportunities for people who just want to accomplish 26.2 while enjoying the beauty of Honolulu.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Not necessarily anything to do with the race, but the weather is very unpredictable in Hawaii around this time of year. An hour before the race, heavy rain caused the start to be at 92% humidity. I was sweating bullets by mile 3! 😭
The start is pretty chaotic. Even though there were corrals, they let everyone go at once instead of spacing each corral out (if that makes sense). That caused a ton of crowding at the start and for the first 3-5 miles of the race.
Having one of the biggest hills at mile 24. It’s just brutal at that stage of the race.Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
I wouldn’t say there’s anything weird about the race, but one thing that stood out was the fireworks at the start! It’s not every day that you get to start a marathon with a celebration.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I really liked that I stayed hydrated throughout the race! With the weather being humid and hot, having electrolyte and refillable water stations throughout the course was needed.
This is also one of the biggest marathons in the U.S., so there’s a ton of people to run with, regardless of what pace you’re at. I knocked off a solid 10 miles with a group of runners before they dropped me, but it’s nice to have people to run with a lot of the time.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Even though it’s an early start at 5:00 AM, make sure you get to the start line even earlier! With virtually everybody taking shuttles and long lines to the portapotties, it can get really hectic. We started lining up for shuttles around 3:30 AM and ended up almost missing our start!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Don’t underestimate the heat and run off of effort. Although the heat isn’t blistering, it’ll sneak up on you if you don’t hydrate early and try to run your usual pace.
There are two fairly long climbs – at mile 7 and 24. Take your time working through these, and be mentally prepared to run a long hill towards the end of the race. If you don’t, the hill can feel brutally long.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
You will be running with 10K runners at the start of the race, so just know that not everybody is running at marathon pace. Also, don’t forget about the hills!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
100% the most beautiful course I’ve run!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
The course itself isn’t tough, but it’s the combination of heat and humidity with two long climbs that can feel challenging. Because the weather’s average has been hotter than ideal, I’d say this isn’t a PR course.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Yes, besides the lack of shuttles and start line chaos, everything else is well run! The expo and finish line festival are very well organized.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I feel that a majority of people are targeting this race for the aesthetics or the no-limit on time rule, so it’s not a super competitive field. However, there are still plenty of people that I saw at the front of the race!
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.
Based on my experience, the hotels and race registration weren’t competitive just due to the size of the race. Flights can be expensive, so make sure to look early or fly in a day or two earlier/later!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Aid stations are pretty frequent at the start of the race, but they are more spread out during the Kamehameha Highway portion of the course. Make sure to get your hydration early and often before you reach the highway!
Weather and typical race conditions
Not blistering hot temperature-wise (average 72 F°/22 C°), but humidity is something to watch out for (92% humidity at the start).
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Carrying a water bottle is nice, as there are refillable water stations!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
The first half is a little difficult because of how early the start time is. Additionally, there are just so many people at the start, it can be hard to find your runner. However, the finish line is very nice for spectators!
How’s the Swag?
Very cool medal, but other than that, swag is pretty standard, with a finisher t-shirt and a free masalada at the end of the race.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
8/10! I love this race because of how friendly everybody is and the scenery, but running in the heat is pretty tough. If you’re already visiting Honolulu, or you just want to enjoy the course, I’d highly recommend running it!
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
I loved the Race Atmosphere! Tracktown USA is such a vibe- and you have people cheering you on throughout the entire course!
I loved also that the course is designed for you to run fast. Only small little bit of elevation at mile 8/9 which runs right past South Eugene High School, before going by Hayward Field and the start line again. Lots of groups who work together to help you chase your times
The finish is one of the best in marathoning! Finishing with 200 meters on the track, stands full of people cheering for their loved ones, but also for you! Eugene is such a knowledgeable running community- they recognize what you are doing is so cool!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The only thing I didn’t like was that there was Gatorade on the course. I don’t do well with sugary sports drinks and was hoping there would be some more specialty electrolyte drinks like Skratch.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Not the weirdest, but definitely the coolest part is that there is a good part of the course that goes through Pre’s Trail, which was dedicated to the late Steve Prefontaine, American Distance running legend!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I loved that I was able to settle into a pace right away and not go out too hard at the start. It is very easy to get out quicker than anticipated and then lose gas by the time you hit the bigger hill of the course between 8 and 9. I stayed consistent and focused on my fueling to feel strong!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This is for those who are able to – If you buy the VIP upgrade, you get access to store your gear and warmup on the Hayward field track, along with private bathrooms. This was perfect for me as I didn’t want to have to worry about stashing my gear at my car, timing my warmup around others at the port o potties, and also with gear check. Very private gear check area. Don’t have to worry about lines!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Make sure to pace yourself as you make your way into Springfield, and then turn around towards Pres Trail. I felt great with my pack I was running with and tried to push the pace at Mile 14 which bit me in the butt. Make sure you stay pretty well engaged.
The last few miles will feel long, but just know that you are near the finish!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Nothing to call out in particular, just know that miles 15-25 will be on more narrow paths.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very very pretty especially as you get into Pre’s Trail!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Not a tough course!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well run, The course organizers put on a very great event
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Strong field! Lots of runners under 3, and big packs at each major checkpoint!
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.
Definitely register in advance. This year (2026) sold out by Christmas 2025. Hotels will get booked quickly as well, so would recommend checking those out as soon as you sign up for the race
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard fare!
Weather and typical race conditions
Usually a little chilly, but no rain the past few years
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Nothing special needed! Just what you normally would have for a race
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Super spectator friendly! Multiple accessible points that make it super fun to cheer ! Especially where the course runs by Autzen Stadium (Home of the Oregon Ducks football team!)
How’s the Swag?
Nike running shirt! Medal is super cool, and then they have Nike gear available for purchase at the Apparel sales at the convention center and post race
The Overall Score for this 2025 Eugene Marathon race report – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10/10! nothing beats this! Eugene is a dream of a city to run in, has a small town feel with big city race vibes and the organization is top tier. Will not regret!
