100 mile

Marji Gesick 100 Race Report

TRR athlete Carl Jarema finishing the Marji Gesick 100 Mile ultramarthon.
TRR athlete Carl Jarema finishing the Marji Gesick 100 Mile ultramarthon.

Race: Marji Gesick 100 Mile

Runner: TRR Coach Carl Jarema

Race Date: 09/19/2025

Location: Marquette, MI

Result:  26 hours and 7 seconds; 3rd overall

Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/15876917002

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
  1. Terrain and scenery: If you have not spent much time in the western part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, it should definitely be on the top of your vacation / race list. The colors were about to turn, and mother nature provided great weather. This race is timed to coincide with peak fall colors!
  2. Crewed by my wife: This was the first race my wife crewed for me. Typically, I run my races with support from drop bags and aid stations, but this time, my wife was there to crew me the entire race. I enjoyed sharing the experience with her. 
  3. Community: The Marji Gesick 100 is self- / community-supported race, and it was fun and exciting to interact with all the other runner crews. They always offered water, food, or any assistance, really highlighting one of the aspects that makes trail and ultra such a special community.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

There really is not too much I don’t like or love about this race. The mountain bike race, which starts 24 hours after the run, is on the same trails, so depending on your pace and time, you may need to step aside or navigate the bikers as they pass. It is not all bad though. Based on my 2023 experience, every bike rider cheered and encouraged me along the route. The inconvenience of stepping off the trail was balanced out by the support from the bikes.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Everything about this race is weird and unconventional! Marji Gesick really is a 365 day event. Registration sells out in minutes, there is not waitlist, and the intentional misinformation, confusion, and tom foolery from the race organizers and fellow participants is nonstop to race day. Check out “Marji Geski Talks” on Facebook, and you will understand. The 100 mile run starts with a 0.5 to 0.75 mile bike ride. Yes, you need to bring a bike to a running race! There are no aid stations. You bring your own crew, or you rely on the community. Full stop. It is up to you to prepare. The course map is available only a couple days before the race, and to prove you ran all 100 miles, you need to collect “tokens” from plastic pumpkin buckets along the course. The tokens could be “Dum Dum” suckers, random objects, or wooden tokens. Trust me, if something is in a bucket, you need to bring it to the finish line. This year, I collected 2 suckers and 3 wooden tokens. Oh, and just for fun, there are even more “fake” buckets that are completely empty!
The mountain bike start to the Marji Gesick 100 Mile, an ultramarathon running race!
The mountain bike start to the Marji Gesick 100 Mile, an ultramarathon running race!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

This race for me was what the Marji community calls #unfinishedbusiness. I completed the Marji Gesick 100 in 2023 in a little over 39 hours. Yes, it was my first 100 mile race, but I knew I had much more potential. My training was less than I wanted, I didn’t know how to fuel, and I was only a couple years into my running rebirth. Add to that, I slept terribly the week and days before (my dad was suffering from cancer at the time, and I got a call around mile 40 that he fell unconscious and wouldn’t wake up. He passed away less that 2 days after I finished).

OK, sorry for the bummer start. But, this time, I was able to train very well heading into the race, and my nutrition and hydration were dialed. I ran way more of this race than I have in other 100 milers, and I finished in time to earn my belt buckle, awarded to runners under 28 hours.

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

A few tips for runners considering this race:

  1. Do your homework. There is no race packet or step by step instructions for the race. You need to go out and dig up the information. It is worth getting onto the Marji Gesick Facebook pages, and yes, if you do not have a Facebook account, it might be worth creating one.
  2. Plan your crew. This is pretty much the same for every race that allows crew, but remember, there are no aid stations to fall back on. Coming up with a detailed crew plan is a must.
  3. Be ready for sudden changes in weather. The race happens on the shore of Lake Superior, it can go from 70 and sunny to 40 and rain in minutes.
  4. Positive split pacing. Last, the back half of the race is more technical and harder to run. I recommend banking some time in the first 60 miles, if possible, but don’t over do it.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I think I would add more crew stops. We planned on about every 10 miles, and during the afternoon, I was running out of water between stops and had to slow down a bit. I noticed runners with more stops were moving a bit better and faster during the warmer part of the day. I also would try to limit my stop time a little more. We had a hard cap of 10 minutes max at any stop. I think in the future I would try to limit that to 5 minutes. Also, a waist light is a must. I did have a waist light, but I didn’t plan a better way to attach it to my belt. I could have moved better at night if I had better lighting.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Make sure you are keeping your head up and don’t miss the pumpkins! Don’t worry, they are not hidden like the books in the Barkley Marathons, but as the race goes on, you could miss one in a sleep deprived state. Also, be ready for the punchy and rocky climbs that come after mile 60. The first half of the race has pretty good flow to it, however, after mile 60, there are a lot of technical trails with short, but very punchy climbs. Don’t forget, the race will probably be somewhere between 100 and 110 miles, so don’t get discouraged when you cross 100 miles on your watch and there is still and hour or two left to go in the race.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The race is beautiful. You spend most of the time running through the forest just as the leaves start to change. You are treated to views of lakes, and you run along rivers: there are few better places to suffer.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

The course is harder than the elevation profile will show. The course is much more like an east coast trail: rocks, roots, and punchy climbs. No climb is terribly long, but they just keep coming. Be ready for a tough go at the end of race. This years Marji Gesick 100 race was closer to 110 miles with over 13,000 feet of elevation!

Marji Gesick 100 Mile course map and elevation profile.
Marji Gesick 100 Mile course map and elevation profile.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Despite it’s unconventional nature, the Marji Gesick 100 is very well run. Remember, this is intentionally difficult to get information, but the race itself is run very well and smoothly. The after party is work sticking around for, cheering on the other race distances between the runners and bikers.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

This year had one of the stronger fields. There were a record number of runners and bikers earning buckles, finishing under 28 and 12 hours respectively. 2025 also saw the first 3 women earn buckles for mountain biking! The biking field is very strong, with a number of sponsored riders, but the run is more regionally competitive.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

The registration for the run is on BikeReg, which might seem odd. Also, there is no waitlist, and the race sells out in less than a minute for the bike races and within five minutes for the runs. Even though there is no waitlist, if you stay connected to the Facebook pages you likely will be able to find a bib transfer or win a random race entry for playing along with the random games.

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

There are NO AID STATIONS! On Saturday afternoon, the community does come out and create some aid stations, but those are often not there during the run. However, as the run has gained popularity, each year sees more community members coming out to set up aid for the runners. Make sure you come with a well planned out crew support plan.

Weather and typical race conditions

This is early fall in Michigan’s UP. Every year the weather has been different, from 80 degrees and sun, to 40 degrees and rain. This year, the temperature was in mid 60s to low 70s, with sun during the day for the run. Saturday afternoon and evening, rainstorms came in and soaked many runners and bikers still on course. Make sure you crew has clothes for you for all weather.

Marji Gesick 100 Mile belt buckle.
Marji Gesick 100 Mile belt buckle.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

I did not bring anything special. The Marji Gesick 100 is not a mountain race, but I did find my poles to be helpful. Also, a secure waist light is a game changer on the technical trails.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Because it is crew supported, friends and family can see their runner very often during the race. There are very few limitations to where crew and spectators can access. Only rule – no pacers!

How’s the Swag?

This is a non profit organization, so all race swag is for purchase only. Personally, I like this idea. I have too many shirts, medals, and other race swag just collecting dust and it feels wasteful. I do not mind deferring any additional cost from registration to “free” swag vs purchasing on my own. Also, you do get to keep your tokens as an award. Note that this is also a buckle or bust race: if you don’t buckle (finish under 28 hours), there is no finisher medal.

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

9 out of 10 starts. This is a 365 day event, and the community is awesome. Once the community comes out to the run like they do for the bike, I will rate the Marji Gesick 100 10 out of 10 stars!

Bear 100 Endurance Run Race Report

Race: Bear 100 Endurance Run

TRR Coach Dandelion completing the Bear 100. PC: Damien Scott
TRR Coach Dandelion completing the Bear 100. PC: Damien Scott

Runner: Team RunRun Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott

Race Date: 09/26/2025

Location: Logan, UT

Result:  31 hours, 12 minutes, and 28 seconds; 126th overall, 4th female

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
  1. Autumn: This race is timed to coincide with peak fall colors!
  2. State-to-state traverse: It’s pretty unique for a 100-mile course to take runners across state borders.
  3. Porcupine sighting: During the night, a porcupine ran in front of me on the trail for a few seconds before moving off to the side. And no, I was not hallucinating!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

I can’t think of anything. I suppose it would have been nice to have some more cloud cover midday, but that’s not something the RDs can control!

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Nothing weird. A unique factor is different buckles for various finish times:
–Black Bear Buckle: 30-36 hours
–Grizzly Bear Buckle: 24-30 hours
–Wolverine Buckle: under 24 hours
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Pre-race mindset and expectations

My only goal for the Bear 100 Endurance Run was to focus only on the process of running 100 miles. This would be an internal journey to rediscover my “why”, which had become blurred. After almost two years of non-stop competing and tune up performance-based events, I wanted to go back to my roots and simply endure. I needed the Bear 100 to purely be about working with the terrain to get from Utah to Idaho. I wasn’t completely certain what focusing only on “the process” would look like in action when I toed the line, but I felt confident the best methodology would reveal itself.

Once we began the first climb, it didn’t take long for me to realize that I was carrying a massive amount of cumulative physical fatigue from racing Hardrock 100 earlier this summer. I also identified that I did not have the mental capacity yet to go back into the pain cave and embrace suffering like I did during the second day of Hardrock 100. My approach became clear in that moment: I would run the Bear 100 at a chill and causal pace. My goal was to be intentional, but not urgent. It didn’t matter how long it took me or where I placed.

Day 1

I was surprised at how easy it was for me to commit to this plan. I never once felt compelled to reel runners in or calculate a finish time based on my pace. Shockingly, I probably only checked the clock three times during the entire 31-hour event! Instead, I focused on moving efficiently through the course and proactive self-care.

During early portions of the first day, I pushed a bit harder uphill, drawing from my Hardrock training. Then I chilled on downhills to preserve my quads. Carbohydrates, electrolytes, and fluids were consumed regularly, and I maintained steady energy. By afternoon, the sun exposure became powerful in short sections and my focus switched to active cooling. I backed off on my intensity through these portions, stopping at creeks to throw water on myself whenever possible.

Dandelion running through fall foliage during the Bear 100. PC: Bethany Draper
Dandelion running through fall foliage during the Bear 100. PC: Bethany Draper

Moving into the evening, I upped my consumption of solid hot foods at aid stations. I wasn’t going to be blasting through the climbs ahead and knew the reduced bouncing made GI distress unlikely. Hot foods (and drinks) would help me maintain a warm core, which would be essential to get through the night. The early hours of darkness were warm, so I stayed with light layers to reduce sweat; any moisture build up would cause me to freeze later. Later, when the temperature plummeted in the basins, every layer went on, plus hand warmers.

Running into the night

While I was never warm throughout the night, I wasn’t cold either. I stopped a bit longer at two aid stations to reset my internal temperature near the fire. I never got too close though, as I didn’t want to get overly warm and have the sudden cold suck the life out of me when I went back onto the trail! The miles clicked by as the long night wore on and I kept moving forward.

Warmth did not return upon sunrise. I continued eating hot food as I moved in and out of aid stations. I didn’t rush, but I also never lingered at aid stations throughout the event. After the final aid station at mile 91.8, I climbed the final hill. This is a notorious climb in the race because, although short, it’s mercilessly steep. I remember feeling indifferent about it, falling naturally into the mountaineer’s rest step. Unhurried, but efficient.

Day 2 to the finish

At the top of the ascent, it was finally warm enough to remove what remained of my nighttime layers. By no means did my body feel fresh! It was apparent that I had done something significant. Transitioning from hiking to running was bit awkward, but after a minute my body would adjust to the gait. Reading rocky terrain took a bit more mental effort, but I wasn’t tripping. My quads were sensitive, but not blown, so I could still maintain a gentle trot downhill. All things considered, physically and mentally, everything was still functioning well and my energy remained even. It stayed that way until I crossed the finish line in the afternoon on the shore of Bear Lake.

It sounds ridiculous to say that I ran a very casual and chill 100 miles, but that is honestly the best way I can describe this race. I truly stuck to my plan of running 100 miles for the sake of running 100 miles. I would not describe the experience as easy, but I cannot identify a moment of struggle either. The process felt familiar and intuitive to me. For the first time in a while I didn’t feel plagued by imposter syndrome. The Bear reminded me that I know how to run long distances through the mountains. Did I drain the tank? Absolutely not… but that wasn’t the point of completing The Bear 100. I was searching for something more internal.

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

Cattle on the course! This is standard issue on many trails in the “Square States”, but folks less familiar may find loose livestock intimidating. There is no need to be afraid, and the bovines will move off the trail with gentle encouragement. Living in the ‘cowboy state’, I meet cattle all summer on training runs and have never had a negative encounter.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

My biggest lesson was very internal. Not every event needs to be a competition or even have a performance goal. So much joy can be found by simply running the course with no plan beyond being efficient and proactive with the process while appreciating the journey. Executing an event in this style helped me to reset my mental state so I can take on the challenge of competition again next season.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The Bear takes place during “Indian Summer.” This is the time of year in the Rockies where temperatures can swing wildly. Heat exhaustion can be a real danger during the day, while at night hypothermia can become a reality. Prepare with gear to avoid both dangers.

Many of the earlier aid stations are 8-10 miles apart, which is long for most 100 milers. It’s not problematic, but nutrition and hydration need to be planned accordingly.

The Bear 100 course map.
The Bear 100 course map.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes! Think red maples, yellow aspens, golden grasses. The Bear 100 is timed when fall colors are peaking, and the sweeping mountain vistas are a ablaze with an autumn palette. It is a spectacular course!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

The Bear 100 is a proper Hardrock 100 qualifier. It has about 22,000 feet of vert in a mountainous environment, and covers a good amount of technical rocky terrain. However, many of the climbs are not aggressive (simply long), so a great deal of the course can be run if the athlete desires.

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

Cody and Bethany Draper are excellent RDs and have everything dialed. If anything went wrong during the event, I never found out about it.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes! Elite athletes show up to this event regularly, and stellar times were put up this season on both the male and female podiums.

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.

This year (2025) was the final year The Bear 100 was available for first come first served registration. Moving forward it will be a lottery due to huge demand (it filled in about 8 minutes after opening in 2025!). Runners can also gain entry by acquiring a Bear Tag through winning a partner race. Further details can be found at https://bear100.com/lottery/.

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

The aid stations featured traditional fare: chips, soda, goldfish, broth, granola bars, quesadillas, trail mix, pickles, PB&J, etc. Gnarly and Gu sponsored the event, so their products were offered as the main engineered tech nutrition option. Later aid stations offered some special options like pizza, French toast sticks, hashbrowns, eggs, soup, tater tots, avocado sandwiches and perogies; a nice, wide range of options!

Weather and typical race conditions

Late September in the Rockies can be fickle. As was the case in 2025, this race usually has “Indian Summer” mild conditions: warm temperatures during the day, and colder nights. However, there have also been years with extremely hot daytime temperatures and bitterly frigid nights. Snow is also possible. In fact, the week after the 2024 edition it snowed a few inches on the course. Rain and electric storms are also possible. In general, anything and everything can happen this time of year in the mountains, so be prepared!

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

I brought my standard mountain 100-mile race kit. My biggest recommendation is to be ready for a cold night. It drops into the 20s or 30s (degrees Fahrenheit) most years. During the day, I only carried a very light jacket. Leading into evening, I picked up an alpha fleece, hard-shell jacket, gloves, buff, long sleeved shirt, and hand warmers from a drop bag. I used every single item. The layers made the temperature tolerable while I was in motion, but I would not say I felt toasty warm.

The different buckles on offer for finishing the Bear 100 based on finish time.
The different buckles on offer for finishing the Bear 100 based on finish time.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

As I did not have crew, I cannot comment much on the logistics of getting to aid stations. However, Right Hand Fork and Temple Fork aid stations have limited space, so runners must pick between one of the two locations to meet their crew at (a pass is provided). The start is certainly easy for speculators to get to as it is in the city of Logan, Utah. The finish line in Fish Haven, Idaho, is on the beach of Bear Lake: a beautiful set up for folks to hang out all day and enjoy watching runners complete their journey.

How’s the Swag?

The Bear 100 had plenty of pleasantly affordable swag available to buy at the pre-race check in. Additionally, all athletes received a shirt and socks in a nice tote bag. Finishers were awarded with a unique buckle and wood plaque.

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

10/10. If you love a classic Rocky Mountain ultra set against the colorful tones of autumn, do this event!

Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a multisport outdoor athlete, ultra-runner and certified coach. She is passionate about collaborating with driven athletes who love to explore, train and play outside.