Being a woman in sport is challenging to say the least, yet the reward of accomplishing your goal while also battling hormonal changes throughout every month is so worth it. To be successful and have longevity as a female in distance running, you must understand how such an endurance-heavy sport affects various hormones in the body. You must work with your hormones, not against them. With the right fueling and training, your hormones can become your biggest performance advantage. Read on to learn more about female hormones and distance running with TRR coach Stormy Wallace.
Key female hormones affected by distance running
The human body consists of thousands of hormones, from those that allow you to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm to those that help regulate the menstrual cycle. Running in particular has a major effect on female hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. Estrogen and progesterone are key hormones in the menstrual cycle, while cortisol is a key hormone in regulating stress and mood.
Estrogen and progesterone tend to drop as a result of heavy training in the field of distance running. This decrease may cause menstrual cycle irregularities, but proper nutrition is critical to prevent these irregularities. Additionally, you can strategically time your fueling around your cycle to enhance energy, recovery, and performance.
Cortisol is raised as a result of endurance activity, releasing endorphins and giving you the “runner’s high” that we all crave. However, having chronically high levels of cortisol for too long can have negative effects. Yet, like anything, there are a plethora of preventative measures one can take to combat these negativities.
How to Support Hormonal Balance as a Runner
Due to the endurance-heavy nature of distance running, it is extremely important to understand how to maintain healthy levels of estrogen and progesterone, which tend to drop not only as a result of distance running, but also at certain points in the menstrual cycle. Intentional fueling is critical in order to mitigate menstrual irregularities, enhance recovery, and improve performance. Although fueling as a female endurance athlete can be complex, here are a few core principles to help you do it effectively:
Don’t fear fat. Fat is one of the most essential macronutrients for female athletes as cholesterol acts as a primary building block and precursor of the creation of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Consuming healthy fats such as avocado, fatty fish, olive oil, and nuts can regulate hormone levels in female athletes.
Time your fueling. Avoid training fasted as this can negatively affect your hormonal interactions around exercise. Be sure to consume simple carbohydrates before training, and a full meal consisting of carbohydrates, protein, and fats within 30-60 minutes following a workout. The best ‘pre-run’ snack is not one size fits all; you should eat whatever works for you! Experiment with different foods and determine your best fit.
Intentional supplementation. Unfortunately, most supplements on the market are actually unnecessary, and with proper fueling, you can get your vitamins from the food you eat. Therefore, don’t waste your money on excess supplements that you don’t truly need. There is, however, a lot of research on creatine monohydrate and its ability to help women maintain stable estrogen levels throughout their cycle. The up and coming research on creatine’s effects in endurance sport makes it a great candidate to add to your supplementation routine!
Fuel around your cycle. Often referred to as “cycle-syncing”, there are specific foods that correlate to different phases of the menstrual cycle in order to maintain hormonal balance throughout menstruation.
During menstruation (days 1-5), iron-rich foods become crucial to combat the drop in estrogen during this stage.
During the follicular phase (days 1-13), healthy fats become critical to support hormonal balance as estrogen levels begin to rise again.
In the ovulatory phase (day 14), estrogen levels are at their peak, and therefore performance, mood, and energy are peaking as well. Fueling the body with complex carbohydrates is essential to support an elevated mood, physical performance, and higher energy levels during this stage.
Finally, the luteal phase (days 15-28) requires extra hydration and lean protein in order to mitigate effects of bloating during this stage. Ultimately, cycle syncing is extremely complex, but if done correctly can allow you to use your cycle as a performance enhancer and not be held back!
Cortisol and training
Raised cortisol levels as a result of exercise can be both good and bad. The issue comes when cortisol levels become too high and the body stays in a state of ‘fight or flight’ for far too long. This can hinder recovery time, sleep, mood, and overall performance. Fortunately, proper fueling with carbohydrates before exercise, and carbohydrates as well as protein following exercise have been shown to lower cortisol levels. Additionally, overall stress reducing activities such as meditation and deep breathing can bring the body back to homeostasis after training. Finally, supplementation with magnesium and/or ashwagandha before bed has been shown to reduce cortisol levels after a long day, ultimately improving sleep.
Key Takeaways
Being a female in the sport of distance running can be challenging, but should not be feared. If proper fueling and simple lifestyle modifications can be adopted, your hormones become your superpower in the sport of distance running! Food should not be feared, but instead used as a tool in your toolbox to enhance your performance, mood, and life!
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
People always! The Asheville community is resilient after Hurricane Helene. The community rallies around events like this and they show their support for those that support their community through running.
The views. Anywhere you look, you can pick out the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Through the grit of a marathon, it helps to have stunning sights to look at and remind yourself to be grateful.
The race coordination. iDaph hosts incredible races. Their team is thoughtful, hardworking, and cares about the small details. I was able to meet several iDaph staff members, and they could not be anymore down to earth. I am appreciative of their incredible planning to make events like the AVL Marathon and Half work.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
It was my own fault, but the hills. Racers planning to complete either the full or the half should place special emphasis on hill training. If you lack the endurance and strength on hills, it can really cost you in the first part of this event.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Nothing too weird about this course! It’s becoming a more popular event. It’s no Boston Marathon, but it’s also no small town race either.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
PR’s my last year’s Asheville Marathon time!
Speed running the downhill sections of this course
Seeing all of the spectator signs – they are getting more creative as the years go on!
Seeing the pure joy and excitement on finisher’s faces.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
The Asheville Marathon rewards runners who race it with a smart, patient strategy rather than going out aggressively. One of the biggest lessons is to respect the early hills through North Asheville and Montford. Going out too fast here can wreck your legs for the later miles, even though the course flattens out along the river. It’s also important to be prepared for variability, both in weather and terrain, since you may deal with anything from cold starts to warmer finishes, and from smooth roads to tighter greenway sections. Staying mentally engaged in the back half is key, as the flatter river stretch can feel repetitive and less supported, making it easy to lose focus. Fueling and hydration should be consistent, especially since the effort from the hills can sneak up on you early. Overall, runners who pace conservatively, adapt to conditions, and stay mentally locked in tend to perform much better on this course than those who treat it like a standard flat marathon.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very pretty! You get to run through many different neighborhoods of Asheville. Racer’s start in Downtown Asheville and head to the North Asheville/Grove Park area then through Montford, then down into the River Arts District (RAD). Each area of the course boats something unique to Asheville and its history.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
It’s a tough course for new racers especially. Being that Asheville sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains, one can expect to encounter hills. The ending of this course can be difficult for those whose legs fatigue earlier than expected. Being that the last half of the race is mostly in the River Arts District which is flat, runners may encounter a difficult time try to pick their legs and feet up to finish the last six miles (give or take). The last half of the course along the French Broad River can be a challenge mentally as there is not as many spectators around that area.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
The Asheville Marathon is generally considered a fun and worthwhile race. It has a great overall vibe, strong community support, solid aid stations, and a really enjoyable finish at New Belgium Brewing, which many runners highlight as a standout experience. Pre-race logistics like packet pickup and communication are usually smooth as well. However, the race can feel a bit inconsistent from an execution standpoint. Common complaints include crowded sections on narrow greenways, merging traffic between full and half marathon runners. Because of this, it’s often seen as more of an “experience race” than a perfectly polished, PR-friendly event. Overall, most runners would say it’s a good race with a lot of character.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Year after year, the competition field grows stronger than the previous year. Several 2026 full marathon runners ran a sub-3 hour race where as there were only two 2025 finishers than ran a sub-3 hour race.
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.
Race logistics:
Asheville Regional Airport offers many flights in/out of the city so it’s easy to get to.
Hotel accommodations are abundant throughout the city, and other surrounding areas. The race website will offer discounted booking links for racers and their families.
The race team puts together a shuttle schedule for racers and spectators for a small fee. This takes the stress out of planning how to transport yourself, family and friends throughout the city on race day. The shuttles were constantly running from New Belgium Brewing back to the start line which was awesome.
I would suggest making a weekend adventure around the race. Asheville has so many incredible things to do and see, including stunning hiking views, the Biltmore House/Grounds, and walking trails to shake out those sore running legs.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
It’s pretty standard. All aid stations were packed with water and Gatorade. Sporadic stations had snacks, gels, and Coca Cola.
Weather and typical race conditions
The Asheville Marathon typically offers cool and fairly ideal running conditions, though it can vary quite a bit year to year. Most races start in the mid-30s to mid-40s, which can feel chilly on the start line, but temperatures usually warm into the 50s and sometimes low 60s by late morning. Skies are often a mix of clouds and occasional sun, and while it’s not uncommon to have a dry day, March in the mountains does bring a moderate chance of rain, so damp or drizzly conditions are always possible. The biggest thing to keep in mind is variability. Asheville weather that time of year can swing from cold and wet to surprisingly warm, sometimes within just a few hours. For runners, it usually means a cold start, a comfortable middle stretch, and a slightly warmer finish, especially along the more exposed river sections later in the course.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
No special gear! Just an open mind and good heart.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Extremely friendly! All sections of this race are easily accessible to spectators.
How’s the Swag?
The swag is decent. The race bag included a high quality t-shirt and some local advertisements.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
9/10. I would recommend it to anyone, but I would recommend it most to those that have already ran a marathon or half or a runner that trains quite a bit on hills.
Tanner Amrhien is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.
Get all the Eugene Marathon info you need to be your best on race day. Race reports, a pre-race zoom call, and more!
Eugene Marathon 2018
1. Pre-Race Zoom Call
With the Eugene 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!
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026 Time: 8pm PST Location:Call Recording
After you split up with the half marathoners, around mile 12, the crowd dwindles, which is a pro for some, a con for others, so be prepared either way
Likely that it will get fairly warm if it’s a clear, spring day
Lots of sun in a lot of the race pictures, so be ready for sun exposure for a lot of the miles
Bridges in the race can seem like quite difficult uphills, especially later in the race
If you’re used to hills, the hills won’t seem big, but if you’re expecting a completely flat course, it will seem hilly
Very well-organized race
Not tons of spectators out on the course, so be ready for some quiet miles, especially after mile 12, which again, is a pro for some, con for others
Miles along the bike path on the river can be really pretty, but also can last forever if you’re struggling, and because you can see others on the other side of the river, ahead of you. Have a strong mental game for the second half given that.
Last water is at mile 24 – keep that in mind if you drink a lot in the final miles
Photo: Eugene Marathon
4. Race Reports:
From Coach Chris Poole https://teamrunrun.com/eugene-marathon-race-report-chris-poole/
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The Energy
Spectators
The city itself!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Not really. It’s a crowded course but that’s normal for World Majors.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
London is unique in that apparently it’s the “go to” marathon for setting Guinness World Records. Many people going for “Fastest Person Dressed as a (fill in blank!”)Don’t be surprised if you see some very interesting get-ups and costumes!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I went into London Marathon just wanting to enjoy the spectacle of it all! Definitely feel like I accomplished that. It was my slowest marathon in several years but despite the heat, one of my most fun! (more on the heat below….)
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
I can’t speak to transportation to the start (as I went with a tour group and we had a private bus); however, it is well-advised to arrive early. The staging area is GIANT!
It’s a very large, grassy field — if you’re concerned about your race shoes/socks getting wet, recommend wearing an old pair and tossing them.
Speaking of, also recommend wearing some throw-away clothes to stay warm. London, like most of the Majors, has a late start. It can be a long wait.
Bring SNACKS! Again, long wait. You don’t want to start hungry.