13 Valleys Ultra Race Report

TRR Coach David Taylor running the 13 Valleys race.
TRR Coach David Taylor running the 13 Valleys race.

Race: 13 Valleys Ultra 180km race

Runner: TRR Coach David Taylor

Race Date: 09/26/2025

Location: Keswick, Lake District, England

Result: 44 hours and 23 seconds; 62nd of 78 finishers (of 195 starters!)

Strava link: https://strava.app.link/JKohe0SxaXb

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

1. Course difficulty: It’s simply a super tough course, and the 60% DNF rate will attest to that! 184km/ 120 miles with 7000m/ 23,000 feet through all 13 Valleys of the Lake District National Park is no joke!

2. Scenery: The Lake District scenery is stunning, not much more to say.

3. Race feel: There’s a great mix of big race logistics and atmosphere, yet small enough not to feel too commercial.

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

1. Drop bags: You only have access to a drop back once, 75 miles in, which makes it difficult logistically.

2. Required gear and pack size: There is a large required kit list, adding up to quite a lot to carry. I needed a 20L pack for all my gear.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
David Taylor running into the night during the 13 Valleys race.
David Taylor running into the night during the 13 Valleys race.

It’s at the end of the Summer season in the Lake District, so the chances of bad weather are much higher. There’s also a lot more darkness – a solid 12 hours per night – so running with a head torch is a key skill, along with navigation for the first 130km, until you pick up the way-marked 5 Valleys route.

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

Just how hard it was! Even with a lot of training, it’s super challenging, but what this race does is force you to tap into your mindset and willpower as much as your muscles, especially when the rain and cold hammer you early on!

My highlight was the run back through Keswick at the end. As I ran, I basically receiving a standing ovation from everyone out shopping and sitting outside the pubs!

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

1) Use the drop bag well: have a full change of clothes, including shoes and waterproofs. This might be just enough to get you through the race if/when the weather changes; lots of people dropped out at this aid station because of this.

2) Get comfortable running, navigating, and working in mountains in the dark while carrying a fairly large pack.

3) If possible, check out the route ahead of time. Some of the trails are un-runnable, so being prepared for what’s to come, and knowing how to move efficiently across the boulder fields, is really useful.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

1) Plenty of hill training: being able to move efficiently up the hills, and not haven them destroy your legs, will help you get to the end.

2) Being used to using poor weather kit and waterproofs: it’s quite likely that you will need them! Too many people DNF’d because of weather-related issues.

13 Valleys course map and elevation chart.
13 Valleys course map and elevation chart.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Nothing beats being able to recce the route ahead of race day. While the course profile is hard, it’s as much the terrain that makes this race difficult: bog, boulders, and large rocks make up a lot of the paths, which just makes progress super slow.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

One of the major draws of the lakes is the stunning scenery! And when it wasn’t dark, it was simply awe inspiring.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

With a completion rate of around 40%, this is very much so a difficult race! The high attrition rate has been consistent, even after increasing the numbers in the race. This year, 240 registered, 195 started, and only 78 finished. The course is as beautiful as it is brutal.

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

Despite this only being the third year of the 13 Valleys race, it is already top notch in terms of organization and feel. Everything form the event village to the aid stations is dialed.

David Taylor smiling through the incredibly challenging 13 Valleys ultra.
David Taylor smiling through the incredibly challenging 13 Valleys ultra.
Competition – Is there a strong field?

It’s tough to say as there weren’t any ‘big’ names, but some of the best have ran this in the past and, as the event grows, I’m sure more will be attracted to it.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

No, at the moment it is first come first served, with entries for the following year open before the race starts at special, super early bird prices as well.

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

There are 12 aid stations along the course, that have a mix of basic and enhanced fare. The “menus” are available pre-race to allow people to plan and test out the on-course options ahead of time. The longest gap between aid stations was a half marathon, so they were well spaced out. The volunteers were all excellent.

David Taylor braving a rain storm mid-race.
David Taylor braving a rain storm mid-race.
Weather and typical race conditions

13 Valleys takes places at the end of summer in the Lake District, so expect variable weather and race conditions. During my race, it was around 10oC to start, going down to around 1-2oC at tops of the climbs. There was heavy rain and gusts on the first night – some of the paths were in effect turned into rivers. It rained for half the night, 5 or 6 hours, and then brightened up during the day. It was very cold during the second night, probably just above freezing, especially with wind chill (and fatigue).

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

There is a fairly large kit list which you can see online here. I ended up using a 20L pack – the normal 12L one that I use was just too tight. A 20L pack has enough room for you to get things in and out without too much of a squeeze.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

There are certain parts where spectators are allowed. This is clear in the instructions, but crewing isn’t allowed for the 13 Valleys to try and prevent too much erosion on the paths

How’s the Swag?

Fairly basic. Runners get a slate medal that doubles as a coaster and a patch, but I would’ve liked an event t-shirt. There’s plenty of merch available to buy in the event village.

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

If you are up for a VERY tough challenge then a good, solid 9/10 from me. There are other versions of the race: 7 Valleys (110K), 5 Valleys (58K), and 2 Valleys (21K) that could be better options to get a feel for this event.

David Taylor is a coach with Team RunRun based in Glasgow, UK. He specializes in trails and ultras for both beginner and intermediate runners, whether you’re just bumping up in distance or looking to improve your next trail race.

Grindstone 100 Race Report

Race: Grindstone 100 mile race by UTMB

Lukas and his crew before starting the Grindstone 100 mile race.
Lukas and his crew before starting the Grindstone 100 mile race.

Runner: TRR Coach Lukas Burrer

Race Date: 09/19/2025

Location: Natural Chimneys Park, VA

Result: 25:43:33, 8th overall and 3rd in age group

Strava link: https://strava.app.link/8zqeSaDGTWb

What aspects of the race did you like the most?

I liked that the Grindstone 100 is mostly on single track trails. Also, the 6pm start means everyone has to run through at least one full night, and this adds another challenge to the race.

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

The downside to all the single track was that some parts were pretty overgrown, making it harder to stay on pace.

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

The final miles are very smooth and runnable – a nice “treat” after 90+ miles of technical single track! It felt very good to drop the pace and finish the race strong. (Certainly not something you feel at the end of most 100 milers!)

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

Above all, take the climbs easy! They are gnarly and long, so you need to measure your energy and effort appropriately.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The lollipop section (miles 53-66) of the Grindstone 100 course is very gnarly and tough to get through. Oh, and it’s 105.1 miles, not 100.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes! The course is mostly on single track trails, providing continuous variety that keeps you motivated. And the upside to the gnarly climbs are the beautiful views you’re treated to at the top.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes, undoubtedly so!!! Those climbs are tough, and the technical terrain makes it even harder! Plus, you gain 21,000 feet over the 105-mile course! Grindstone 100 is one of the most difficult 100-mile races in the US.

Grindstone 100 elevation map with aid stations and time cutoffs labelled.
Grindstone 100 elevation map with aid stations and time cutoffs labelled.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Yes! It’s a UTMB race, so it’s very well organized.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes! Again, with it being a UTMB race, it will always attract a strong field of athletes trying to qualify for the UTMB finals in France.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

No major logistical hurdles, simply go to the website and sign up!

Lukas and his pacer at the finish line.
Lukas and his pacer at the finish line.

Note UTMB’s trail stewardship policy: all the Grindstone 100 racers are required to complete 8 hours of trail work prior to race day, which they submit via a Trail Work Form.

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

There are 15 aid stations throughout the Grindstone 100, 1 about every 6-8 miles, and you can have crew and/or drop bags at 5 of them. The offerings are standard, and Naak is the on-course nutrition and hydration brand. That said, the North River Gap aid station (which is also a crewable aid station) was the best, thanks to the variety of food options available!

Weather and typical race conditions

It was pretty hot and humid on race day this year! Therefore, I’d recommend asking your crew to have ice available at aid stations to stay cool.

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

There is a mandatory gear list but, as far as UTMB races are concerned, it doesn’t list anything you shouldn’t already think to carry.

My #1 recommendation is poles! Bring poles, you won’t regret it!!

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

There are a good number of crewed aid stations, meaning crew, friends, and spectators can see and support the runners more often than in a lot of 100-milers. However, trail ultramarathons are never the most spectator-friendly! There is a whole festival setup at the finish line area, perfect for spectators to await finishers.

How’s the Swag?

You get a nice 100-mile finishers belt buckle, race t-shirt, and picture from the park!

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

5/5! I would recommend the Grindstone 100 to anyone looking to gain some milestones for UTMB who likes technical and gnarly races.

For another tough 100-mile race report, check out: UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) Race Report – TRR Founder and Coach Matt Urbanski details his UTMB race: 108.1 miles with over 32,000 feet of vert and wild weather in the French Alps!

Lukas Burrer is a coach with Team RunRun originally from Germany, but now based in Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in trail and ultrarunning, and loves helping athletes take on big challenges!

UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) Race Report

Race: UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc)

TRR Founder and Coach Matt Urbanski at the UTMB 108-mile race in Chamonix, France.
TRR Founder and Coach Matt Urbanski at the UTMB 108-mile race in Chamonix, France.

Runner: Matt Urbanski (Team RunRun founder and coach)

Race Date: 08/29/2025

Location: Chamonix, France

Result: 29:55:38, 170th out of 1665

Strava link: https://www.strava.com/activities/15645195041

What aspects of the race did you like the most?

I just love the racing environment of UTMB. They organize it so well, the energy is amazing, and the setting is absolutely epic. I have run this race three times, and I want to keep coming back!!

I also love that after having been in the trail running community for so many years, I can go to this race and see so many people I know from all around the world!

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

The start. I’m just outside of the “elite” category so I don’t get a spot near the front of the race. Two years ago when I raced, I got there more than an hour before the start and sat out in the sun waiting. This year, I got there 30 minutes before and was in the middle of the crowd. It took me 2 minutes to push/get pushed to the start line, and then we walked out of town. I wasn’t feeling super competitive this year, but walking slowly amid tons of runners with selfie-sticks, rather than running this nice flat part of the course was frustrating. I think they need to have corrals based on bib numbers (which are based on UTMB Index ranking).

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
I’m still a bit in awe at all the deli meat and cheese available at the aid stations. They don’t have gels, and the overall food selection is noticeably different from US ultras. I basically lived on Naak waffles and Naak sports drink for 30 hours!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Matt at the finish line, greeted by TRR athlete and star crew, Jose Medina!
Matt at the finish line of UTMB, greeted by TRR athlete and star crew, Jose Medina!

I got out of trouble. I made a really big error on the climb to Col du Bonhomme: I didn’t layer up for the weather. It was raining, and I had on my rain jacket and rain mitts, but I didn’t put on more layers. By the time it was windy and snowing up high (at 2am!), and I knew I needed to get warm fast, my hands were too cold to function. I couldn’t get my vest off, let alone get it open, in order to get more warm layers out. Thankfully, they had a warming hut open at the top. It looked brutal in there with people shivering, crying, and just in total disarray – I was one of them, shaking violently for 30+ minutes.

I am proud that I eventually regrouped, got warm enough, got my gear on properly, and carried on to finish the race. But there was a brief period before that warming hut (which I didn’t know would be open to us!) where I was scared for my life, more than any other running event I’ve ever been in. But I got out of trouble and UTMB!

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
  1. Get good at downhill running. There is so much downhill! Get good at running fast on steep long descents. That is a huge advantage.
  2. Be fit. The stronger a runner you are, the better you’ll do on the climbs and the various runnable sections.
  3. Know your gear. There’s a big required gear list, and while you might think it’s overkill, I needed all (well, almost all!) of it this year. Practice with it, know where it is in your pack, and be quick to use it! In training, simply practicing running with the weight of it all will be a big benefit, even if you never need to get into it!
  4. Relax and smile. It’s a really long race, and it’s really easy to get caught up early in the competition. Slap hands in St. Gervais and Les Contamines, soak in that crazy tunnel of people at the start of the big Col du Bonhomme climb. And then stay focused: it’s a long, long race!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

In future, I’ll be way quicker to get my cold gear on at any race where it might be getting cold!

It’s way more fun to be fit! I didn’t train well for UTMB this year. I was able to get by with good power hiking on the long climbs, and good descending skills. But it’s just a better race when you’re well prepared.

UTMB 108.1-mile race course map.
UTMB 108.1-mile race course map.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The last big section from Col des Montets to La Flégère is tough! You’re met with steep, big rocks, an up-and-down and then another long up, before you finally get to the last big up, which is a ski slope. It’s plain tough at this point in the race, so be ready for it!

Also, to me, that climb out of Trient is just a beast! So steep for so long!

Lastly, the rocky climb once you’re out of Champex-Lac is a pain. There are so many big rocks that it’s tough to find a rhythm (plus, I had my own special suffering going on through that section which didn’t help!).

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

UTMB is one of the prettiest courses I know of. I just LOVE racing in Chamonix!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes! With a 46.5-hour cutoff to cover 108 miles and over 32,000 feet of vert, it’s an awesomely difficult race!

UTMB elevation chart with the main climbs labelled.
UTMB elevation chart with the main climbs labelled.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

YES! The best in the world. While the buses and the start still need work, UTMB is the best run race out there.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

YES! Again, the best!

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Matt meeting his crew at an aid station to refuel during UTMB.
Matt meeting his crew at an aid station to refuel during UTMB.

Know the game with the UTMB stones and the qualifying system. It’s not that tough to get into (as of 2025) – certainly not as hard as some people make it out to be! I got in with 4 stones via the lottery in my first attempt.

Lodging is expensive in Chamonix now. Be ready to pay up. But it’s such a great town and we love visiting each year!

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

If you like Euro-style aid stations, you’re good to go. Meat, cheese, bread… But for me (vegan), there isn’t much. I had gels ready at the 5 crew stops, along with Skratch carbohydrate and electrolyte drink. Otherwise, I relied on Naak waffles (cut into 1/4s – I grabbed 4-6 of them each at aid station) and Naak sports drink. I picked up some veggie broth a couple times too, but it was so hot that it took forever to drink, so I didn’t stick with that.

The hype and energy of the aid stations is awesome though!

Be warned: Les Contamines’ aid station is an absolute shit show! It’s so busy and so crazy with people because the race hasn’t spread out yet. It’s hard to find your crew, and they won’t even be allowed into the tent area until they know you’re close. Be ready for chaos there!

Weather and typical race conditions

It can be hot, it can snow, it can be everything in between. They have a hot weather required kit and a cold weather one – I’ve had both activated during my 3 times running this race. Be ready for anything!

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

There is a HUGE required gear list for UTMB. I know it’s expensive, but it’s worth spending time and money to get high quality stuff. Once you have the good gear, make sure you know how to use it! Practice running with the gear in training too. Take the required gear list seriously: they do check it at couple aid stations throughout the race. This year, I had to show my 3 upper layers (cold weather year) and my emergency blanket.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes and no. There are tons of spectators on course and it’s awesome! But it’s tough to get around as a spectator. All crew and spectators had to buy bus passes by early July this year (I didn’t do that!). Fortunately, I was able to secure passes for my crew in the final days before the race, but only for them, no one else. It’s a bit pricey for bus passes too, but my crew had a blast with it all. Summary: there are tons of people on course, but it’s also tough to get around, so plan ahead.

Runners on course during UTMB. PC: Pascal Tournaire/UTMB
Runners on course during UTMB. PC: Pascal Tournaire/UTMB
How’s the Swag?

It’s lean: finisher vest only, no medals. People come for the race, not the swag. The t-shirt was sized large this year. The men’s small was too big for me. 🙁

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

10 out of 10! I love UTMB, and I will want to do it again (even though I said – multiple times – I was done with ultras mid-race!)!!

Matt Urbanski is the founder of Team RunRun, as well as a coach. He enjoys coaching self-motivated runners to optimize training time, push limits, transition to ultras, podium, BQ, and other big challenges!

Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run Race Report

For a thoughtful, more detailed write-up of Dandelion’s Hardrock 100 Mile race experience, from start to finish, check out “Hardrock 100: TRR Coach Dandelion’s Race Rundown“. You’ll read how her mental and physical strength allowed her to endure a myriad of challenges and still finish smiling!

TRR Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott finishing the Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run. PC: Andrew Podbielski
TRR Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott finishing the Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run. PC: Andrew Podbielski

Race: Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run

Runner: Team RunRun Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott

Race Date: 07/11/2025

Location: Silverton, CO

Result: 47:03:41; 104th Place; 17th Female

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
  1. Extreme mountain environment: With a high point of 14,048 feet and an average elevation of 11,000 feet, the Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run course is the definition of a high alpine setting. As an athlete who lives in the Wyoming Rockies and trains high, I am fascinated by altitude. I am also highly drawn to races with rough and rugged terrain. One of my favorite puzzles to solve is how to adapt and move with these kinds of mountain environments.
  2. The lure: There is something captivating and pleasantly intimidating about running a race that less than 2,000 people have completed in its 30 runnings!
  3. Handies Peak: Ascending to the summit of a 14’er (a mountain with a peak above 14,000-foot) in the middle of a 100-mile race is so uniquely special!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Nothing!