I found the gear check to be easy and smooth — both drop off and pick up.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Living in a wintry climate, I had no opportunity to heat train. Frankly, didn’t think I’d need it. It’s London! As the British weather folks said, it was “unseasonably warm.” Low-70s by halfway point. Lesson I learned is to plan for anything! Knowing that it was going to be quite warm, I pivoted on my race plan in the first 5k or so and essentially ran it as an easy-effort run. That would be my advice — adapt and be ready for anything!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Like all World Majors, it’s a crowded course. It actually begins in three different start areas and the course merges around the 5k point. Prepare for that because it really bottlenecks and there are random barriers in the middle of the road that seem to come out of nowhere (due to the crowd density).
Relax. Settle into a steady effort. It’s a very flat course, which on a good day can lead to a fast time; however, you have to be patient.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
I wouldn’t say it’s pretty but it is chock full of iconic landmarks. Running over Tower Bridge is definitely a highlight!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
The course itself is easy. It’s a flat course but, as mentioned, very crowded and a lot of turns. I ran a 26.55 — as someone who can typical run tangents pretty well, it was one of my ‘longest’ marathons.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
As well-oiled as they come!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
It draws some of the world’s most elite runners so yes, very strong!
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.
As a World Major Marathon, it’s London is one of the harder ones to get into. Lottery is less than 1%. Charity and Tour Operators (which is what I did — Sports Tours International, highly recommend!) offer guaranteed entry. Qualifying is only available for UK-residents (aka, “Good for Age”).
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
I carry my own so I didn’t notice what they offer. Water is available in tiny bottles vs cups — which I really appreciated cause it was easier to carry than a cup. Since it was warm, they did a great job of offering ice and spraying runners down.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Not necessarily; as mentioned, bring throw-away clothes and dress in layers in case of cooler start with increasing temps.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
VERY much so! I’d recommend spectators use an Uber boat — you can easily spectate the course by using the river instead of the “Tube.”
How’s the Swag?
Finisher’s shirt and medal were both beautiful! It was a 45th anniversary edition, though, so many have been extra special. New Balance does the jackets and they’re really nice, too — recommend pre-ordering so you don’t have to wait in the messy line at Expo.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5/5! It’s a World Major — definitely an iconic race! Aside from NYC, London has the best crowds. And definitely ‘wins’ for landmark sights!
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The crowds!
All of the iconic sights you run by
Very well organized throughout
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Very crowded at sections due to narrow roads and a lot of tight turns throughout the course.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The amount of people dressed in costumes! Not necessarily weird, but different from other world majors.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Find your pace early and don’t go out too hard. It’s a pretty flat course so a good one to try to negative split on, save some energy for the finish stretch!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
There are barriers that will pop up in the middle of the road randomly throughout the course, ie. traffic signs or sidewalks. Pay attention so you don’t trip!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
So many sights and iconic landmarks!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Not difficult, overall flat but with some sharp turns. Typical London weather in April is cool and rainy, however the year I did it it was sunny and 70s, so be prepared for anything!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well organized and well run, especially the start area and the finish.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Very strong field. There’s an out and back section that’s cool because you can see the elites coming back as you’re heading out!
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.
Very tough to get in through lottery, however charity is very doable. Definitely book hotels in advance, although there are lots of options to choose from. I recommend booking a hotel near the finish that’s also near a tube station so you can easily get to the start.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
London uses water bottles instead of cups, which is nice because it’s easier to actually get down! They have leukozade which is similar to Gatorade but a lot more sugary tasting in my opinion.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Very spectator friendly. Loops around different sections so easy to see your runner a couple of times.
How’s the Swag?
Definitely recommend the finisher jacket, nice for these winter runs!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
This is the Team RunRun hub for everything Run the River Marathon race info! Course information, racing tips, coaching advice, and more, so that you can be your best on race day at this awesome PNW event!
1. Pre-Race Zoom Call
With the Run the River 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!
Want even more intel on the Run the River Marathon? Read this race report from Team RunRun coach, Annika Brubaker.
5. Run the River 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 Run the River race advice, here are some coaches to start with:
In this post, find all the Boston Marathon race info you could possibly want to know. Read on for our runners’ reviews of the course, the wait before the race, the gear for bad weather, and more!
“The first few miles of the race can feel cramped and narrow. I would avoid wasting extra energy by trying to weave around people. Things will open up!” – Coach Elaina Raponi
“I’d avoid deliberately pushing the pace early on the downhills in an attempt to “make up time” for the Newton Hills and Heartbreak Hill. You want to listen to your effort and make sure you’re not ruining your quads before the hard part even starts.” – Coach Elaina Raponi
“If you’re in wave 1 corral 1, you may want to consider running with wave 1 corral 2. The reason being that they keep everyone in corral 1 off to the side while the elite and professional fields start which makes it more cramped than the corrals themselves. It could be more comfortable to sit in one corral later.” – Coach Tavo
Once you get off the bus in the Athletes’ Village, try to find a covered spot to sit and rest as much as possible. Don’t feel like you need to rush to the corrals unless you’d like to do a warmup jog. I typically recommend walking comfortably and taking advantage of the free sunscreen provided there as well!” – Coach Tavo
“Your legs can take a lot of pounding from the first 5km with a significant downhill and going out quick. I always suggest taking that first 5km almost mind-numbingly easy, navigating the crowds as best you can. The Newton hills aren’t all that scary if you’ve been conservative up to that point, and if you’re feeling good at the top of Heartbreak, that last 10km downhill is something incredibly special to be able to race to your fullest.” – Coach Tavo
“The absolute best part of the race is the crowd and the atmosphere. There are almost no silent parts of the race. You have support the entire way!” – Coach Dakotah Popehn
“When you’re training you have a lot of time to think about your race. It is super fun to think about all of the ways the race could go well and imagine all the great possibilities that could unfold. And I encourage you to visualize those situations and enjoy that time. Also take time to imagine the weather being too warm, too cold, and too wet. Think about how you will feel and how you will adjust not only your race, but also your mindset. With all of the training you put into longer races you have time to think through thousands of scenarios.” – Coach Dakotah Popehn
“If you have a ride to Hopkinton in the morning, and don’t need gear check, getting dropped off at the Hopkinton shuttles is super easy and lets you sleep in a little longer.” – Coach Brandon Tower
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Sweeping views near Arches National Park
Great aid station volunteers
Comfortable cutoff time for 50K
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Only two photographers, both in the first 8 miles of the race.