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Kissing “the rock” at the finish is likely the most delightfully weird quirk of Hardrock! Another unique factor is that the race alternates between going clockwise and counter-clockwise each year. You’re not a “True Hardrocker” unless you have gone both directions.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

One of the biggest highlights of Hardrock for me was how strong and smooth the first half felt. I was hitting my paces, my fueling was spot on, and I was genuinely enjoying myself out there. Climbing Handies Peak with a couple of other runners was probably my favorite moment—we worked together really well, and being on top of a 14er mid-race with that view was just unforgettable.

Dandelion kissing the infamous rock at the finish line. PC: Travis McWhorter
Dandelion kissing the infamous rock at the finish line. PC: Travis McWhorter

What made this race extra special, though, was how much I actually took it in. Usually in races I’m so focused on execution that I barely notice what’s around me. But during Hardrock, I made sure to stop for a second here and there to really appreciate the San Juans—the wildflowers, the ridgelines, the stillness. It felt like I was part of something much bigger.

I also feel proud of how I handled the second half when things got rough. My nutrition fell apart, and the heat and altitude started hitting hard. I had a moment where I broke down crying, but I didn’t let it derail me. My pacers were incredible, and once I got it out of my system, I reset, dug deep, and just kept going. That emotional turnaround—choosing to keep moving forward when it got really hard—is something I’ll carry with me for a long time.

More than anything, I loved the connection I felt: with the mountains, my crew, and even with myself. It was one of those experiences that shifts something inside you.

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

Don’t think of each alpine running variable individually (exposure, weather, intensity, attitude, technical terrain, etc.). Instead consider how they might compound. For example, I live at altitude and sleep in an altitude tent, but I still struggled at elevation later in the event because of how the elements combined.

I also recommend working with a team of professionals while training for a rare opportunity event like the Hardrock 100 Mile. I believe that having a coach, in addition to a running specific physical therapist and sports chiropractor, allowed me to stay healthy and endure the massive training load this event required.

Finally, if you are running supported, choose crew and pacers you can 10,000% trust with the right mix of personalities. After I gave my team a pre-race orientation, I never thought about it again. I knew with absolutely certainly that they would carry out my plan and also make the appropriate changes when necessary. You don’t want to wonder if your team will have the right drink mixed for you upon your arrival while you’re climbing Handies!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Be prepared to troubleshoot things that have never happened to you before. I never get GI distress… and yet I did big time at Hardrock!

Hardrock 100 course map.
Hardrock 100 course map.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

A lot of focus is on the 33,000ft of uphill…. but you also have to descend the same amount! Practice your downhill technique and train for the eccentric loading.

Views of the beautiful Hardrock 100 Mile course.
Views of the beautiful Hardrock 100 Mile course.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Imagine rugged, snowcapped mountains towering into the sky. Majestic sunsets/rises. Unique and colorful geology. Florescent wildflower meadows. Cascading waterfalls. Shimmering alpine lakes… yep it was pretty!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

YES! It was indeed both wild and tough, in addition to being hard and rocky! The terrain, exposure, elements, steep grades, and vert/descent are all huge undertakings on their own! It’s not the individual difficulties, but how they compound throughout 100 miles.

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

The Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run is a tremendously well-oiled machine! The care and attention to detail to ensure this event is a unique and remarkable experience for every runner present was unmatched. The check in process was seamless. Trail marking was exceptional. And, most of all, the volunteers at every aid station were knowledgeable, full of energy, and went above and beyond the call of duty. One thing that stands out is when I arrived at Sherman, I was directed to a volunteer who already had my drop bag items laid out on a table. She then proceeded to take care of anything I needed. My own personal volunteer! I’ve never encountered anything like it before. Mind blowing!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

YES! One of the strongest fields I have ever had the pleasure to race with!

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

The Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run is a lottery race and you must run a qualifying race every 2 years to be considered. I was lucky enough to get into the race after only 2 years of applying, but there are folks who wait 10+ years! The process is nuanced, and more in-depth information can be found here.

Dandelion pre-race holding her Hardrock 100 bib. PC: Travis McWhorter
Dandelion pre-race holding her Hardrock 100 bib. PC: Travis McWhorter
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

The aid stations have the standard fare like PB&J, quesadillas, fruit, chips, cookies, broth, candy, etc. This year, engineered nutrition/hydration was provided by Tailwind and Maurten. Most aid stations also have a “special offering” that is unique to them: pizza, homemade rice krispies, perogies, etc.

Weather and typical race conditions

This is the San Juans! Anything and everything can happen. This year, there was smoke during the beginning of the race that cleared. Then it was hot during the day (70-85F) and mildly chilly at night (40-50F), which was unusual. Most years see some kind of electric event along with rain, hail or snow …or all of it! It is also common to experience very hot days followed by nights below freezing.

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

Poles and backup poles. I would not want to do this race without them! Extra electrolytes come to mind as well, because at altitude you need so much more! Also, sun protection, rain and cold weather gear.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

The course passes though the towns of Silverton, Ouray and Telluride which are all very accessible for spectators. Other aid stations require a 4×4 or ATV.

How’s the Swag?

So much swag! I left check in with three shirts! Additionally, there were tables filled with items for purchase. And, of course, there’s the awesome Hardrock 100 Mile finishers’ buckle!

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

10,000 out of 10! This race is custom made for high alpine mountain runners who want to challenge themselves like never before and witness surreal beauty.

Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a multisport outdoor athlete, ultra-runner and certified coach. She is passionate about collaborating with driven athletes who love to explore, train and play outside.

Hardrock 100: TRR Coach Dandelion’s Race Rundown

Team RunRun Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott finished the 2025 Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run in 47 hours, 3 minutes, and 41 seconds, less than 1 hour under the 48-hour time limit. Far from the 33-hour finish she’d trained for, Dandelion’s mental and physical strength allowed her to endure a myriad of challenges and still finish smiling. Alongside her traditional race recap, which can be found here, Dandelion details her race experience beautifully below.

“It Was The Best of Times; It Was The Worst of Times”

Dandelion at the finish of the Hardrock 100. PC: Travis McWhorter
Dandelion at the finish of the Hardrock 100. PC: Andrew Podbielski.

The quote from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities perfectly sums up my Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run experience: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” But let’s start from the beginning.

Lottery Luck: I’m Racing the Hardrock 100!

On December 1, 2024, I returned from a long desert run to a flood of congratulatory texts. I couldn’t fathom what I’d done to earn so much praise—until I opened my inbox and saw the UltraSignUp receipt. Against all odds, I’d gotten into the Hardrock 100 with only two tickets! In an instant, my 2025 plans were rearranged, and training for high-level mountain running became my mission. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the preparation
involved copious amounts of blood, sweat and tears! The volume of running, hiking, strength work, vert, cross-training, and corrective exercises was massive. Countless talks with my coach, visits to my chiropractor, and physical therapy sessions kept me on track and my body tuned for the intense workload. And then, abruptly, it was time to taper.

The Final Countdown

By the time I arrived in Silverton, Colorado, I felt like a caged tiger—I just wanted to GO! Thankfully, my team kept me in check: easy shakeout run, race check-in, gear review, nutrition planning, crew meeting, bedtime.

Surprisingly, I slept well the night before the race. There was a palpable sense of calm and tranquility. I trusted my crew, my training, and my experience with the distance. Yet I also recognized I was stepping into the great unknown—part of what made it so exhilarating—and I deeply respected the course. I felt confident I had done everything I could to prepare. Now it was time to execute the plan, adapt to the inevitable problems, and see what unfolded.

Dandelion pre-race holding her Hardrock 100 bib with her crew. PC: Travis McWhorter
Dandelion pre-race holding her Hardrock 100 bib with her pacers. PC: Travis McWhorter

I trained not just to finish but to perform. I wasn’t under any illusion I’d outrun the elite-level runners on the start list, but if everything went well, I believed I could finish in 33–35 hours. On race morning, Dale Garland called us to the corral, and I found myself lining up right next to legends Katie Schide and Zach Miller, two of the best runners in the world. It was surreal! The countdown began—and we were off, galloping down the road toward the mountains.

And We’re Off on the Hardrock 100!

As expected, everyone shot out hot. We were running Hardrock! I settled into my pacing strategy as the wide streets of Silverton gave way to trails, letting the field spread out. This was not the time to race—this was time to chase, savor the moment, and practice restraint. Meanwhile, smoke from wildfires drifted in overnight, and the air smelled of ash. Thankfully, as we climbed higher, the smoke thinned and finally disappeared, revealing astoundingly beautiful 360-degree views.

At the Cunningham Aid Station, my husband met me and guided me to Luke and Andrew. Vest swap. Food. Protein shake. NASCAR pit crew style—I was out of there. I wouldn’t see my team again for about 50K. (You can better understand the names and layout along the course of the aid stations here.)

50 Miles to Remember (Positively) 

Running ultras without crew support is my norm, so the solo 50K felt comfortable. The section to Burrows Aid Station included steep climbs and the most “rolly” terrain of the course. I trotted along, cooling off in creeks and snow patches as midday heat rose, bouncing in and out of a bubble of runners. Sometimes we chatted, other times we ran in shared silence, awestruck by vast wildflower meadows and stunning vistas. In most races, I barely notice scenery, absorbed in execution, but here I made sure to soak in the San Juans before returning to my race strategy. My fueling, salt, and hydration were on point. Everything was going to plan, and I was having a blast playing in the mountains.

After Burrows, the main objective loomed: Handies Peak—the course’s high point at 14,048 feet. I teamed up with two athletes on the ascent, and together we made efficient work of the climb. Between the great company and tagging a 14er summit mid-race, this was easily my favorite section. Nothing compares to standing atop a 14er during Hardrock!

TRR Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott enjoying the beautiful trails and scenery. PC: Travis McWhorter
TRR Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott enjoying the beautiful trails and scenery. PC: Travis McWhorter

Steep ascents are followed by steep descents, and this one felt endless but offered incredible scenery. At sunset, I rolled into Animas Forks Aid, reuniting with my crew. Toenail blister lanced, shoes swapped. I tried eating solid food but struggled to swallow—it all felt like sandpaper. Still, I could handle gels and liquids, so I didn’t overthink it.

Night #1: The Unravelling

Luke joined me for pacing duty, and we climbed toward Engineer Pass. Though we were moving efficiently, I observed that my breathing was getting more labored compared to earlier in the day. Then, at the next aid station, I realized solid food was no longer an option, and gels were becoming repulsive. Luke insisted on consistent gel consumption, monitoring each one to ensure I finished it. I was doing my best to keep calories coming in, but I knew I was starting to fall behind. The gorge descending into Ouray was electrifying at night! A narrow and technical trail beside a dark drop-off into nothing. Luckily, my background as an alpinist helped me feel comfortable with the mystery exposure!

Andrew took over pacing from Ouray. The climb out of town—up a dull, washboard road—was my least favorite section. Without Andrew’s engaging stories, those miles would’ve been excruciatingly monotonous. Higher up, the nearly full moon illuminated the craggy peaks, transforming the environment into something magical. By then, I couldn’t eat gels while walking anymore—the simple multitasking spiked my heart rate. Hilariously, consuming one now involved soft whimpers. Even in the moment, I saw the humor in it! Yet, despite everything, I kept drinking fluids (including liquid calories) and electrolytes never feeling dehydrated.

Hardrock Survival Tools: Consistent Training, Muscle Memory, and 5* Crew/Pacers!

Dandelion on course and still smiling during the Hardrock 100. PC: Travis McWhorter
Dandelion on course and still smiling during the Hardrock 100. PC: Travis McWhorter

As dawn broke, we climbed steep singletrack. Andrew watched carefully for signs of me sleepwalking off the trail. Though utterly exhausted, I stayed sure-footed. Nearing Kroger’s Canteen aid station, we climbed a 50-degree icy snow slope with a handline for good measure—like boot-packing a glacier with a full backcountry ski pack. Using the “rest step” from mountaineering, I reached Hardrock’s most remote aid station. Andrew remarked how impressed he was that my technical skills were intact after so many miles—a testament to years of ingrained muscle memory, even if I was moving slowly.

A brief stop at Kroger’s brought a few pierogis and broth—solid food was finally tolerable again! We descended into sun-drenched talus, making our way to Telluride. The sun felt revitalizing, but the night had taken a heavy toll. In Telluride, my legs were massaged, and I devoured solid calories, feeling almost normal again.

Andrew, continuing his marathon-long, 10,000 feet-vert pacing shift, set out with me for a remote 10-mile stretch. The first 1,000 feet of climbing went well, but then my body stopped responding. Whether from heat, steepness, or both, my pace collapsed. Concerned about heat illness, Andrew had me pause in the shade regularly and dunk my hat in cold streams. I continued forcing down revolting gels under Andrew’s watchful eye.

A Plan is Great… Until You Get Punched in the (Metaphorical) Face

The low calories overnight had triggered a cascade I couldn’t reverse. Hardrock is unforgiving: without sufficient calories, my body couldn’t regulate itself or cope with heat and altitude as I had the day before. Even though I live and train at altitude, slept in an altitude tent, and did a sauna protocol pre-race, the single issue of being unable to consume fuel overnight dominated.
The early wildfire smoke may have also contributed, but it likely wasn’t the main issue.

Negative thoughts crept in, swirling with imposter syndrome. I knew I was slipping behind, and I questioned if I belonged here. When we paused at yet another creek, I burst into tears.

Dandelion moving through an aid station. PC: Travis McWhorter
Dandelion moving through an aid station. PC: Travis McWhorter

Andrew calmly put his arm around me and asked, “Are you going to finish this?”
“Yes,” I replied through tears.

And just like that, the pity party ended. I needed the emotional release, capped with self-affirmation. I started back up the hill so fast I knocked the wind out of myself—Andrew had to grab my vest to slow me down! Though I couldn’t push hard, my mood soared and determination set in.

Pacer Swap and Into Night #2

After an eternity of climbing, we reached a blustery ridge, then descended a steep talus slope. The San Juans were relentless. At Chapman aid station, I reunited with my crew and serendipitously crossed paths with Kat, a friend from Wy’east Wonder 50M. I ate, got a brief massage, and took a five-minute nap before following Luke up the next wooded trail.

At first, I felt decent, but soon a vague calf tightness escalated into searing pain. Luke, patient but firm, reminded me I had to maintain at least 2 mph on flats and descents to finish. Inside, I thought, Are you crazy? The downs are harder than the ups—and I can’t believe I’m heading into a second night! But I didn’t argue. He was right, and I willed myself to move.

Emerging from the forest, we slogged up ever-steepening talus and scree. I was zoning in and out of consciousness but recognized Grand Swamp Pass—infamously difficult and something I’d looked forward to. I broke the remaining miles into smaller goals: “Just get to the top.” Despite calf pain, I kept moving methodically, drawing on mountaineering experience.

To DNF or Not To DNF the Hardrock 100? 

We topped Grand Swamp Pass at sunset, catching the course’s most iconic panorama. One landmark down, next goal: KT Aid Station. I don’t remember much of the descent. At KT, Luke asked what I wanted to do, saying he believed I could finish but would support any choice. The aid station volunteers kindly insisted I still had time. I wasn’t worried about cutoffs—I was evaluating my calf. My personal rule is never to quit because it’s hard or performance isn’t as hoped, but I won’t risk injury that sidelines me for weeks or puts me in danger.

Dandelion kissing the infamous rock at the Hardrock 100 finish line. PC: Travis McWhorter
Dandelion kissing the infamous rock at the Hardrock 100 finish line. PC: Travis McWhorter

I recalled my husband mentioning a knot during the earlier leg massage, which reassured me. “Let’s go one more mile,” I said—classic!

We got up and headed out. I knew Luke wouldn’t hesitate to be a drill sergeant,
so I decided to not give him a chance to bark orders! Each step was agony and every
rock I stubbed a toe on felt like a knife. I didn’t try to push the pain aside anymore.
Instead, I embraced it. A mile went by… then another. My calf didn’t get worse so I
settled on it being a wicked knot and kept trudging. The truth is, when I left KT Aid
Station I had completely committed to making it to the finish. I just couldn’t mentally handle
thinking about that monumental task yet. One mile seemed much more attainable.

The Final 5 Miles: Putnam to Kissing the [Hard]Rock!

False summits revealed more headlamps, but I accepted there’d be no reprieve until Silverton and pressed on. At the final aid station, Putnam, we quickly refilled bottles before heading into the last six miles. Normally, I follow my pacer, but in this instance, Luke stayed behind, gently herding me down the trail. Moving urgently, but knowing I’d make it within the time cutoff, we even managed some casual conversation, lightening the mood. The final miles flew by: crossing the river, traversing the hillside, climbing up the road, descending into Silverton, through the chute—and finally, I kissed the rock.

Hardrock 100 Post-Race Reflections

Did the race unfold as I’d hoped? Nope, not at all! But oddly, I’m not upset. It’s almost comical: my best 50 miles ever were in the same event as my worst 50 miles—endless comedic value! More importantly, races that don’t go to plan teach the greatest lessons. The grit, determination, and resilience I needed to finish were unmatched in any event I’ve done—including Cocodona 250. I’ll carry what I learned at Hardrock 100 into every future race and adventure. That holds far more value to me than a podium finish. Performance goals push me beyond perceived limits, but what I truly seek is self-discovery on the wilderness path of endurance—adapting and moving with the environment, building grit, remaining a student of the sport, and having a life-changing adventure. Hardrock delivered all that and more.

Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a multisport outdoor athlete, ultra-runner and certified coach. She is passionate about collaborating with driven athletes who love to explore, train and play outside.

Genesee Valley Ultra 24 Hour – Race Report

Race: Genesee Valley Ultra 24 Hour Race

Runner: TRR Coach Ryan Williams

Race Date: 03/29/2025

Location: Parkton, Maryland

Result: 90 miles in 23:52:25; 4th place overall

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/14030805201/overview

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
  1. Community: I love that the community is building for this race. Some more local ultra runners are getting out to it and it’s start to feel like a party.
  2. Race Director: The RD Jason Mabe is fantastic. He is there the entire time. He’s supportive and engaged and logistically that are no issues.
  3. Time of year: It’s such a great early spring event. The weather is always up in the air; you can guarantee you’ll get some wind, but also flowers on the course.
Ryan Williams smiling while running the Genesee Valley Ultra 24 Hour Race. PC: John Roemer
Ryan Williams smiling while running the Genesee Valley Ultra 24 Hour Race. PC: John Roemer
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The on course offerings are quirky to say the least! We always call it “Genesee Valley aid”: there will be pancakes but no syrup or utensils. This year, in the middle of the night, someone will brought hushpuppies that no one wanted to eat that in the middle of an ultra. They’ll also have a lot of random food that has been donated. You don’t know what is going to be there or when it is going to come, but that is sort of the old school vibe of it.

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

Running 2.5 mile trail loops for 24 hours with about 225 feet of vert per loop is pretty weird! Part of the loop is through wide open fields where you just get wrecked by wind.

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

On the same course and in the same time, I ran two miles further this year than last year. This was in spite of unseasonably hot conditions this year, suggesting I did a good job of staying on top of my hydration, even though it was nearly impossible to do so. I’m happy with reaching my “C” goal: I set a new 24-hour distance PR of 90 miles!

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

It’s a 24 hour race, so you really need to pace yourself! For the past two years, I’ve been in 1st place for the first 100K, before slowly falling apart after the 12 hour mark, reducing me to walking. This course seems like an easy loop but it can beat you up over a 24 hour time period. My advice is to walk the hills, take advantage of the flats, and be prepared for it to get cold at night. Also, know that there is a 90% chance of winds over 15 mph because of the location and lack of wind shields on the second half of the loop.

Ryan Williams working his way through a tough spot in the race. PC: John Roemer
Ryan Williams working his way through a tough spot in the race. PC: John Roemer
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Pacing! This is a skill that comes with time, but I knew enough to be concerned about being in first place even around 50 miles. Each loop, I’d focus too much on trying to stretch out the gap between me and second place. As a result, I wasn’t running my own race anymore. I needed to go a lot slower. This race doesn’t start until 50 miles, so who cares if I’m leading before that? In future, I need to keep a steady pace for the entire time limit. I don’t want five hours of power hiking at the end.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

There are some technical trail sections, but 80% of the course is either on grass, smooth double track, or open field. I think you could do really well with just a cushioned road shoe for the 24 hours. I’ve used trail shoes the past two years but I’m over that. At the same time, both years the person who has out-lasted me was just wearing road shoes. I think that’s something worth paying attention to!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Very pretty! The course is on an environmental center in rural Maryland. You’re in these beautiful open fields and in the woods. It’s a beautiful loop that you won’t mind running over and over again.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It shouldn’t be but it is. There is a big incline in the middle of the loop that takes it toll over 30-40 loops. While the diverse surfaces you’re running on offer variety for the legs, it also tends to beat you up over the time duration. With half of each loop (and thus half of the race) in a valley, it’s usually really cold or really hot here. This year, it was just stagnate air in the valley and you couldn’t breath or get your heart rate down when you were in there.

The biggest challenge is the weather. For every year this race has been held (three so far), it has either been freezing cold with rain and wind, or very hot and stagnate.

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

The Genesee Valley Ultra 24 Hour Race is very well-oiled machine! The RD Jason Mabe runs an amazing race. It was super hot this year, and once that heat set in, Jason had ice and cold water out on the course for us. He’s far enough away to direct, but close enough to help out.

Competition – Is there a strong field?
Ryan Williams running downhill during the Genesee Valley Ultra 24 Hour Race. PC: John Roemer
Ryan Williams running downhill during the Genesee Valley Ultra 24 Hour Race. PC: John Roemer

To some extent. While there aren’t any pros that come, each year some good local talent always show 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.

No issues at all here. You can probably sign up for the Genesee Valley Ultra 24 Hour Race the day before. There aren’t really any hotels locally, but the race does offer camping the night before and during the race. They have a big field set up with water access for camping.

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

There is only one aid station in Race HQ, accessible every 2.5 miles. As mentioned before, the food options are limited. Most runners set up their own table and personal aid station on the course by the start/finish. You can just pop off the course and access your aid each loop. That seems to work the best.

Weather and typical race conditions

If you’ve made it this far, you probably already know the answer: variable, lol!! With half of each loop (and thus half of the race) in a valley, it’s usually really cold or really hot here. This year, it was just stagnate air in the valley and you couldn’t breath or get your heart rate down when you were in there.

Besides the duration, the biggest challenge of the Genesee Valley Ultra 24 Hour Race is the weather. For every year this race has been held (three so far), it has either been freezing cold with rain and wind, or very hot and stagnate. And always be prepared for wind!

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

Nothing special, except you are required to have a headlamp for the overnight hours (which I’m not sure why you would want to run without). I’d recommend setting up your own aid station on the course. You can waste a lot of time going into Race HQ for suboptimal food offerings.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes definitely! The great thing about repeating a small 2.5 mile loop is that spectators can see you every loop. They also allow pacers, so friends could even sign up to run a bit with you.

How’s the Swag?

Think old school ultra. You get a t-shirt. Minimal awards. The way it should be, lol!

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

I give the Genesee Valley Ultra 24 Hour Race 5 stars! I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to explore the mind-challenging format of a 2.5 mile trail loop for 24 hours!

Ryan Williams is a parent, proud dog dad, athlete and coach who believes running is a metaphor for life. He specializes in forming positive bonds with runners of all ages, distances, and abilities from couch-to-5k to ultramarathon. 

TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-hour Ultra Race Report

Race: TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-hour Ultra

The aforementioned proposal during the TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-hour Ultra. PC: Chris Manwaring
The aforementioned proposal during the TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-hour Ultra. PC: Chris Manwaring

Runner: Chris Manwaring

Race Date: 02/01/2025

Location: Hale Education Center, Westwood, MA

Result: 90 miles completed within the 30-hour race cutoff (95 miles ran total) placing 5th overall!

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
  1. The course: Three 5-mile loops, each with their own personality- red, white, and blue. The red loop was the most technical. The white loop covered the mountain bike trail section of the course, and had the steepest climbs. The blue loop was the flattest one with lots of time running right beside the water, which also meant it received the most wind.
  2. The food: So many great food options offered throughout the whole time, both hot and cold.
  3. Witnessing a proposal! Friends Patrick and Kim got engaged on the first loop, a year after they first met at this race in 2024!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I really enjoyed the views throughout the TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-hour Ultra course! (Makes all the difference when you’re running it for 30 hours!) The red loop had a really nice high point that I reached at sunset, making for a special experience. I felt like I managed my layers well throughout the night, managing to stay warm but sweat minimally.

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

Definitely experiment and practice with a variety of layers in training! Go for runs with the intention of under-layering to see what it feels like to be cold, as well as intentionally over-layer to see what too warm feels like. This will help during the race when the temperatures drop so that you can identify when to start adding different layers to keep body temperature equilibrium. Also, it will help you better identify when you are too warm and sweaty out there, so that you can shed a layer when needed before soaking your clothes (and getting chilled).

Chris (right) during the TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-hour Ultra. PC: Chris Manwaring
Chris (right) during the TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-hour Ultra. PC: Chris Manwaring
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Something I learned from this race was the importance of consuming extra calories for body heat production. There were a couple times I came into the aid station feeling a little chillier than I should’ve, and what really helped me out was putting down an extra few hundred calories.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The warmth of the lodge is so tempting! It is really easy to lose time in there, especially since you see it every 5 miles. I made a mantra for myself “I can be warm when I’m done” which helped minimize my thaw time inside.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It is a really great course for scenery, with each loop having their own highlights! The red loop has a great high point that is perfect for catching sunrise and/or sunset! The white loop takes on some of the mountain biking trails, and the blue loop had lots of lakeside beach running!

Chris smiling ahead of running over 90 miles at the TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-hour Ultra. PC: Chris Manwaring
Chris smiling ahead of running over 90 miles at the TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-hour Ultra. PC: Chris Manwaring
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It’s definitely New England trail running, and 100 miles of the TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-hour Ultra course will net you over 12,000 feet of vert! An added challenge is the winter conditions, which can make the course turn into an ice rink, or a snow drift, or a mud pit… you get the idea.

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

The race directors were good with communication between pre-race emails and Facebook group posts. The course marking crew gave a few trail condition updates in the days and hours leading up the race which was super helpful!

Chris enjoying the warmth of the aid station lodge mid-race.
Chris enjoying the warmth of the aid station lodge mid-race.
Competition – Is there a strong field?

The field is decent in my opinion. Only 100 entrants are allowed to start the TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-hour Ultra, and not everybody is there to go for a buckle which is okay! There were lots of folks having great times going for their own different distance and time goals. I believe only about 12 of us were still on the course come sunrise, so expect nighttime to get lonely!

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 opens less than six months in advance, and with the limited field size, generally fills up within the first few days. The waitlist does move along though, so patience is key! Folks that are from out of town, there are hotels and lodging in the general area.

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

There is a single aid station inside the lodge accessible after each 5 mile loop. There were so so many food options, both hot and cold. My favorite hot options were the grilled pickle and cheese sandwiches, as well as the chocolate peanut butter stuffed waffles! My favorite cold options were the moon pies and PB&J sandwiches!

Weather and typical race conditions

Historically, the weather has been all over the place… the TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-hour Ultra handbook says it best:
“Historically, February in Westwood has an average low of 20°F and high of 39°F, but this is New England and anything can happen so BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST! In 2023, it was about -20 degrees (about -30 degrees with the wind chill) at the start and 40 degrees by the end of the race. In 2022, Old Man Winter dropped 2 feet of snow on us race weekend. We postponed the race to the following weekend, and then experienced slush storms in the days leading up to the race (our poor course marking crew…), which then froze into an ice rink on race day. In 2019 and 2024, we had crisp winter weekends, with little to no snow on the ground. Anything can happen.”

Chris' race swag, including the coverted "kiss me" rock!
Chris’ race swag, including the coveted “kiss me” rock! PC: Chris Manwaring
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Traction needs to be prioritized! There are lots of different traction options out there, be sure to practice beforehand and bring extra pairs! I saw lots of broken/snapped/destroyed traction devices were out there. Also, bring as much warm clothing and layers as you can! The night is long and cold, and a variety of options are the key to success!

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Only race volunteers are allowed inside the lodge, but there is field space right across the street for tents and such. There was a bonfire going all day Saturday until about 2 am Sunday morning, so either invite your really hardy friends or just ask them to volunteer instead! 🙂

How’s the Swag?

Swag was cool! Finishing a minimum of 30 miles earns you a finisher medal cookie, beanie, and sticker. As “Last Horse in the Barn” I also received a small yeti and the white loop’s “kiss me” rock.

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

5 out of 5 stars!

For an unpredictable, wintry, icy, “choose your own adventure” ultra, this race nailed it! This event is quite a unique experience, and if it appeals to you as you read this, I highly recommend the TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-hour Ultra! (Remember, you don’t have to go for the full 30 hours).

by Chris Manwaring

For more popular New England ultra trail races, check out “Riverlands 100 Mile Race Report – Bucky Love” and search for “Maine” under “Popular Post Tags” on our blog.

Midstate Massive Ultra Trail 100 Race Report

Race: Midstate Massive Ultra Trail 100 Miles

Runner: Chris Manwaring

Race Date: 10/12/2024

Location: While the start was in New Ipswich, most of the course lies in Massachusetts

Result: 31 hours 20 minutes and 59 seconds

Team RunRunner Chris Manwaring at the finish of the Midstate Massive Ultra Trail 100 miler!
Team RunRunner Chris Manwaring at the finish of the Midstate Massive Ultra Trail 100 miler!
Chris and his crew during the Midstate Massive Ultra Trail race.
Chris and his crew during the Midstate Massive Ultra Trail race.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
  1. Course: I liked that it gave me an opportunity to traverse Massachusetts in a supported fashion. The course included going over the summit of Wachusett, which was extra memorable for me as I was able to see my family mid-race at the aid station at the base.
  2. Scenery: Running through all the foliage made the miles go by quick!
  3. Crew: My crew kept a steady stream of corny pirate jokes throughout the race which was a hilarious.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The aid station offerings were limited in their range, but I brought enough of my own food to make up for it. If you’re looking for a mid-race buffet, don’t count on the aid stations!

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
This was my first race with wave starts, so when signing up for the Midstate Massive Ultra Trail 100 six months ago it was a challenge trying to guess what my race day pace would be. I ended up being initially placed in a faster wave than I was expecting, but emailed the race directors and was able to move my start time back. The weird factor comes with trying to guess your ultra race pace before you’ve started training for it! Wave starts in ultras are also pretty weird.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I felt consistently strong and steady out there. Usually, I hit a low point or bonk for several miles at some point, but my crew and pacers were fantastic about making sure I was taking in enough food, water and electrolytes to avoid this. My uphill climbing felt solid, and I was able to efficiently powerwalk the road sections and actively recover a bit before the next trail section. Meeting new people and seeing familiar faces made for an amazing race experience as well!

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

Work both the mountain and road sections! There is enough road on the Midstate Massive Ultra Trail course that it matters. Personally, I used the roads as active recovery and power walked it, but met plenty of other runners that used those miles to push the pace and bank some time. Make sure to have a plan for how you’ll tackle the different sections.

The 100 mile course is a mix of road and trail.
The 100 mile course is a mix of road and trail.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie make everything right again in the world! Also, there is rarely a time that a grilled turkey and cheese sandwich will not hit the spot. In future, I will definitely be packing more of these foods, plus others I particularly prefer, for crewed aid stations instead of solely relying on aid station offerings.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The biggest insider info that helped me was knowing that 2/3rds of the total elevation for the course was in the first 30 miles! Also, there are 13 road miles in the last 30 miles of the course. There is a lot of time, space and smooth terrain in the second half that you can make up time on if you find yourself further back than expected.

Lots of course insights are available here, including GPX files, pacing calculators and tips, and course breakdowns. And be warned, the race is closer to 103 miles than 100!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The course was beautiful this year! The Fall foliage is popping and we had excellent weather – a completely dry Saturday, zero cloud cover overnight so we could see all the stars, an intensely red/orange sunrise on Sunday (and a rainbow!) and only a little sprinkle Sunday morning!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It’s a rugged route! The trails are classic New England technical with all the roots, rocks and piles of acorns trying to take you down. 2/3rds of the elevation is in the first 30 miles, so it’s slower going at the start but the terrain does let up a bit for the second half!

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

The Midstate Massive Ultra Trail races felt pretty well run! Email responses were prompt prior to the race and the finish line and amenities stayed up until every runner came through!

Chris Manwaring and the beautiful scenery during the Midstate Massive Ultra Trail 100 miler.
Chris Manwaring and the beautiful scenery during the Midstate Massive Ultra Trail 100 miler.
Competition – Is there a strong field?

There were lots of really great runners out there! Alongside the Midstate Massive Ultra Trail 100, there were 50 and 30 mile options too, attracting a pretty strong field this year.

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.

Super simple: just go right to the UltraSignup page! Also check out this great part of the race website dedicated to area info that covers lodging options.

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

The aid station food list was published prior to the race, listing exactly what would be available at each. There were about 4-8 different food options, which was a little more limited than what I was accustomed to for an ultra race. However, I just packed more food for myself to take at crewed aid stations to make sure I was able to meet all my nutritional needs.

Chris' Midstate Massive Ultra Trail 100 mile belt buckle.
Chris’ Midstate Massive Ultra Trail 100 mile belt buckle.
Weather and typical race conditions

Perfect weather this weekend! Ideal New England fall conditions – dry and 60s during the day, dropped to high 30s overnight (even saw frost!!), and only sprinkled a little bit Sunday morning following a perfect rainbow and sunrise!