Finish line didn’t have much going on for later finishes like the 50k or 50 miler.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
You don’t actually run in Arches National Park. The website very clearly states this when you’re registering, but just something to be aware of. It is adjacent to Arches.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Felt comfortable and confident all the way through. The 50k course helps to break up the distance mentally since it’s essentially two different loops.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
While this is a trail race, there’s a lot of slick rock so training on some pavement to get used to the harder surface is helpful. Train with some elevation and some hills. There are several climbs on this route.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Walking uphill always takes longer than you think. So do aid station refills, especially when it’s a cupless race.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Pay attention to course marker flags and paint stripes on rocks. Sometimes it’s easy to lose the course.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
If you like wide open views and red rock, this is a lovely course! Snow covered mountains in the background too 🙂
Difficulty – Is it a tough is the Arches Ultra 50k course?
I’d say it’s moderate. Lots of slick rock, several technical climbs. My watch clocked about 3000 feet of elevation gain vs the 2200 feet advertised.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It’s pretty organized. If you’re back of the pack, there’s not much fanfare at the finish line.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There’s always a few really fast runners at the front of the longer distances. Decent variety of pace though.
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.
Registration is straightforward, although some races do sell out. You have options for a 9k, half marathon, 50k, and 50 miler. Make sure you get to the start line early to get decent parking.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
There are a total of 5 aid stations on the 50k course. Two of them you go through twice with the course loops. Pretty standard race snacks. Make sure you have fillable cups/water bottles.
Weather and typical race conditions
The course can be windy in sections. Plan for low 30s at the start of the race. It was about 50 degrees by the afternoon so wear layers. Usually pretty sunny.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Poles could be helpful but not necessary. I just had a hydration vest.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Start/finish line is spectator friendly and the Bar M aid station is as well. It’s across the highway from the start/finish line.
How’s the Swag?
Registration includes a shirt, hat, and a finisher medal. This year it had dinosaurs!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give the Arches Ultra 50k and do you recommend that others run it?
4/5. This was my first ultra and one I would do again. I found it manageable and at no time did I absolutely hate myself for signing up for it. If you train, it’s completely attainable and I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking to get out to the Moab area. Most of it is flat-ish which makes it a beginner friendly 50k.
Shelby Fox is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.
Team RunRun Coach Kelsey McGill shares her experience going all in on the Tempe Burrito League 2026!! What the heck is it? What did she learn? and what did she win?!
PC: Andy Bottiglieri. 2026 Tempe Burrito League Winners Troy Croxdale and Kelsey McGill
What the heck is Tempe Burrito League?
Jamil Coury, founder of Aravaipa Running, teamed up with Connor Dyer and created Burrito League in January 2026 as a result of Chipotle not announcing the continuation of the Chipotle Challenge which occurred in January 2024 and 2025. Burrito League is a challenge where anyone can complete a specific segment by walking or running, typically from 0.2 to 0.4 miles in length, as many times as they can for the duration of the event. The Burrito League in Tempe, Arizona, was 26 days long. This particular segment is recorded as a one-way segment, which is 0.2 miles. Participants can start and stop at any time that they choose, day or night. There is no aid station as runners are encouraged to supply all their own food, hydration, etc. On January 31 at 11:59pm, the top female and male with the most completed segments would be declared the winners.
The biggest personal challenges
Some of the challenges I faced during Burrito League were both expected and unexpected. I often felt like I was simultaneously playing the game whack-a-mole (to address physical/injury needs) and chess (for strategizing against competitors). Early on, there was a big adjustment period of running entirely on bricks and concrete. As a sole trail runner for the past 15 years, this was something I’ve steered so far from. I crave the intricacies of trail running, specifically more technical trails, because of how engaging it can be and the solitude. Not only was the flat, hard surface something I strongly avoided, but I also wasn’t used to running 30-45 miles every single day (aside from 1 rest day mid-way through). I have a thru-hiking background and 8 years of running ultras, but to stack big days of running back-to-back for 26 days in a row was uncharted territory for me. There’s a lot to be said for using a run–walk interval strategy on flat courses—it reduces impact and helps preserve the legs. It still amazes me how much mileage can be covered, even just by walking alone.
On day one, I made a silly, albeit stubborn, mistake by wearing trail shoes for a 30-mile day, which led to a bout of ankle tendinitis that lingered for the next 12 days. I had to quickly pivot and buy a pair of road shoes the 2nd day with far more cushioning. Along with getting road-specific shoes, I had to manage the pain from the tendinitis and alter my form.
Another issue arose on day 6 at the end of a 45-mile day. When I squatted to pee, I felt a small twinge in my quad, which turned out to be a strained quadriceps. As a result, I was forced to walk for the next three days. Even so, I was still able to cover between 38 to 45 miles per day. Oftentimes, I would find myself catastrophizing injuries meaning the thought of “is this a stress fracture?” or “did I rupture a tendon?” or “is my quad going to heal properly?” were all circuitous thoughts that would come and go throughout the month. My goal was to stay curious about the pain and do something about it to keep moving (i.e. apply Tiger Balm pain patches, heat/ice compresses, muscle scraping, strength/mobility work, etc.). The benefit of having your vehicle as an aid station .2 miles away meant there was something you could do in real-time to address issues that arose. The action itself was powerful to refocus attention and get back on track.
Another area that proved especially challenging was keeping up with simple, everyday chores. Most days, I woke up around 3:30 or 4:00 a.m. to work for a couple of hours—writing training plans and responding to emails—before getting on segment around 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. From there, I was on segment until about 8:00 p.m. while also taking coaching calls throughout the day when walking on the segment. I took short breaks throughout the day to raise my feet (to reduce swelling and aching) and get more calories in, but the demand of getting the most time on segment each day made basic tasks like grocery shopping, doing laundry, or any other life responsibilities incredibly difficult. Thankfully, Jamil rented a studio, which gave us access to a shower and a bathroom and they also rented porta potties. That support made a huge difference. I genuinely can’t imagine attempting something like this without consistent access to a bathroom. There was also a CVS right on the segment: the most perfect aid station you could ever imagine! And yes, they had ice cream which became a 5pm daily tradition for “ice cream laps”!
The mental load required to sustain this effort was also fascinating. Each day fell into the same rhythm: waking up, checking Strava to see how many segments others had completed, doing the math to calculate the mileage gaps between us, and then getting on with the day. I felt myself constantly oscillating between the urge to push harder and the need to hold back—aware that pushing too hard could jeopardize the rest of my year and the larger goals I had set for myself prior to this quirky event. Numerous times I thought I’d found my limit as a means to preserve myself from further injury, but after giving some further thought to modify and adapt, I was able to press on.
About halfway through the event, I woke up feeling run down with a cold, sore throat, and stuffy nose. On top of that, I realized I had completely maxed out the mileage on the shoes I’d purchased just 10 days earlier. Instead of buying a new pair, I borrowed shoes, which I’d never run in before and, unfortunately, they led to shin splints. I’d never dealt with shin splints in my 20 years of running, but I knew this was something that could become serious if I didn’t properly modify my approach.
I realized early on that the friends I came to Burrito League with weren’t people I could share strategy with, as they needed to remain unbiased in order to support all participants. Because of that, I became very guarded in my planning and intentional about not disclosing my strategy to anyone. This secrecy made building friendships difficult because people would bluff about their plans to each other, but I also understood that almost everyone there wanted the same thing I did: a Cocodona 250 entry. Knowing that, I kept silent about any plans I was forming. When I decided to take a rest day halfway through the event, I didn’t tell anyone—not when I was resting, and not when I planned to return. The reason for this is you don’t want your competitors to gain a huge gap on you knowing you won’t be there at all. Keeping people in the dark as much as I could was key. After taking a rest day and some dry needling from a local PT (shoutout to Dr. Matthew Brown in Scottsdale), I felt dramatically better and incredibly grateful that the shin splints, quad strain, and tendinitis had all cleared up. I felt like a million bucks. My sinuses never fully cleared up during the rest of Burrito League and I finished the last 2 weeks with a sinus infection, but physically I felt strong and durable, and I didn’t deal with any additional injuries after that mid-way point.
By the third week, it was obvious that people were beginning to adapt to the massive mileage we had accumulated over the first two weeks. We were going against everything traditional training theory teaches—throwing out the rules just to see what we were made of and stay on the leaderboard. These were very gritty people on the segment. At the same time, the fatigue was really starting to sink in. There was a shared sense of dread heading into the final week, as many of us anticipated that big moves were coming but we were already pouring in so much from the beginning.
The Tempe Burrito League is also unique in how performative it feels. You pass your competitors hundreds of times a day, and there was far more media attention than I ever expected. Because of that, you have to work hard to maintain your composure when things feel tough—to avoid letting your competitors, as the saying goes, “smell blood in the water.” The upside of this performative aspect is how much information you gain. You’re constantly observing body language—how durable someone looks after a big day or an overnight push, how smoothly they’re moving throughout the day—and you can roughly calculate what they’re doing in relation to your own effort. It’s very different from being out on a trail race for hours with no real sense of how your competitors are feeling other than when you’re passing or being passed. That constant visibility can be very taxing, especially on hard days, like early on when I strained my quad. In those moments, I chose to stay positive, knowing there was still a lot of time left. I focused on walking, trusting that my body would recover and adapt—and thankfully, after three days, it did.
Another notable challenge was navigating the political events and tragedies unfolding in Minneapolis during Burrito League. As the final week approached, I felt deeply conflicted about continuing to participate while so much pain and injustice were happening. I wrestled with the feeling that I should be doing more to help, even though I wasn’t sure what that should look like. In the end, I chose to wear a shirt with a political message as a form of protest and committed to wearing it for the remaining days on the segment. I knew it wasn’t a grand gesture or a solution, but if I could spend hours each day running back and forth on that segment while visibly expressing my outrage and solidarity, then that was something I could do.
Expectations going into Tempe Burrito League
If someone had told me ahead of time that staying at the top of the leaderboard would require maintaining 30 to 45 miles a day, I would have passed on the opportunity without a doubt. I never expected to run at that magnitude every single day for 26 days, aside from one rest day. Before Burrito League began, I was very clear with the friends I came with that I planned to run trails at least two days a week to preserve my sanity as well as squeeze in a weekend backpacking trip on the Arizona Trail—but that plan quickly fell to the wayside. I wasn’t prepared for how fierce the competition would be. From the very beginning, it was obvious that everyone was hungry for the Cocodona ticket—and I was no exception. I felt confident at the beginning saying 10-20 miles a day would give me a comfortable spot in 1st especially with the event being shared just hours before it started, and I was very wrong about how low the mileage would be to earn that Cocodona ticket.
Burrito League was not only a showcase of gritty, determined competitors, but also a ground-breaking space for rethinking training theory. There were countless times during Burrito League that I forgot there was a Cocodona entry at stake. There was something more than that that I was curious about – “How bad do I want to go to the depths of the unknown to see what I’m really made of?” Not every day (or month) do I get the chance to visit that space within myself and what a gift it is that I get to do this.