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

Make sure you have grippy footwear! Even when the course is dry, the fallen leaves and acorns on the ground make for some slick surfaces.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Several of the aid stations are crew accessible, making for a good excuse to see your friends!

How’s the Swag?

Great and unique to other races! The buckle is really cool, of course, and each finisher also received a beanie, ceramic mug and a long sleeve.

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

5 out of 5 stars! It was a great time of year to run, super cool to be able to traverse Massachusetts on foot, plus a great race vibe!

by Chris Manwaring

For more on this race, check out “Midstate Massive 100 Mile Race Report – Keith Nadeau“. Team RunRun Coach Keith Nadeau raced to an 8th-place finish in 2022!

Chris still smiling after running over 100 miles!
Chris still smiling after running over 100 miles!
Chris pausing at an aid station mid-race.
Chris pausing at an aid station mid-race.

Teanaway Country 100 Mile Race Report

Race: Teanaway Country 100 mile race

Runner: Team RunRun Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott

Race Date: 09/21/2024

Location: Cle Elum, WA

Result: 31 hours and 57 minutes; 13th overall and 3rd female

Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott ahead of Teanaway Country 100 mile race. PC: Damien Scott
Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott ahead of Teanaway Country 100 mile race. PC: Damien Scott
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
  1. Terrain and vert: This race is coined “the hardest hundred you’ve never heard of” by Brian Morrison (RD) in Ultra Running Magazine and it lives up to its reputation. This course includes 31,000 feet of ascent/descent over challenging terrain. Rocks, roots, steep grades (up 35% at times) and exposure make for gnarly and truly memorable adventure! I think the only flat section was the first and last 10 feet! If you didn’t think 100 miles was hard enough, this race will have you questioning yourself for sure!
  2. Location: The Teanaway region of the Cascades Range of WA is a specular area and holds significance to me personally. I first began my journey as an adventure/ultra runner in Washington State. For several years, I spent a great deal of time training on these trails and completed multiple summit link-ups in the Teanaway Mountains. It was special to re-visit this place after several years away.
  3. Athletes: I vastly enjoyed sharing miles with this group of runners. Despite being keenly aware of the grueling task in front of us, the field was highly enthusiastic about the grand and arduous adventure we were embarking on together. It was a privilege to run with this hardy group of athletes.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Nothing, I truly don’t have anything negative to say.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The fact that the course has so much vert and somehow doesn’t go over a single summit!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

In all 100-mile events, the decisions made early in the race will have an impact during the later miles. Having great respect for the difficulty of this course, I approached the event with resolute determination to stay within my pacing strategy and meticulously take care of my body especially during the first half of the event. In a race with countless variables, I focused on controlling the one thing in my control: myself.

My resolve was tested almost immediately after the gun went off. I departed the start at the very front of the pack. However, as we began to run up the dirt road switchbacks leading to Sasse Ridge I fell back. Coming from high altitude, running uphill at this low elevation was significantly easier than my training grounds. It was certainly enticing to trot up the road at a brisk pace with the leaders. However, the plan my coach and I discussed did not include running hills this early. I transitioned to power hiking and ignored what everyone else was doing.

This pattern continued throughout the race. It was tempting to stray from the strategy sometimes, especially when it meant parting ways from good company. However, I had complete faith in the process and stayed the course. To clarify, I am not suggesting that the tactics of other runners were wrong; their pacing just wasn’t right for me.

Conquering the heart of the race
Dandelion's bib and finisher buckle. PC: Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott
Dandelion’s bib and finisher buckle. PC: Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott

During 200+ mile events poor decision making or being overly rushed in the beginning of a race has amplified consequences. Even though the Washington Mountains are nothing like Arizona, and Teanaway Country 100 is less than half the distance, I applied lessons I learned from running Cocodona 250 earlier in the year. The high vert and grueling terrain of Teanaway allows less room for error, much like a 200. Therefore, I had to be as thorough with my nutrition, hydration and electrolytes as I was with my pacing.

Throughout the race, I was proactively eating between aid stations as usual. I consumed so many gels that my hands were as sticky as a two-year old’s! I also departed aid stations with my mouth stuffed with perogies or a stack of quesadillas in hand. Typically, I consume very little solid food in an 100-miler but with so much hiking (like in a 200) I knew my stomach could handle it. I stayed on top of fluid intake as well and almost always found myself draining the last of my water just as I arrived at an aid station.

Additionally, I was so on top of salt intake that my fingers remained normal sized (I typically get behind and end up with swollen digits a few times). In mid-afternoon, I paused to throw water on myself at creeks to cool my body down. My water filter came into use during this time too, allowing me to consume more fluid without carrying the extra weight of more water bottles. These steps during the hottest part of the day warded off excess stress on my body.

Halfway down, halfway to go…

Preserving my physiology allowed me to be competitive on the return. Five female athletes heading in the opposite direction passed me as I neared the turn around point. I calculated that I was within striking distance and could move up a few spots if I continued to be calculated. My legs were by no means fresh, but they were functioning well. Mentally I felt extremely alert and motivated to move up in the field. Throughout the night, I continued running steadily forward allowing my pace to become less conservative as the miles ticked on. I knew I had passed at least one female, but I was unsure if I passed others at aid stations or if someone had snuck by me when I was having my bottles filled. It didn’t really matter though as I fervently worked to create a gap and capitalize on my strengths.

Around mile 65 I found myself completely alone. From here to the finish, I was passed by one male and later I passed a different male. I saw no runners at aid stations. In the past, during the later stages of the race, it’s been easy for me to settle in and relax into a comfortable pace. This time things were different. I had no idea if the females behind me was one minute back or an hour back. I was equally clueless about the women in front of me. There was no visibility in the thick evergreens either, so no matter how many times I looked over my shoulder or strained my neck to look uphill all I saw was a wall of green.

The final push

The unknown of my positioning drove me to fight. I was hunting and the hunted at the same time The climbing and descending was relentless, but I was equally relentless… and then I arrived at the final descent.

Last year during Run Rabbit Run 100, I looked down at a similar 6 miles dirt road winding down to the finish. Poor hydration and electrolyte imbalance had caused my quads to give out during that race, leaving me walking painfully for most of that last descent. I was acutely aware from the beginning that the condition of my quads would highly impact my performance during Teanaway Country 100. It’s 31,000ft up and DOWN! I gazed below at the next switchback and saw no one. I looked behind me along the ridge. Still no one. Then I charged down the hill. My splits got faster as I surged forward. My legs absorbed the impact without even a hint of grumbling.

Preserving my quads throughout 31,000ft of descent so that I could run this final hill was a mini goal of mine that motivated me throughout the race. In that final decline I felt redemption and it motivated me to kick harder with each stride. The miles ticked by seemingly without effort. I floated down the hill in some surreal state and then there it was: the finish line. I crossed at a sprint… and then couldn’t make it a few more meters to a chair without help! It was only then that I discovered that my focus on the process had led me to my best performance in a 100-miler: 3rd female!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Everyone focuses on the 31,000ft of climbing… but what goes up must also come back down. The eccentric pounding from 31,000ft of descent is just as crucial to prepare for!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

More than anything, this race reinforced that you never know where you are in the pack so it’s always worth fighting until the end. I’ve struggled with this in the past, and I hope that when I feel myself relaxing near the end of a race in the future, I remember Teanaway and push just a bit harder to catch the runner in front of me and gap the runner behind me.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

While Teanaway Country 100 is an out and back, your perception of the course will change on the return. It’s a good idea to mentally prepare for this in advance and think of it as a new trail to avoid frustration… or laugh at the contrast! For example, mile 6.5-15.5 of the race breezed by when I was fresh. This same section felt very different on the turn-around when they were miles 85-94. I kept wondering if all the downed trees I was scrambling over were there at the beginning of the race! I didn’t recall there being so many. Instead of letting it get to me, I literally laughed out loud every time I teetered over a log like a new-born giraffe… the same logs I had simply stepped over the day before!

For more information on Teanaway Country 100, click here.

Teanaway Country 100 course.
Teanaway Country 100 course.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes! These course takes athletes to the high country where vistas abound including remarkable views of Mount Rainier and Mount Stuart. Below tree-line the dense (and mercilessly steep) evergreen forests are beautiful, lush and green. The colors of the deciduous plants and trees are also transforming to their autumn palette of yellow, gold, orange and red tones making the scenery extra magnificent.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Absolutely! This course is likely in the top three most difficult 100-mile courses in North America. Aggressive grades, 31,000ft up/down and highly technical terrain. The only difficulty variable Teanaway does not have is high altitude.

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 extremely well organized. Brian and Andrea are top notch RDs!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

YES! The runners that attempt this race are notably tenacious, resilient and gritty. There were no elite names this year, but the front of the pack clearly came to play. I was looking over my shoulder the entire back half!

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.

Historically, Teanaway Country 100 race field hasn’t filled, but I do suggest committing early because training for a race of this caliber takes a lot of time. In order to qualify, you need to complete a 50-mile trail race within a prescribed timeframe or any 100-mile trail race. Additionally, 8 hours of volunteer trail maintenance is required.

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

All aid stations had standard fare with a focus on GU brand products for both nutrition and hydration. There was also an assortment of candy, chips, cookies and other snacks. Later in the day and into the evening hot options included perogies, quesadillas, grilled cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled egg wraps and other hot options. The volunteers were extremely enthusiastic, helpful and knew how to assist struggling runners.

Weather and typical race conditions

September is a bit of a wild card month in the Cascades. The weather can be sunny, cool and delightfully mild… or there can be a snow or rainstorm with plummeting temperatures… or it can be mercilessly hot! In 2024, the weather was mostly mild (60-70s) though it did feel rather warm in the afternoon with no cloud or tree cover. Night temperatures were in the 40s.

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

I highly recommend using poles for this event. Also, practice your nutrition plan with the poles in hand. Squeezing a gel into your mouth while a holding a pole is a skill!

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

A majority of this race is remote and access is along forest service roads. Crew-able aid stations can be reached in most vehicles with careful driving. Note that Beverly Aid requires about a 1-mile walk-in. The start/finish is very accessible with ample parking.

How’s the Swag?

All starters receive a t-shirt and Feetures socks. Finishers are awarded a buckle with carved wood details. Personally, I love the wolf logo!

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

10/10 (if you love a gritty mountain race with endless vert!)

Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a multisport outdoor athlete, ultra-runner and certified coach. She is passionate about collaborating with driven athletes who love to explore, train and play outside.

Lakeland 100 Race Report

Race: The Montane Lakeland 100

Runner: TRR Coach David Taylor

Race Date: 07/26/2024

Location: Coniston, Lake District, United Kingdom

Result: 36 hours and 49 minutes; 259th place out of 750 starters

David Taylor weaving his way through narrow singletrack starting the Lakeland 100.
David Taylor weaving his way through narrow singletrack starting the Lakeland 100.

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
  1. Atmosphere – It is like a festival from the campsite to the actual course. There are over 2000 runners out on the course when the 50-mile race starts on Saturday morning. The aid stations are epic, run by organizations that are local to the race and each have their own themes. The race also has an overall theme each year – this year was Top Gun and people really went to town with it!
  2. Scenery – Getting to run in such a stunning part of the country was a huge highlight.
  3. Difficulty – I was looking for something to be able to push my limits and this was that event. A 40+% DNF rate tells you the story!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

1. The 6 pm start time felt a little weird, which might just be me never before having started used a race at that time.
2. I knew this was going to be the case. but there are huge sections of the course that aren’t runnable, either because of rocks or bogs, or because you are stuck in a single file line (see above image). This meant that even when I had the energy to move up and go faster, I wasn’t able to. I suppose the challenging terrain is also part of the attraction, as well as being able to negotiate with my mind when things get tough.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The 100-mile event started at 6 pm on Friday night, which is weird enough in itself, but then 50-mile race started at 11:30 am on Saturday morning. This resulted in a slightly strange concoction of haggard 100-mile competitors and (slightly) more fresh-faced 50-mile runners on the course together.
Runner finishing the Lakeland 100, a race with only a 50% finish rate!
Runner finishing the Lakeland 100, a race with only a 50% finish rate!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

1. My fueling and hydration strategies seemed to work well. Early on I managed to identify and overcome a bit of dehydration, and the slower pace of the race meant that I was able to take food in and have it settle pretty well. In the final five miles I was able to overtake a lot of people, seeming to get a second wind at the 100-mile point. I think is due to my good nutrition throughout, although not something that I think I can test very often.
2. The friends you make on the course is always a highlight. During the Lakeland 100 there were some long, remote stretches, yet you always found someone at your pace that you can talk with, talk to or just listen.
3. Satisfaction from knowing the months of training have all led to this, to completing one of the UK’s toughest ultramarathons.

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

1. Don’t skip the training, this event will find you out!
2. Avoid spending too long at the aid stations. The aid stations during this race are fantastic, and that just increases the temptation to stay for longer.
3. Get used to climbing with poles because a lot of this race (~70%) will be walking uphill with poles, so unless you are elite uphill runner, this is a crucial area to work on and get comfortable with ahead of race day.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

1. My fueling plan worked well for a race at this pace. I will continue to use the same strategy in future similar races.
2. I need to continue to practice using poles on long uphills. My shoulders were in bits at the end or the race likely due to a lack of conditioning.
3. Maintaining a strong mindset that doesn’t focus on trying to hit a certain goal time. There are so many factors outside your control that effect how fast or slow you’ll run, including weather and race conditions: instead, just do your best on the day.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

1. Checking the course out on the recce days is a huge help. I found that the bits that had recce’d felt just a little bit easier as I was able to mentally work out where I was, even in the dark.
2. Be aware, the Lake District weather can be VERY changeable. It can go from being very warm to very cold and rainy in the space of minutes.
3. The kit list is fairly extensive. Practice packing and running with the required race kit that you intend to use in the months and weeks prior to the race.

Runners enjoy spectacular views and beautiful trails throughout the Lakeland 100.
Runners enjoy spectacular views and beautiful trails throughout the Lakeland 100.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The Lakeland 100 course is stunning, traversing through one of the most picturesque areas in the UK. During the race, you wind your way through several valleys, mountain passes and lakes. The only downside is that you will miss some of it as you will be running through at least one, but more likely two, nights. What you are rewarded with though is, cloud permitting, an amazing view of the night sky and the breathtaking sight of hundreds of head torches weaving their way along the course. It’s times like these that you simply have to take a moment and let the beauty sink in.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

In one word, yes, very! The terrain is pretty brutal from bogs to rocky paths. Although I am sure some of the elites were able to, I didn’t find a lot of the course that runnable at all. The course itself is actually 105 miles long and takes in over 21,000 feet of ascent.

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

Unbelievable organization: from the pre-race briefings and email series leading up to the event, to the very supportive Facebook group, 10/10!

The organization at the event is like a military machine: everyone knows their jobs and the administrative (and more boring tasks) are done efficiently and with a smile. This was the 17th running of the Lakeland 100 and it’s clear to see why with how professionally it’s run.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes – some of the best ultra runners in the country take part in this event.

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 is a ballot entry to the race that opens up for 48 hours at the beginning of September. The race is committed to hitting an even gender split among participants (which they achieved in the 50-mile race this year) so if you are a female with a qualifying race then you have a good chance of entry into the 100-mile race.

Once you are in the race, then it’s just a case of getting accommodation booked. Included in your entry is access to a campsite from 9 am on Friday morning till Sunday afternoon, although if you’re not a local or not planning on camping, you should probably look to book an extra night somewhere nearby as you will be pretty tired post race. There are plenty of other accommodations in the Lake District close by if camping isn’t your thing. We made the most of our trip to the Lake District and booked a holiday there the week of the race.

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

The aid stations are a particular highlight of this course. Various clubs and groups ‘own’ an aid station and many have their own themes. This year it ranged from Harry Potter’s Hogwarts to Christmas, France to Jurassic Park and more!

There are 14 checkpoints along the route that are each stocked well with medical aid. Additionally, you have access to a drop bag at the 59 mile checkpoint.

The ‘menus’ at each of the aid stations are communicated in advance as part of the build up email series. I encourage you to take a look at this. (This is by far the best pre-race aid station information I’ve ever seen- other race directors take note!)

This Lakeland 100 aid station had a Christmas theme!
This Lakeland 100 aid station had a Christmas theme!
Weather and typical race conditions

Highly variable, hence the extensive kit list. There is usually rain at some point, which makes it quite boggy underfoot and your feet might be wet for large portions of the race, but then again it can also be very warm. The race taking place in the Lake District also means you might get all of the weather over the course of the weekend: be prepared for anything and everything!

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

The kit list is fairly typical for a European event as long and difficult as this race is. Some might think it is too much -especially if you’re used to US races with minimal, if any, required gear- but with stories of people being injured on the fells and the wild weather it is not to be taken lightly.