PC: Andy Bottiglieri. Burrito Relay on last day of Burrito League
Lessons learned
As I mentioned earlier, the first two weeks served as a heavy adaptation period on the segment. I logged 212 miles the first week and 207 miles the second—both personal record weeks, and notably back-to-back. The third week climbed to 291 miles, followed by 230 miles in the fourth. In total, I ran 941 miles over the course of 26 days, a volume I had never come close to before. Again, I would not have signed up to do this if I knew I would have to put in that mileage.
What’s most surprising is that I finished the Tempe Burrito League without any lingering injuries or aches. This experience forced me to reconsider aspects of traditional training theory. High volumes of low-impact running—whether through run–walk intervals or sustained recovery and conversational pace efforts—may be able to scale far beyond what is typically prescribed, provided the athlete has the time and durability to support it. Speed work still matters, but it needs to be integrated carefully; strides and VO₂ max workouts, in particular, are not well suited for periods of extreme volume like this.
Another big takeaway from Burrito League, which I think is the most profound piece for me, is that we can still move while experiencing any emotion. Anger, sadness, outrage, fear, etc. we can still put one foot in front of the other, because why not? Sometimes emotions can be big, the storylines can feel overpowering, but what if we just take another step forward? To me, that is quite liberating to be with emotion while also still moving.
We can learn a lot about ourselves when we put ourselves in an environment that we typically avoid. We find our grit, we dig deeper than we thought we could, and that’s why I run.
How does this impact/change my thinking on big challenges looking ahead?
Once the stage was set at Tempe Burrito League for sustained, high mileage, I began to reframe the challenge as preparation for an FKT I’m planning in 2027. It became an invaluable testing ground for managing the day-to-day physical and mental demands of continuous movement—learning how to address my body’s and mental needs, problem-solving in real time, and taking care of myself independently. Not only did this opportunity allow me to test the uncharted waters I didn’t think were within reach yet, but it is making me think I’m much more capable of completing this big project than I previously thought.
Prizes won
I’m over the moon that I’ll be heading to Cocodona 250 in May this year – huge thanks to Jamil for making this possible! I’ve also received 4 pairs of shoes from Mount To Coast, some apparel from East Peak, and free Chipotle for a year!
PC: Andy Bottiglieri. Burrito League finish 12am on February 1, 2026.
Welcome! Here we share all kinds of Tokyo Marathon Info to help you have your best race on race day, and to help you prepare for the big challenge ahead. We also provide events to provide you with some firsthand knowledge as well some TRR camaraderie! Let’s go!
With the Tokyo 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!
Date: Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 Time: 7pm EST Call Recording
RunRunners Derek Siebert and Sean Celli always rockin’ the TRR swag together!
TemperatureAverage high: 56°F (13°C) Average low: 42° F (6°C)
Tips from Coaches
“My biggest tip is to enter yourself with a very reasonable goal time. I ran almost the exact same splits for the first two 5Ks because the crowd just swept me along and I didn’t have a choice! It can really mess with your race if you start in a corral that’s too fast or too slow and get stuck with whatever pace the pack is running for the first 10K. Luckily for me it was slightly faster than I planned but I found I could maintain it and I liked getting pulled along for that far without thinking too hard about it.” Coach Janelle Branch
“READ the race packet/information sent electronically completely. You may think you can skip this information if you have run many marathons, but the Tokyo marathon has very strict guidelines that are strictly enforced. Please READ the pre race materials completely!” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
“Recommended that you train with Pocari Sweat (you can purchase on Amazon) which is the on course electrolyte support as you will not be able to bring your own fluids.” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
”I recommend staying near the start line if you are at all anxious about getting to the start line on time. The train system is very reliable but VERY intimidating if you are not familiar with it. If it is going to cause extra stress on race morning, better to stay close by.” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
”Hotels in Tokyo rarely bend the rules on late checkout. If you plan to fly home after the marathon like I did, you may find yourself looking for a shower-they do offer day passes to local gyms/locker rooms and apparently there are showers at the airport as well, but I cannot speak to these.” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
”Please respect the no trash on the course policy-there are plenty of volunteers and bins along the route to throw gels and other garbage-do not litter.” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
”The restrooms on the course are not as easy to access as other major marathon events – they are out of view for privacy, plan accordingly, follow signs!” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
4. Race Reports
Want even more intel on the Tokyo Marathon? Read some of the race reports from Team RunRun coaches:
Coach Matt Levine pushing towards the finish line.
5. Tokyo 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 Tokyo Marathon race advice, here are some coaches to start with:
Results: 12 Hours of Mt. Pisgah laps! (1100’/ 3 miles per lap)
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The community: both the intersection of people from different backgrounds and experience in running, as well as the camaraderie as you pass back and forth and cheer each other on all day. It is a unique and uplifting experience watching people get PRs in distance and elevation all throughout the day, and learning the reasons people are there.
I got to not only participate myself but also alongside some of the runners I coach, and that was very special. Having helped them prepare for this event and also be there in real life to witness and support them was awesome.
A friend and former running client brought his son (11 years old) to the event to participate. His son continued even when his dad paused his laps, on his own. He was so proud to be out there crushing it on his own. That was inspiring to see and gave me so much hope to see a kiddo out there experiencing what we all hope to experience at races.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Not a thing. Beautiful day.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Up and down the same hill over and over and over? It’s become more popular and normalized to do such a thing. It’s no longer weird. A cool thing though? After 10 laps (11,000′, 31 miles) you got a bolo tie with a buckle. That was new this year and very cool. It motivated a LOT of people!
Sporting the bolo tie!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
My throat is so sore from cheering all day long- all the whoops and whewwws and YEAHs! Being overwhelmingly positive and supportive of my fellow racers made the day even better, and I received it right back. I went in this year less competitive than last year- not competitive in fact. My goals were to get a lot of vert, be aware of my hip (I injured it last year and have been rehabbing it), and enjoy doing laps with others. Success on all goals!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Set multiple goals for the day, that are not only related to performance but also experience! Also, make sure you eat and hydrate consistently. Pace yourself. Don’t sit down for too long!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I did not stay on top of hydration during the first couple of laps- it was cold, which it usually is to start, and I struggle to hydrate enough in the cold. I could have done better at this!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The course is mostly on a packed dirt/gravel road, with sections of looser gravel and dirt trail near the top. The downhill can be hard on your joints, so be aware of that. At the summit is a bin of ducks – you grab one to bring down to the bottom with you as proof of your lap! Also, the course starts/ends at the bottom of the hill where everyone parks- so you can have your car pretty close by to use as an aid station, so you don’t need to carry too much.
Gotta prove you did the lap!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Though on repeat all day, the views from the top are beautiful! On a clear day, snow-capped peaks are visible, and sunrise is a total moment- people hang out on top to watch it.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
1100′ in 1.5 miles is stout both up and down!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well run the two years it has taken place. Everything was dialed.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There are always some heavy hitters who go for huge numbers- 45+ miles, over 16,000′ of vert for the podium positions. There is no winning or losing in this event though – it is what you make of it, and every lap is meaningful.
Photo: Jake-Southard-Visuals-@jakesouthardvisuals
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.
Registration is in advance and capped to a limited amount, and it sold out this year! Keep an eye on the Recovery Strong social media handle for information on future events; they are the main sponsor of the event.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
There is a limited aid station at the start/finish, but bringing your own fuel and hydration and operating out of your car makes it really easy for this event.
Photo: Jake-Southard-Visuals-@jakesouthardvisuals
Weather and typical race conditions
The weather is typically chilly to start (20’s and 30’s), warming up throughout the day into the 40’s.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Although I never busted mine out, poles are helpful. Don’t forget a headlamp like I did for the first 90 minutes!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
It’s a great course for family or friends to come out and join for a lap or two, or they can hike the numerous other trails in the park.
How’s the Swag?
Amazing. T-shirts and stickers for participants, a bolo tie and buckle for 10 laps, and winner plaques.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 stars.
Photo: Jake-Southard-Visuals-@jakesouthardvisuals
Emily Keddie is a coach at Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
I absolutely love the small town vibes and the scenery of the race. The race is set out in farming country in Turner, OR, just south of Salem. Often times in January it is either raining, sunny, or at times even snowy. This year, it was 30 degrees and sunny at the start!
Each race is very flat. The course is a very simple out and back, and the lack of turns makes it very easy to maintain your pace without having to exert additional effort.
Competition! This race is usually very competitive for the faster runners, but still has runners competing of all abilities so that you are not alone during the event.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
My one pain point- lack of porto potties on the course. They have 2 porto potties set up approximately 2 miles in, and then at the turn around point at 6.5 miles. You hit the porto potty again at 11 miles. I had an incident where nature called, and I had to hobble a couple miles until I reached the 11 mile porto potty. That was the only part of the race that did not do it for me!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The “Weird” factor (But in a great way!)- They serve post race baked potatoes, chili, and tortilla chips! After spending a lot of time in the cold for the half marathon, it made for an enjoyable way to refuel.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
My personal goal was to go under 1:16. My first 5K was in 17:53, and first 10K in 36:05 which had me on pace comfortably to be able to achieve my goal time. Even after I took my nature break after 11 miles , I was able to get back and run 5:51 miles for the last 2 miles as comfortably as I could. Although I didn’t hit my goal time due to those circumstances, I came out of the race knowing that I have the capabilities to dip under 1:16 in the half marathon this year. To be in this level of fitness in January , with goal races taking place later on this year I was very happy!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Make sure to consciously back off the first mile effort wise. It is pancake flat, and very easy to get sucked into the race day atmosphere and go out harder than you intended!
If you tend to need the bathroom frequently, and sometimes nature calls during the race no matter what, keep in mind that their are only 3 locations (2 mile, 6.5 mile, and 11 mile) for porto’s. Do what you need to do before hand to prepare!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I usually have a supplement I take before races to help with my nature movements. Will make sure I don’t forget that!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
No ground breaking knowledge to have for the race. Just look at the map and take mental note of where you are at in the race when you make your turns.
That can help mentally break the race down into segments, and not feel like a certain stretch goes on for ages!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It is a GORGEOUS course! Usually sunlight is out for the race, very cold temps make the farm fields glisten with frost in the morning which was such a welcome sight while taking part of the course.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Not a tough course at all, very flat and runner friendly! Wide country roads and excellent traffic control
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
The race is very well run! The race director this year also runs the Salem 70.3 Ironman competition each summer, so is very well organized.This is one of the oldest Half Marathons in the state of Oregon, and have kept their modest race setup over the years. Makes for a very great participant experience.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Strong field (Albeit a couple strong runners for faster people to run with). I ran with an ON pro trail runner in the half. There are usually local run clubs that bring their elite race teams to this event. There are also plenty of people at multiple paces which help the race feel not lonely and have people to run 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.
Very easy for me to get to the race. 50 minute drive down. The race had it’s largest turnout this year (550 total participants), so if you are coming from out of town, hotels are very easy to find and usually inexpensive for this time of year
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Very basic aid stations. Water, gatorade, and bananas
Weather and typical race conditions
Usually between 25-32 degrees at the start, and warms up slightly to the end.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I would just recommend gloves, and any cold weather gear you usually would run in! I run super hot, so just wear gloves for the race. Others were bundled in tights, long sleeves, arm sleeves, and beanies. To each their own!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
VERY SPECTATOR FRIENDLY for those who are willing to drive to certain points to cheer. Otherwise, the course is just out and back.
How’s the Swag?
A basic dry-fit long sleeve tee. However, the artwork on it is very cool, retro looking and plays into the low cost vibe of the race
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I give this a 9/10! Docking 1 point only for the lack of porto potties. Highly recommend to anyone in the area who is interested!
Chris Poole is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.
Photo: GCC Photography
Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