There is a thorough kit check before the race starts. The full kit list can be found here.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

At some point yes, but not at many others. There are clear instructions about where your family and friends can come and support you and where they can’t. There is no outside assistance allowed, so family and friends can’t bring you anything out on the route, and if they do then it can result in disqualification. (Hugs are allowed though!)

How’s the Swag?

Ace! Finishers get a t-shirt and medal, along with a buff, stickers, dog tags (based around this years ‘Top Gun’ theme).

People that have completed the Lakeland 500 five times are welcomed into the 500 Legends club and awarded with a special 500 legends slate trophy. (After 17 years of the race there are still less than 100 Lakeland 500 Legends!)

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

5/5! It’s a super tough race that is very popular because of the challenging course, fun themes and aid stations, and impeccable race organization. But be warned not to underestimate its difficulty- there’s a 50% drop out rate! If you have a qualifying race and you are up for the challenge, then this is one of those bucket list type of events that everyone capable should do!

David also reviewed his run at the Lakeland 100 on his West Coast Ultra Podcast which you can check out here.

Scotland running coach David Taylor specializes in trails and ultras for both beginner and intermediate runners, whether you’re just bumping up in distance or looking to improve your next trail race, David includes it all – training, nutrition, hydration, gear, etc, creating bespoke coaching for the mind and body to achieve your ultra dreams, working alongside your busy personal life.

Curious about getting into trail running? Check out “Trail Running for Road Runners: A Beginner’s Guide“.

High Lonesome 100 Race Report

Race: High Lonesome 100

Runner: Team RunRun Coach Jason Pohl

Race Date: 07/19/2024

Location: Buena Vista, CO

Result: 28 hours and 50 minutes; 31st overall

Jason Pohl crossing the finish line of the High Lonesome 100.
Jason Pohl crossing the finish line of the High Lonesome 100.

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
  1. The views – Holy moly the views! As a runner, coach and lover of mountains, I know all race organizations promise a scenic event, but High Lonesome’s views of the spectacular ridge lines in the heart of 14ers country are hard to beat! You definitely pay the price of admission with the lung-busting climbs and quad-crushing descents, but the sunset views up high are enough to keep your mind detached from the pain and suffering your might be enduring.
  2. The people – In an era increasingly dominated by corporate race organizations and ever-growing events, the High Lonesome team has done a remarkable job recruiting the best of the best who embody all that makes ultra/trail running unique. From Caleb, the race director, to the hundreds of volunteers, every single person I encountered was out there because they truly love the connection born on the trails. Many have run the race themselves, and the sense of “you get it” is palpable from the moment you walk into the gym for packet pickup until the final finisher crosses the line.
  3. The ethos – A 50/50 gender split; a sense of responsibility to be good stewards of the land.; progressive policies around inclusion and growing our sport responsibly. High Lonesome — and the Freestone Endurance organization more broadly — has unlocked something truly special in the Sawatch.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

I’ve racked my brain and honestly can’t think of a single thing about the High Lonesome 100 that I’d change. It’s just that good.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Christmas music and decorative lights at Monarch Pass (mile 68) with aid station workers dressed like elves was a helluva thing to roll into in the middle of the night. The alien-themed aid station earlier in the day was pretty epic, too. (And no, I wasn’t hallucinating!) Did I mention the people involved in this event are amazing?
Jason Pohl smiling his way through High Lonesome 100.
Jason Pohl smiling his way through High Lonesome 100.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

High Lonesome 100 was a bucket-list event for me. I lived in Colorado for many years and spent many weekends traipsing along these trails, mostly while hiking 14ers in the Collegiate Peaks area. My partner, Mel, and I even got engaged on nearby Mt. Princeton. So the idea of spending a day/night/day running and hiking along these trails was special. As it was my second attempt at a 100-miler, my primary goal was to finish. I didn’t have clear time goals in mind — I mostly wanted to soak in the views and adventure of it all: mission accomplished!

Nutrition and hydration

More than perhaps any other race, I nailed my hydration plan. It’s been my kryptonite for years, and a sweat test and some trial and error had me excited to test out a new approach that had me drinking more strategically. I felt things starting to go sideways a bit around mile 25, so I regrouped, doubled down on my electrolytes and adjusted my aid station plan to include a full extra bottle of electrolytes at every stop. That decision may have saved my day and pulled me out of the hydration spiral I felt was coming. While it meant a bit more time in aid stations, it was time well spent. (It also meant I was able to crack jokes with my all-star crew when I saw them at mile 49 — something that would have been out the question when I’d be out of my mind, dehydrated and delirious, by that point in previous events.)

The solid hydration plan fed right into my nutrition plan, which held together way longer than expected! I was able to take in some solid foods at every aid station — every single one, a big win for me. Maurten gels — which were available on course! — pulled me through the rest of the way. And a pair of caffeinated Maurtens were rocket fuel for the overnight section. I was definitely struggled to take gels by the end, but finding the energy to finish High Lonesome 100 was never in doubt.

All in all, adjusting my hydration on the fly and holding to my nutrition plan meant I had the energy and enthusiasm to really take in the spectacular views, making the race extra memorable.

Another memorable moment

I ran into the Blanks Cabin aid station (mile 84) at 5:59 a.m. No sooner did I show my crew my watch to boast about beating the 6 a.m. goal did an aid station worker walk up to me with a Nutella sandwich and a lit candle. Soon, the entire aid station was singing me Happy Birthday. My crew put them up to it, and that moment — and the delirious smile on my face — was truly something I won’t ever forget. (The sandwich was also delicious!)

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

I live in the Bay Area, aka sea level. Suffice to say, the long stretches in the middle of the High Lonesome course above 11,000 feet did not go unnoticed! At first, food stopped going down as easily. Then, water and electrolytes stopped sitting well. This was unusual for me — I’d done some training runs at altitude, but for relatively shorter and less-intense periods. This is a long way of saying: expect that the altitude will be a factor, fuel early, and focus on getting back down. (You will get down!) By the time I was on the back side of the course below 10,000 feet, my appetite came back and my body was again ready to roll. Well, sort of.

Which brings me to the other tip: save your legs for the final 50k! At this point, the course is super runnable fire road and non-technical single/double track trails that strong legs will make up a ton of time on. There are rolling uphills too, but the net downhill on this section can fly by in the cool overnight hours. Normally I’d hammer the downhills in training, but I’d been coming back from injury and intentionally avoided doing so. My quads felt it as a result and I lost a lot of time on that easier, cruisy section. I’d definitely advise practicing downhill running to harden the quads ahead of time.

One final piece of advice: never pass up an opportunity to howl at the full moon when alone on a ridge line at midnight! This was a mental boost I didn’t know I needed.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

While my nutrition strategy went better than expected, there’s always room for improvement. I need to work on deepening my bench for fueling options. When solids are impossible, go to liquids and gels. But when liquids and gels start to be an issues… I need to have some backup liquid and gel options to mix things up.

And as mentioned above, I would’ve benefitted from hammering some downhills harder in training and saving some legs for the final part of the course.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The section from Hancock to Monarch is every bit as difficult as the race organizers make it out to be. It’s high and it’s lonesome, dark, and rocky with long sections of pole-snapping, ankle-cracking talus. Even in the perfect conditions we had, it was definitely among the hardest sections of running I’ve ever experienced. In a thunderstorm — which we all expected and luckily didn’t come — this would be absolutely heinous. If you know all of this going in, you’ll be solid. But if you’ve underestimated it, or overestimated yourself, you may be in for a world of hurt!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The prettiest, the High Lonesome 100 course is truly spectacular!

Runners are treated to spectacular views and beautiful trails throughout High Lonesome 100.
Runners enjoy spectacular views and beautiful trails throughout High Lonesome 100.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes, very. High Lonesome 100 has 23,000 feet of climbing, much of it above 11,000 feet in elevation, and some very technical trail sections.

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

I’ve never experienced a better-run event than High Lonesome 100. There were multiple pre-race video calls to talk about the course for runners. There was a pre-race video call dedicated to crews, who I think have a logistically harder day than the runners! The website is slick, the course packets are detailed, and the pre-race briefing is thorough. Caleb and crew clearly are dedicated to making the details work. The course was spectacularly well-marked. The start/finish zones were set. And, courtesy of Mountain Outpost, they even helped coordinate a video live stream that added a special sense of professionalism to the entire operation. 10/10.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Getting stronger! Some pros show up at the High Lonesome 100 every year, and the first women obliterated the course record this year.

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.

It’s a lottery that pulls the first week of January, so it’s tricky to get into. High Lonesome is unique in that it’s working to build a more equitable space in our sport, so the lottery is split 50/50 male/female. Logistically it is tricky in the sense that, while the town of Buena Vista has the basics and there’s tons of camping in the area, you’re still in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Start/finish camping is arranged by the race and there’s a fair number of AirBnB’s in the area 15 mins from the finish. It does fill up quick, so don’t wait!

High Lonesome 100 finisher buckle.
High Lonesome 100 finisher buckle.
Weather and typical race conditions

There was a serious threat of major storms on the high country part of the course. Luckily, that shifted a few miles away and all I felt was a handful of raindrops and some big rumbles of thunder. (The start/finish line got deluged around midday though!) Otherwise, it’s Colorado in the summer, so thunderstorms typically percolate midday and fade away in the evening. The race organizers do an excellent job communicating this risk.

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

The aid stations are great! Pancakes are a special treat at the aid stations, and I wish I could have stomached the breakfast burrito at Hancock! The backcountry pizza at Lost Wonder Hut was a pretty epic, and having Maurten gels on course made my race logistics much easier.

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

There’s mandatory gear for the full High Lonesome 100 miler that includes a rain jacket and a bivvy. You also have to pick up your “pass gear” for the high country section at Cottonwood that includes pants, long sleeve shirt, beanie and a few other bits and bobs. While this gear definitely weighed down the pack, I can’t imagine being trapped in a storm without that gear.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Less so. The first main aid station (Hancock) is mile 49. It’s at 11,000 feet and up a pitted-out mining road that gets a bit dicey in the rain — and a lot bumpy in the dry. Subarus or higher clearance trucks make the drive fine, but it’s slow-going. Monarch aid station is off the highway but in the middle of the night is pretty darned cold. Lower down aid stations are few and far between and a bit challenging to reach, so unless your crew is a core part of your race plan, it’s probably best to have friends and family turn on the live stream and meet you at the finish.

How’s the Swag?

Pretty sweet! The classic 100 mile finisher’s buckle, Rabbit T-shirt, and a Laws Whiskey House bottle of whiskey with the High Lonesome engraving.

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

5/5. 10/10. 100/100. I absolutely recommend the High Lonesome 100 and can’t wait to go back!

Berkeley running coach Jason Pohl has raced both road marathons and trail ultramarathons. With a science-based approach to training and nutrition, and an understanding that life gets busy, he’s here to help you tackle your next big endurance goal — whether it’s a road race, a mountain ultra or a multi-day self-supported adventure.

Curious about getting into trail running? Check out “Trail Running for Road Runners: A Beginner’s Guide“.

Ouray 100 Mile Race Report

Race: Ouray 100 Mile Endurance Run

Runner: Ben Brones

Race Date: 07/19/2024

Location: Ouray, CO

Result: 51 hours 2 minutes and 18 seconds

Runner Elizabeth Butler enjoying her way through the 2024 Ouray 100 Mile. PC: Eszter Horanyi
Runner Elizabeth Butler enjoying her way through the 2024 Ouray 100 Mile.
PC: Eszter Horanyi

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
  1. The San Juan Mountains, where the race takes place, are beautiful.
  2. The volunteers are the best! I struggled this race with an upset stomach, mental melt down. and chasing time cutoffs: the volunteers did all they could to help, they kept me in the fight.
  3. Great bathrooms! The race begins and ends in Fellin Park in Ouray, CO, where there were good bathrooms and even showers for $4 at the pool in the park.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
  1. The vert is legit, add to that the 8,000ft of altitude, and I couldn’t catch my breath and found it hard to digest food at the highest points.
  2. The weather: there was lightning a couple times and we ran like hell for the tree line!
  3. This race is this is no joke! You never get a rest, the pressure is always on. After getting through the first night, I had meltdown in the morning. Fortunately, the aid station medic was wonderful and helped calm me down and get my head on straight.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Nothing unusual other than the ridiculous amount of vert -83,724 ft of elevation change to be precise- that’s comparable to 200 mile races!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

The views were amazing throughout the Ouray 100 course, as were the volunteers. They kept me going, when I was close to failing.

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

Turn you body and mind (and gut!) into steel. Figure out how to fuel at altitude and troubleshoot an upset stomach.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I need to get a better fueling strategy and practice blowing my guts up in training not on race day!

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s a complicated and very challenging course: study the course well ahead of race day and train specifically for it. Ouray 100 is actually 102.1 miles and there’s 83,724 ft of elevation change! The 52 hour time cutoff is tough -only half the field finished this year!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s insanely pretty!

Runners pass by the stunningly beautiful Silver Basin, Lower Lake.
Runners pass by the stunningly beautiful Silver Basin, Lower Lake.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Ouray 100 is arguably the hardest 100 mile race in North America!

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

Absolutely dialed in! Everybody there were incredibly well prepared, and for a race this hard, it was perfectly done.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

So strong! Some of the best professional ultra trail runners in the US always show 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.

Nothing atypical: just sign up and train your ass off! Ouray is a 7 hours drive from Denver, so you’ll need a car to get there, and then there are plenty of places to stay in Ouray.

Ouray 100 Mile finisher buckle.
Ouray 100 Mile finisher buckle.
Weather and typical race conditions

You’ve got to be prepared for a bit of everything: sun, hale, rain, lightning, wind! They’ll be mud and maybe even wild animals (though chances of wildlife encounters are very low).

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

There are aid stations every 5-10 miles stocked with with your standard ultra fare: fruit, sweet snacks, salty snacks, water, sports drink, etc. All the aid stations except for the first two have hot food: burgers, hot dogs, quesadillas, soup, ramen, and grilled cheese. The aid stations at Ironton (miles 27.3, 35.4, and 43.6) and Fellin Park (miles 74.5, 84.8, 91.5, and the finish) have the best food. The race was sponsored by Hammer Nutrition, and on the course there were HEED (sports drink), Endurolytes (electrolyte tabs), Endurolytes Fizz (dissolvable tabs), and Hammer Gels.

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

I’d recommend bringing toilet paper, a water filter, and a head lamp is mandatory.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Not really, only the start, finish, and larger aid stations allowed spectators and crew.

How’s the Swag?

Every runners gets a shirt and a hat, but only finishers get a 100 mile belt buckle -only half of the field finished this year!

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

10/10 …if you’re strong enough!

For a different perspective on the Ouray 100 check out “Ouray 100 Race Report – Mark Cliggett”

Western States 100 Race Report

Race: Western States Endurance Run 100 Miles

Runner: Matt Urbanski (Team RunRun founder and coach)

Race Date: 06/29/2024

Location: Olympic Valley, CA, to Auburn, CA

Result: 22 hours 48 minutes, 72nd place overall

Strava link: Part 1 Part 2 (You know it’s a long race when there are 2 Strava files!)

Matt at the finish of Western States 100
Matt still smiling at the finish of the Western States 100, showcasing his “funky button down finisher shirt”!

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
  1. My crew. I had such a good time with my crew and my pacers. Getting so many of my favorite people together is the best!
  2. The volunteers. The volunteer to runner ratio is amazing. I had people sponging me down with ice water at nearly every aid station!
  3. The race vibe. It just feels like a special race, and everyone realizes that we’re all fortunate to be there doing this together.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Even though I didn’t achieve my primary goals for the race, I stayed positive throughout. While the outcome was unsatisfying, I never despaired and I never gave up. I stayed positive and made the most of a situation that was not what I was planning or hoping for. I’m especially happy that I was able to enjoy the last 20 miles with my brother pacing me despite having to walk most of that.

My short sad story is that my left hip flexor started hurting 3.5 hours into the race. I was mentally ready to start feeling tired at this point and to not feel great by the 15 to 20 mile mark of the race, but the feeling in my hip was not fatigue but more acute pain. I stopped briefly, rubbed it out, and then finally took some ibuprofen (I usually save that for way later in the race!). From then on, I was able to run easily for a long while – thanks to Chris Harrington, I was able to latch on and get into a steady groove.

At that point, I still believed I was able to run low 18s or even sneak into the 17s. But the hip kept coming back. Me and my crew worked hard to solve it, and even from Foresthill to Green Gate my pacer, Teddy, and I were moving well. But once it got dark, my hip pain got to be too much (the darkness wasn’t the cause, just coincidence!) so Jeff and I tried a walk run strategy for a bit, but eventually I had to just walk. My energy level was fine, my mind was fine, but I couldn’t lift my left leg to run.

I went through some more rationale negativity – it didn’t have the depth of despair that I’ve felt in other disappointing ultras. But I talked seriously about not wanting to race anymore. I questioned whether I had the fire to keep doing these when I’ve had so many unsatisfying races over the past few years. The disappointment that comes with not reaching my potential made me question my desire to keep trying. But there was no doubt I would finish this race. I knew I could and would finish the Western States 100. And I was able to walk quickly in and walk the track in with my awesome friends!

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
  1. If you don’t live at altitude, be prepared to feel the elevation in the first 30 miles.
  2. It gets hot! Pre-race: heat train! Include sauna sessions and running when it’s hot. I did a lot of sauna sessions and think that it helped a lot. During the race: stay cool and keep wet! Wear a hat, use the ice available at aid stations, sponge yourself down with water and ice, keep hydrating often.
  3. There are so many runnable sections on this course, so be patient and save your energy for the sections that fit your strengths. There was more single track than I anticipated, so be prepared, and train to run faster on narrow trails that aren’t totally smooth.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I would do more workouts on single track trails, trying to make faster running on narrow trails feel easier.

Matt putting his single track trail skills to the test.
Matt putting his single track trail skills to the test.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Break the Western States 100 into three main parts:
1. The High Country. It was less smooth than I was anticipating. It isn’t overly technical or difficult, but it’s also not smooth. There were a number of sections with baseball-sized rocks strewn around the trail that made it necessary to be more focused than I was expecting. Some sections were more overgrown or difficult to see than I was expecting. Additionally, the higher elevation is noticeable for someone coming from sea level, so I had to be extra cautious and patient while up high.


2. The Canyons. The steepest climbs and descents are in this section and it feels hottest here. The two bigger descents were more narrow single track with rocks than I remembered, and coupled with my aching hip flexor, I took this section way slower than I would have liked. The two big climbs are the only sections I really felt like I needed to hike. Poles (not allowed) would have been great here.


3. The rest of the course. The Cal Street section from Foresthill to the river was not as fast as I was expecting. There were lots of little rollers and single track that kept me from really getting going fast. We worked well through here and I’m happy with it, but it was slower than I was expecting. I liked the climb up from the river. There was a lot of runnable faster stuff in the last 20 miles of the course that I walked given my hip, but knowing that there is a lot of runnable stuff to finish is key. This is why conserving energy and staying patient is important: if you have legs, you can really fly the last 20 miles!

Summary: There was more single track and rocks than I was anticipating. That said, there were still plenty of fast and runnable dirt roads.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s a great course with a lot of unique features. I loved the high country landscape, and I liked the canyons section – dry and sort of lonely – I wasn’t around a lot of runners during this section. Contrasted with the busy sections like the start, Michigan Bluff, Foresthill, and the finish, the mix of people and solitude was great! Another course highlight were the lovely sections by the river in the late afternoon/early evening light.

Looks are deceiving: don't be fooled, Western States 100 is one of the most challenging races in the US!
Looks are deceiving: don’t be fooled, Western States 100 is one of the most challenging races in the US!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Definitely a tough course with unique elements! However, they’re all things that one could prepare for; they’re still difficult, but less so if you prepare.

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

The best! This race is dialed in. The only negative I heard was from my crew in that the driving directions were less clear than they could have been. Simply providing a GPS waypoint for Google Maps would have been helpful opposed to the “turn left and then go east” sort of directions.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Undoubtedly! The Western States 100 is the most competitive and historic 100 miler in the US!

Matt still smiling at mile 62 coming through the Foresthill aid station.
Matt still smiling at mile 62 coming through the Foresthill aid station.
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.

It’s not easy to get into the race as the field size is limited to only 375 runners. I started trying to get into the race in 2017 and finally got into the 2024 race – 8 years later!

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

There are 20 aid stations throughout the Western States 100, some allow crew and some don’t. The aid stations are great and stock a wide range of real food options including fresh fruit, trail mix, potato chips, candy, and more. I filled my bottles with GU Roctane Energy drink from the aid stations but otherwise used all my own gels. They had GU brand sports nutrition and I’m not a fan of GU. In hindsight, I would have taken the GU Chomps (chews) but I forgot about them and didn’t realize they were there until my brother grabbed some from the last aid station! I fueled mainly on Precision Fuel & Hydration gels, SiS Beta Fuel and Isotonic gels, along with some Skratch drink mix for electrolytes.

They had ice water and sponges at most aid stations. Some seemed to have some odd rules about runners not being allowed to touch the sponges themselves though. I wanted to just go for it and really douse myself but they often wouldn’t let me. But the service and the desire to help from the volunteers was huge and very felt amazing!

Weather and typical race conditions
Matt's crew of Teddy Bross, Ruby Wyles and Jeff Urbanski at the start of the Western States 100.
Matt’s crew of Teddy Bross, Ruby Wyles and Jeff Urbanski at the start of the Western States 100.

Be prepared for it all! The race starts early in the high country, making it cool and sometimes (not this year though) snow on the grounds, which can be a big factor to be prepared for! The toughest conditions happen in the middle where it’s blazing hot – expect over 90 degrees, plus the direct sun and humidity makes it feel even worse. We had a moderate year where it maybe got to the high 80s/low 90s, but it was still hot!

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

I wore a Naked Brand belt with two water bottles, Janji tight shorts with pockets for my gels, and a singlet with arm sleeves. Thankfully my crew had ice bandanas for me at aid stations which helped me stay cool.

I switched to wearing a Salomon ADV5 pack at Foresthill. My hip flexor on my left leg started giving me troubles 20 miles into the race and bothered me the rest of the day (I’m still not running 2 weeks post-race because it’s still messed up!). My crew thought that maybe it was the stress/pressure of the tight belt with the two bottles up near my front that could have been causing it, so I switched to a pack. The other advantage of the pack was that we filled the back part with ice for most of the remainder of the race.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

We split our crew into two for the first half. Crew 1 went from the start to Duncan Canyon and Dusty Corners, while Crew 2 went to Robinson Flat and Michigan Bluff. This worked out great for me, but it did make for a long and tiring day for my crew, wife and kids! From there on, I saw my crew at Foresthill and Pointed Rocks, and then again at Robie Point.

The fanfare and energy on the course was awesome! At the same time, there were long stretches where I saw no one, including runners. The race spread out surprisingly quickly!

How’s the Swag?

Really impressive: a Hoka backpack and slides, Goodr sunglasses, a new pair of socks. Nike were even giving away free trail shoes to all Western States 100 racers! The belt buckle for finishers is sweet, and they gave a funky button down shirt to all finishers when we crossed the line – the shirt was totally my style too!

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

10 out of 10!

I’m bummed that I didn’t race well. I put a lot into training and I believed I could do more on race day. But I made the most of the day and will have good memories from it. The race itself is totally worth the hype and everyone should do it if they get the chance!

For more on the Western States Endurance Run, check out Matt’s pacer Teddy Bross’ own Western States 100 race report from his 2017 race.

Matt Urbanski is the founder of Team RunRun, as well as a coach. He enjoys coaching self-motivated runners to optimize training time, push limits, transition to ultras, podium, BQ, and other big challenges!

Run Rabbit Run 100 Race Report – Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott

Race: Run Rabbit Run 100 Mile Race (Tortoise Division)

Runner: Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott

Race Date: 09/15/2023

Location: Streamboat Springs, CO

Results: Overall: 90 Female:10 // 29:42:01

Photo: Denise Bourassa

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

  • RRR had some UTMB and Western States vibes! The crowds were not nearly as monumental as these larger events (to my relief). However, it was exciting to have spectators take the gondola to the top of Mount Werner to cheer on the passing runners. There were also lines of spectators at the Fish Creeks Falls TH and Olympian Hall.
  • The course looks much easier on paper than it is in reality! I enjoyed the strategic calculation involved to complete this race.
  • Several years ago my husband decided he wanted to run a 100 mile race. This was ultimately the catalyst that led to me to becoming an ultra-runner and, later, a coach. My absolute favorite thing about Run Rabbit Run 100 was watching him finally cross the finish line and earn his first 100-mile buckle after years of hard work.

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

I was kind of hoping for some interesting (aka: gnarly) mountain weather. Instead, it was “ideal” running weather conditions. Clearly this is a “me” problem!

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

Nothing really weird, but RRR is absolutely unique! There are two divisions: Tortoises and Hares. The Hare division is comprised of the elite and speedy! They must complete the race within 30 hours and there is substantial prize money on the line. They cannot have pacers. The Hares start four hours after the Tortoises. Therefore, Hares experience picked over aid stations and running more nighttime hours which is usual for this swift group. Conversely, Tortoises have 36 hours to complete the course and may have pacers. However, if they finish before 30 hours the same gold buckle as the Hares can be earned (over 30hr is silver). There is no prize money for the Tortoise division.

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

Run Rabbit Run was my “B Race” for the season, but that didn’t make it any less important. My main goal was to learn what it was like to rally for two 100-mile races in a single summer season. I also had more miles on my legs for the year than at the start of any of my other 100 milers. I was curious how and if this would have an effect on my performance. Basically, the main purpose of this race was to learn as much as I could so I could apply the lessons to higher consequence events in the future. However, I still wanted to execute an efficient performance and place within the top 10 females.
Run Rabbit Run 100 is unique in that is high elevation mountain race that happens to be very “runnable.” When I registered, I knew the “runnability” of the route would present a challenge to me as a gnarly conditions specialist. I enjoy running courses that don’t highlight my strengths because these races encourage me to think strategically and present excellent learning opportunities! I am accustomed to harsher terrain where a great deal of time is spent hiking or running carefully. I could not depend on the environment to hold me back during this race! I decided to intentionally plan my pacing to a greater extend than usual and exercise restraint during the first half of the race. I feel like I stuck to this strategy. I power hiked at a high, but not max intensity to the top of Mount Werner and then proceeded through the rolling terrain at a playful pace. Around this time I began chatting with another runner. We reminded each other to take it easy down the long descent to Fish Creek Falls. After parting briefly at the aid station, we regrouped and continued on together. I stayed with him for about a marathon’s worth of running! Not only was he good company, but the conversation kept us at a sustainable, endurance pace.

Eventually we parted at an aid station and I headed out alone through the aspens. I joined a small train for a few miles, but followed very quietly paying close attention to my effort. It’s really easy to turn off and end up going too fast or even too slow when you join a group during a race. It was net downhill, but there were a few short little bumps here and there. The runner in front of me ran these bumps. I walked them at the same pace. If my running pace is similar to my walking pace I will always choose to walk to save myself the energy and jostling. It would have been very easy to get sucked into the cadence of the group and I am happy with my self-awareness during this section.

I’m one of those odd runners who looks forward to night. I love running in a headlamp bubble and, during an ultra, really relish the change of scenery… or limited scenery? However, night was a bit extra special for me during this race because of the surprise I received on my second pass through Olympian Hall Aid Station (Mile 64). I began this race without crew/pacers and was fully prepared to do everything on my own. However, my friend who represents UltrAspire, a race sponsor, was waiting for me at Olympian. He generously offered spontaneous crew assistance! The brief, but meaningful, interaction put me in very high spirits for the next 10 uphill miles!

I gritted out a good portion of miles 73-101 as you will read in the following sections. However, there was major bright spot that occurred during the final mile of the race (total distance is 101.8 miles). I was running down some switchbacks when I noticed a female runner just above me. I first identified her as a Hare because of her orange bib. Then I realized the runner was Sarah Ostrowski, winner of the 2023 edition of Cocodona 250: a race I have been working toward! I told Sarah to “crush it!” as she passed me and then, abruptly, felt amazing! I sprinted after her… or at least it felt like sprinting at the time! Sarah turned into a dot quickly, but chasing her provided me with energy I had thought long gone! I crossed the finish line about a minute after Sarah as 10th female (Tortoise division).

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

Do not underestimate this race! You can easily burn out in the first 20 miles if you don’t practice restraint! The bulk of this course goes straight up or straight down. There isn’t a great deal of rolling or flat terrain. If you take too many risks in the first 65 miles the final big climb back up to Werner will be horrific and your quads will scream on the final descent. Patience is imperative on this course!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Downhill running is something I’ve always naturally been good at. In fact, I had never once experienced any quad problems in five years of trail running… until Run Rabbit Run 100! Around mile 80 I was shocked to discover that any step down resulted in a not so delightful stabbing sensation. I felt frustrated and confused when this happened. I very consciously exercised caution and used good technique on all the descents prior as a preventative measure for this exact thing! I gritted it out to the finish wondering how I managed to blow them out. After some intense discussion and evaluation following the race, the culprit was identified. My quad issue was likely not due to my approach to earlier descents. Instead, it is very probable that I had an electrolyte imbalance. Upon reflection, I began to despise anything sweet and crave salt in the ladder part of the race. I kept stuffing Ritz crackers down my throat and drinking broth. How did I not catch on?! I probably messed up the balance earlier in the day and making up for it was impossible at that point. Lesson learned: more salt and fluid!

I am the type of racer who prefers to not know my place in the pack. This ensures that I run my own race. My goal was to place somewhere in the top 10 females. For some reason or another, I began to doubt myself when the race became more of a grind around mile 73. Somehow, I was convinced that I was in 20-30th place. This, plus the frustration of my quads, caused me to stop fighting. Within three miles of the finish two women passed me. Normally, I am extremely competitive and would give chase in that situation. A negative mindset caused me to conclude that chasing was pointless. As it turns out, I crossed the finish line as tenth female. I learned from this experience to never assume my place and that it is always worth fighting (even in the back of the pack!).

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

A great deal of this course is at or above 10,000ft. It is absolutely at altitude race! If you don’t live/train at high elevation I suggest arriving two weeks early or train to be crazy fit for this race! There are lots of exposed areas at high (and low) elevation. This means the sun is extremely powerful even if the temperature is cool. Sun protection is a must on this course. Conversely, the night temperature can drip to below freezing. There was frost everywhere along the course this year after dark. Bring appropriate clothing to stay warm after sunset.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Absolutely! This course features the amazing and rugged beauty of the Rockies

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

The terrain is technical at times, but almost all of the course is runnable. I would not call it tough. The challenge lies in the format of the ups and downs. Note that I live and train at high altitude. If I were a flat-lander I might rank the course as more strenuous.

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

This course was ridiculously well put together! Most pre-race meetings are dull, but the RDs give an enlightening and entertaining pep talk the night before the race. The fun vibe continued throughout he weekend with volunteers wearing bunny ears! Speaking of which, all the volunteers were extremely helpful and knew the course exceedingly well. When looking at the map, I was very concerned about making a wrong turn. However, this is the most well marked course I have ever been on!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

The Hare division is crazy competitive! The Tortoise field may not be elite, but the times posted were certainly nothing to slouch about. I suspect much of the front of the Tortoise pack will someday compete as a Hare.

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.

This race fills quickly and I would register early. I camped so I can’t speak for the hotels. However, being that the race is very much a huge town event I suspect it’s wise to book accommodations early.

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

The aid stations were all well stocked. Honey Stinger and Tailwind are race sponsors so there was plenty of those items available. The aid stations also had an assortment of fruit, chips, quesadillas, crackers and soft drinks. Billy’s Rabbit Hole had pizza which was a surprise being that that aid station is considered “limited”.

Weather and typical race conditions

This is tricky! Anything goes in the Rockies, especially in September. Historically the race weather tends to be mild or overly sunny during the day and cold at night. This was the case in 2023. However, hail, snow, rain and/or electric storms have occurred during the event. In fact, hail and sun can occur within the same hour! Basically, it’s high elevation mountain weather.

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

I brought a standard 100-mile mountain kit. Nothing really stood out as unique for me. The biggest note is to be ready for the nighttime cold. I never needed a puffy, but I was an exception. Almost everyone else on the course seemed to have one on at some point.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

YES! Spectators can view the course from the Start/Finish, top of Mount Werner, Fish Creek TH and Olympian Hall. Excellent livestream coverage was a new addition to the race this year as well, so spectators could watch from far away in the comfort of their home.

How’s the Swag?

Swag included a t-shirt and Smartwool socks. There were also additional hats, shirts and hoodies available for purchase. Finishers receive a buckle (gold for under 30 hours and silver for over 30 hours) and a glass mug.

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

10/10! I would absolutely repeat this course… maybe a as Hare!

Dandelion is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.

Wyoming Range 100 Race Report – Jacob R

Race: Wyoming Range 100

Runner: Jacob R

Race Date: 08/11/2023

Location: Big Piney, Wyoming

Results: 43 hrs 23 minutes

Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/aeu9dqhKiCb

Photo: Everlong Endurance

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

There a quite a few aspects that make this race special. The race is very remote, rugged and beautiful. Due to the lack of major cities or even towns, the stars at night are amazing. The race is well organized and some of the money goes to a local trail/ conservation organization.

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

Most of the aid stations were pretty good. Some were a bit lackluster, but that depended on where it was at and who was organizing it.

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

The Hunting Camp Aid Station at mile 80 was Christmas themed which provided some much need laughter late in the race.

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

I was well trained for the race. My mental focus and problem solving skills were very good. My fuel plan worked well too. I had no stomach issues in spite of the heat

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

This is a very logistically challenging race. You need to provide your own shuttle from the finish to the start. I highly recommend have a team or pacer to assist. I also highly recommend poles. This course is incredibly rugged.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I need to manage my feet better. I managed them poorly so the blisters and other injuries ended up slowing me down.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The biggest climb in the race is at mile 70. It is long and very steep. The course is very overgrown with lots of brush. There is a big river crossing right before the mile 80, Hunting Camp Aid station. Your feet will stay wet almost the entire race.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The course is absolutely gorgeous. The scenery is amazing

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

The course is incredibly rugged and brutal. The climbs are very steep and the brush is very thick.

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

The race was very organized this year. The course was well marked, the drop bags were there on time and the aid stations were ready to go by the time the runners came by. They still had plenty of food for the runners in the back too.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

The race is still fairly small. There were some very fast competitive runners. I feel the race is more about enjoying the mountains and finishing a very challenging 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.

Due to the remoteness of the race the logistics can be very challenging. While a 2wd vehicle can access the start, a high clearance 4wd is needed for all other aid stations. The is no shuttle between the finish and start. I highly recommend camping near the start and having a friend or family meet you at the finish.

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

Aid stations are fairly standard. Hot food was found later in the race.

Weather and typical race conditions

The weather can be unpredictable. Two years prior it snowed during the race. This year was hot and clear. You need to be prepared for all types of weather at all times. The nights are surprisingly cold as well.

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

The race has a long list of required gear. A good rain jacket, extra calories etc. The most important is Bear Spray. Bear Spray is a nonnegotiable requirement. If you don’t have bear spray you will not be allowed to run the race.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

No. The course is very remote. It is a challenge to get to most of the aid stations. The finish has good access but limited parking. Any well wishers and friends should just meet you there.

How’s the Swag?

The swag this year was a nice dry bag and a sun hoodie. The race keeps it pretty simple, which I appreciate.

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

5/5 stars. It is an amazingly challenging, logistically complex run. It is a suitable challenge for experienced 100 mile runners.

Crazy Mountain 100 Race Report – Ben Brones

Race: Crazy Mountain 100

Runner: Ben Brones

Race Date: 07/27/2023

Location: Montana

Results: Finish

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

  1. The station crews. The crews where fun and pro. Some stations where supplied by horses.
  2. The Course is challenging and rewarding.
  3. Good grub at the finish. Elk, beef, moose no joke.

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

More water crossing then I thought. Should of brought more socks.

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

Cows – the last 20 some odd miles are on a working ranch. It’s open range grazing land. So cows on course.

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

I was not fast. But I kept making the cut offs. Running through the night didn’t bother me as much as I thought.

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

Respect for the Crazy Mountains. I got up and over the first pass with no issue. I thought ‘ This is easy’. Once I got across the basin to start the next hill climb thunder, lighting, hail, and wind came down. It’s the highest part of the course and totally exposed. I was scared! I kept reciting a mantra that was basically asking the mountains for mercy! I got to the top and the storm moved on. I gave thanks for the mercy I was given! Awaxaawipppiia is what the Crow call the range- it means Angry Moutain.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Carry Lube in easy to get to pockets. I needed to lube a sensentive area on the go.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The altitude did get some runners.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Very pretty

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Very

Ibex station to Cow camp1 big up and down with technical trail. Cow Camp to Half moon. Big up and down with technical trail. This section it a out and back. Cow Camp to Sun light. Big and down. The down is very technical and impossible to run. Sun light to Crandle – about the only gimmie. Crandle to Forest lake- you can run fast, but your feet are getting wet. Forest lake to Honey- its’s hot and exposed, and up

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

The bus was on time for the shuttle. We started on time. Stations crews knew what they where doing. The Med staff where good.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

It took me 35 hourse. The winner did it in 22.

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 race opens up in December. Its first come first served. They ask that you have a difficult race under your belt beforehand.

Hotels – there are no hotels nearby – maybe a post office.

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

Nothing special.

Weather and typical race conditions

Be ready for anything!

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

An InReach is good back up. Lube. Change of socks and shirt.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

NO. Aid stations are about the only spots. Some of the stations are accessible by truck or horse. Cell service is hit or miss at best.

How’s the Swag?

Good. Yeti mug, a good shirt

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

10/10.

Cascade Crest 100 Race Report – Rob Raux

Photo: Takao Suzuki

Race: Cascade Crest 100

Runner: Rob Raux

Race Date: 07/21/2023

Location: Easton, WA

Results: 29 OA, 27:29:35

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9502476459

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

  1. Volunteers and logistics were on another level. I felt nothing but love and helpfulness from anyone I interacted with during the race.
  2. Beautiful views of Mount Rainier, stunningly tall trees, and a good chunk along the PCT.
  3. Unique trip up/down a ropes course and through the Snoqualmie Tunnel to the Hyak.

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

  1. Less of the course was runnable for me than I’d prefer, especially since it was an out and back year.
  2. Significant dust/dry dirt kicked up, especially during the early miles when there were packs of people. Had congestion/dirt in the respiratory system for a few days afterwards.

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

The 2.25 mile trip through the Snoqualmie Tunnel was very surreal. The skeleton of a pacer half way through was a nice touch.

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

Showing up to the race healthy made the race significantly more enjoyable. I had calf issues in the lead up and wasn’t sure how healthy I would feel.

I didn’t start too fast, kept things even keel throughout, and was rewarded by moving up significantly through the field in the second half of the race. It’s always a mental highlight to be moving up through the field instead of realizing you’ve overdone it.

The problem solving after losing liquid calories (use your imagination), falling and locking up the muscles, and general effort management — it felt like a well executed race plan that took into account my limitations.

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

  1. If there’s still a ropes course, bring gloves with you. I had to be very careful with the nylon ropes on the bare skin both up and down.
  2. The ice bandanna was key for the daytime running. Almost every aid station had ice to refill.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

  • If you plan for liquid calories, remember you actually need to drink that amount of liquid too. Training for 4-5 hours with liquid calories is much different than trying to consume it for 12+ hours straight. Have a backup plan!
  • Consistency is key. I started middle of the pack, kept it even keel, stopped to gather myself or solve problems, and slowly moved up the field without even intending to. It sounds simple when written out. It’s much more difficult when you’re in the moment.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

This race report is for the 2023 version, which was an alternate route course (out and back), similar to what was run in 2023.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Stellar views almost the entire time, just don’t look away too long or you’re gunna end up on the ground.

Photo: Takao Suzuki

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Very technical uphill/downhills with larger rocks that I was uncomfortable navigating in the dark. It’s surely on the tougher side on average with the gain.

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

The volunteers were absolutely phenomenal, the aid stations were each uniquely themed, stacked with goodies, and helpful. The race is truly a non-profit, all proceeds all donated to the Easton FD — a labor of love and you can tell.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Race has a bit more of a “local” feel but there is still strong (but not deep) field.

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.

Easy 1.5 hour trip from SEA-TEC airport, I stayed in Cle Elum with no issues, booking only a few months out, after I made it off the waitlist. Since there are a number locals participating there may be a less heavy demand on hotels, etc.

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

Standard fare, each themed and incredibly helpful.

Weather and typical race conditions

Race was 60F-85F range and low humidity. Full sun in a lot of places but very bugs/mosquitos. Unseasonably dry so significant dust when in groups.

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

I only used my poles after 80 miles. There are plenty of areas where it would be beneficial earlier if you’re strong with them.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

There are a lot of remote areas that are inaccessible/discouraged so not easy access for viewing. The start/finish area was very welcoming, along with the turn around at Hyak.

How’s the Swag?

  • Good quality T-Shirt, Mug, Drymax Socks at packet pickup.
  • Beautiful belt buckle, high quality finisher Hoodie
  • Cheap/At Cost additional clothes & stickers available for purchase

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

4.5/5 — highly recommended if you’re looking for that accessible mountain race

Bighorn 100 Race Report – Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott

Race: Bighorn Trail Run 100

Runner: Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott

Race Date: 06/16/2023

Location: Dayton, WY

Results: Overall:58 GP:6 // 28:34:45

Photo: Mile 90 Photography

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

  • The Mud: Call me crazy, but I registered for this event hoping for a rugged adventure with the copious shoe-sucking, tacky and deep mud this course is infamous for. In fact, I was disappointed when I did course recon a month prior and found it dry. I am a harsh environment specialist and relish challenging terrain/weather. Luckily, weeks of daily rain followed allowing a substantial amount of mud to develop on the course. Race day did not disappoint!
  • Running in my home state: Cowboys at aid stations. Bears foraging in the meadows. Elk bugling on the hills. I simply love the wild landscape and culture of Wyoming.
  • My crew/pacer: Prior to this race, I only had complete pacer/crew support for one event which happened to also be my first 100 mile race several years ago. I don’t think I fully understood how to utilize support back then. More or less, I wanted to continue making decisions for myself during that race as long as I was conscious and did not give my team much control. I approached Bighorn differently. I explained my goals to my one-man crew/pacer ahead of time and noted the sections where I would likely need him to be extra firm with me. Then, during Bighorn 100, I let go of control and put 100% of my trust in him. The result was this unique synergy that only happens when the crew/pacer is totally in tune with their runner during a race. He guided me along the fine edge of pushing myself harder than I thought I was capable of without allowing me to blow up. In fact, he paced me so flawlessly that crossing the finish line was the exact moment I felt like I had nothing left.

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

I could have done without the insane amount of poison ivy on the course this year. It was especially dense and thick along the trail due to the generous rainfall and I happen to be extremely allergic.

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

Nothing really weird about the race that I can think of. I’m likely weird though for loving the mud so much!

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

I made the transition from running ultras to racing ultras this year. I hoped to place in the top ten women and front of the pack overall going into this event. Even more importantly though, my ultimate goal was to execute a calculated and patient performance strategically utilizing my love of gnarly conditions to my advantage and arrive at the finish line with absolutely nothing left. I also wanted to be a cooperative athlete while being crewed so that I could turn off my brain and save the mental energy for when I was alone on the course. Finally, I was determined to put full trust in my pacer for the last 18-miles. I wanted to commit myself to doing minimal thinking during that section and just be along for the ride.

I was near the front of the line when the gun went off at 9am. The stampede of runners flying down the road was outstanding and fast! Tempting as it was to maintain a front of the pack position, I let myself casually drift to somewhere in the middle. My place would not be secured in the first 10 miles after all and I insisted on running my own race no matter what went on around me.

I immediately jumped into the very first mud puddle I saw instead of running around it. I saw no reason on delaying the inevitable. Embrace the mud! Many repeat racers commented that this was the muddiest they had ever seen the course. Typically, the mud is in sections… this year the sections merged into each other! I ran for months in wet shoes on purpose and always chose muddy, sloppy trails for training whenever possible. By the time I arrived at Bighorn mud was a standard surface for me. I continued to always travel straight through the middle of the sloppy, muddy mess for the duration of the race. I find freedom and delight moving through unforgiving landscapes and enjoy discovering how to work with harsh environments instead of against them. I held onto this mindset and, though I did get annoyed with how slow I had to maneuver in two sections, the conditions never overwhelmed me with negatively.

I think this positive outlook allowed me to endure and, ultimately, pass people. As the sun began to sink behind the limestone cliffs, I passed through the group I’d been leap-frogging with since the beginning of the race and never saw them again. I later learned that when I reached my crew/pacer at Jaws (mile 48.5) I’d moved to 15th female. Overnight I did nothing but focus on nutrition, hydration and efficient movement. I also noted, to my surprise, that for the first time I didn’t get cold at night. Typically, my body stops being able to maintain temperature. Unbeknownst to me, by the time I reached Dry Fork (mile 82) I’d moved into the position of 6th female.

When I arrived at Dry Fork inbound the mental part of my race was over. No more decision making. I put all my trust in my pacer. My only job was to follow him. We left right when the Bighorn 18-Miler race gun went off! Suddenly, the course was awash with 300+ fresh 18-mile racers bounding up a big hill. I got a bit competitive seeing all these fleet-footed short distance runners. I wanted to keep up! I think my pacer sensed this spark and we took off. As I ran over the rugged landscape my pacer pushed me to keep pace with the short distance runners. This was pleasant on the single/and double track where the course rolled and plunged down descents. I love that kind of terrain! However, the last part of the course is a 5-mile-long hard packed dirt road that slopes gently, but very notability, uphill. This, naturally, is my least favorite terrain to run! Before the race I warned my pacer that I would want to walk this portion and that he was not to allow it. Keeping to our agreement, my pacer got every last drop of energy that remained out of me on that 5-mile section. Determined not to be dropped, I kicked hard and chased him up the road. He coaxed me into running speedy surges uphill and challenged me to pass 18-mile runners ahead of me. The final quarter mile was an all-out sprint to the finish (well it felt like a sprint for me). Running down the final chute I felt like I might throw up and I really, really, really hoped I wouldn’t! The exact moment I crossed the finish line is the moment I drained the tank. I was told I looked okay approaching the finish and then horrendous once I crossed. That’s pretty much exactly how I felt!

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

My musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems held up very well during the race. I cannot say the same for the skin on my lower legs! Throughout the duration of the course, I would splash though mud which would cling to my legs and then dry up. After a few layers of mud adhered to my legs it felt like I was wearing a compression sleeve that was two sizes too small when the mud was dry. This was because the clay-based mud was literally sucking all of the moisture out of my skin. Eventual mud removal at the end of the race revealed that all the skin on my lower legs had cracked and I was covered in thousands of thin cuts! I have never seen anything like it! I’m guessing this could have been avoided by wearing tall socks or frequently cleaning my legs at aid stations. Personally, if I did it again, I wouldn’t change anything though. The discomfort was more of a mild annoyance than overwhelming and, for me, it was more important to keep moving.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

This lesson goes for pretty much every race I run: I need to learn to be comfortable carrying less nutrition. I always pack way too much extra since I do not eat aid station food.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Expect mud and embrace the mud! No matter how much you try to avoid it, you will get dirty during this race. There is also the possibility of encountering moose, bears and elk along the way. These animals have young this time of year and can be aggressively protective. Keep a safe distance and do not try to bypass these animals at close range. I recommend not using ear buds of any kind during this race to maintain wildlife sound awareness.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

June is wildflower season in Wyoming! There’s plenty of frolicking through “Sound of Music” meadows adored with balsamroot, lupine, blue bells and an assortment of other flora. The limestone cliffs in Little Bighorn and Tongue River Canyons are also a majestic sight to behold. There is absolutely no shortage of wild beauty on this course!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes. This course is pure mountain running on mostly very technical and primitive trails in harsh conditions. This is also a higher attitude race with about 20,000ft of vert to contend with.

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

I felt like the race was dialed from check in to the finish. This was the 30th running of Bighorn and they have things figured out!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes! Several elite runners participated in the 52 and 100 mile distances of the event.

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 100 and 52 mile versions of Bighorn fill very fast each year. I suggest early registration to ensure a spot. The Bighorn Trail Run is a major event in the region for not only the runners, but locals well. There is a festival like quality to both the pre-race meeting and finish line. Therefore, I suggest also booking accommodations as early as possible as well.

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

Standard aid station fare along with Tailwind. Some aid stations are run by wranglers who serve up bacon and other western cuisine.

Weather and typical race conditions

This race has the potential to be extremely hot. Even if the temperature is mild the high elevation and exposed terrain can make it feel much warmer. In fact, I did a sauna heat training intervention to prepare. Of course, race day was mostly cloudy and had a chance of rain, snow, hail and lightning. The lesson here is that WY weather is variable and can change in the blink of an eye no matter what is predicted. Conditions can go from delightfully sunny to rain, hail, snow, wind, lightening and freezing temperatures at any time of the year. You can get all of these in a one-hour period sometimes!

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

I smeared IvyX Post Contact, which is a poison ivy barrier gel, on my legs three times along the course. I also carried and used IvyX cleansing wipes. I am 100% certain I had contact with poison ivy, but these products prevented a reaction… or the mud did!

Gaiters are also a necessity to keep out all the mud… or at least keep some of it! No matter what mud is going to get into your shoes to some extent. Moisture and mud do not affect my feet negatively, but not everyone is so fortunate. Have the products necessary for YOU to deal with moisture and mud on race day.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

The race start is accessible to spectators if they take the shuttle. The finish at Scott Park in Dayton is probably the best place for friends and family to cheer on runners though. There is a large festival at the finish-line with food, vendors and a live band. Note that parking is very limited.

How’s the Swag?

I have never gotten so much swag at a race before! Of course, there was the standard race shirt. However, we also received a Bighorn themed cooler bag, scarf, socks, beanie, food vouchers and soft cup.

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

10/10 for this amazing, rugged adventure!

Coach Dandelion is a running coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.

Photo: Mile 90 Photography