Indiana 100k Race Report – Emily Morrison

August 11, 2020November 3, 2018

Race: Indiana 100k

Runner: Emily Morrison

Race Date: 10/13/2018

Location: Albion, Indiana

Results: 18:33:40

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

The course was very pretty
Excellent aid stations, volunteers and RD
Looped course

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

It was about 2.5hrs from the airport but the actual race was great!

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

Nothing weird that I noticed, but this was my first 100k so I don’t have much to compare it to

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

With very little trail access in my area of Delaware or hills, I think I navigated and prepared for this race as best as I could. I was never hungry or dehydrated, no stomach issues etc. I paced myself and tried to stay as positive as I could even though it took me longer then I expected due to a nasty blister on my foot that needed attending to after the 2nd lap. I was by myself most of the time but never got discouraged and was determined to finish. My whole goal was to see if I could complete the mileage and within the cutoff time, and I did both so that’s a success in my book!

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

We flew into Indianapolis airport but it was about a 2.5hr drive away. There weren’t a ton of hotels nearby so we rented an Airbnb about 15 minutes away from the course and it was perfect! They have a FB page which was outstanding! Lots of support from the RD and other runners, especially for a newbie like me. They treated you like family. It’s a 20 mile looped course, plus an extra 2 mile section for the 100k runners. They had the option of 50 mile, 100k and 100 mile distances and it’s also a Western States qualifying course. Plenty of rolling hills and a mix of terrain. For those with hill experience it wouldn’t be bad at all; about 4,500ft elevation gain for the 100k according to my strava. There was plenty of space for crew members and pacers, and the volunteers were amazing! I wasn’t disappointed at all! The weather could vary – we started in the 30s, got into the low 50s during the day and back into the 30s at night. Luckily it didn’t rain during the race because I was told from previous runners that it gets very slippery! We had to be careful of frost on some of the bridges in the morning and a few mud puddles from rain the night before, but nothing major. Just be prepared for any type of weather!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

This was the longest distance I’ve ever run so I learned a lot. It was the first time I’d gotten a blister but with the help of others, we got it fixed. I never ran in the woods at night during training so that was a shocker! My headlamp was good but I’d definitely invest in a brighter one for future races. Cell service was very spotty. The aid stations had a great variety, even gluten free and vegan options, but I had trained my gut to eat so luckily I didn’t have any issues.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s a 20 mile looped course. They said 1,200 ft of elevation gain per loop (my strava and garmin calculated more). Mix of terrain but for most people it would be considered pretty non-technical I’d think. Very few paved sections, but a mix of single track and normal trail.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

I thought it was! There was a lake you ran around and the leaves were starting to turn colors. About the best you’re going to get from Indiana that time of year.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It was slightly difficult for me due to where I live, but for anyone used to running trails regularly I don’t think it was that difficult.

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

Absolutely well-oiled machine!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Not super strong but then again I’m a mid to back of the pack runner so I’m not positive

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 was a pretty easy process. Hardest part was finding a decent place to stay but even that wasn’t too bad.

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

Excellent aid stations every 3-5.5 miles. Plenty of food options, the volunteers were great and very upbeat! Always cheering you on! One even helped me with my blister until I could get to my crew.

Weather and typical race conditions

30s-50s but could vary with it being in October. This is the first year they held it in the Fall vs Spring but it looks like it’ll be staying a Fall race

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

Nothing in particular. It might’ve been different if there was rain. Normal gear and clothes for different types of weather

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Other then seeing my family at the start/finish line where they set up, and volunteers at the aid stations, you really didn’t see anyone else

How’s the Swag?

Awesome! We got a nice lightweight jacket, a winter hat and some other little things in our bag. The jacket is very nice, though!

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

I highly recommend this race even though it’s kind of in the middle of nowhere! Already contemplating going back and trying to do the 100 miler next year. 5 stars from me!

Emily Morrison is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with Coach Emily, check out her coaching page.

Bandera 100k Race Reports and Info

December 15, 2021October 31, 2018

Summary: Taking place in the self-proclaimed, “Cowboy Capital of the US,” the Bandera 100k always brings a fast crowd because it’s a Western States Golden Ticket Race. The most often mentioned feature of the race is the plant life along the trail, which promises to bite, scratch, and sting. The terrain is varied, with few switchbacks and lots of short, steep, climbs and descents, along with rocks and plenty of runnable trails along the way. The 100k distance runs two 50k loops and there is a 50k and 25k race as well.

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

Cupless event so make sure you have your own cup/water bottle, but they will have cups for hot food
TX winter weather is incredibly unpredictable – bring several clothing options no matter what the forecast says leading up to it
In more years than not, race reports talk about it being cold, at least in the morning and evening
There is an out and back section early on, so be prepared to pass runners going the other way, particularly the faster folk out front, as this race draws fast runners
Climbs are short and steep, many with loose rocks, so have good shoes and be patient
You run through some deep trenches (3-4 feet), so a bit different compared to other trail races
The Enchanted Forest looks cool in pics, but it also looks difficult with the shadows that the leafless trees cast on the ground – be careful with footing, especially since there are lots of rocks
You can hear the finish line when you still have one more climb left, so be prepared for that and not discouraged with it happens (twice!)
Rocks, rocks, rocks. If you stop paying attention, you will likely clip a toe and fall!
TONS of intersections, so know the course, know what markings to look for, and pay attention and don’t just follow who is ahead of you.
Lots of sunshine and exposure on the course – wear a hat and sunglasses
First 5 miles and last 5 miles of each loop are some of the hardest sections due to climbing
Patience is huge with a two lap course – lots of people don’t leave anything for lap #2
The trails are still quite technical even though they are runnable, and the climbs are short, steep pop ups, but they wear you down
Consider wearing knee-high compression socks or long pants if it’s cold or because of the sotol cactus plants alongside the trail
That being said, the sotol is fairly hard to avoid, so embrace the pain!
You can go from super techy to suddenly very fast and flowy, so being able to transition gears is big.
Compared to 2016, the current course is about 1.8 miles longer with an extra 1500 feet of vert, so expect some slightly slower times.

Elevation

Total gain/loss: 6500,6500 (estimate based on several Strava activities)

Ft/mile gain: 104.8

Total climbs: N/A, the entire thing is rolling with gains anywhere from 50-350 feet at a time, but they feel relentless

Course Map/Elevation profile (Old elevation profile with new one still in the works, but still similar to the current course)

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 11 plus start/finish

Furthest distance apart: 6.58 miles (twice)

Locations: Miles 4.7, 11.3, 16.3, 22.2, 26.5, 31.4 (start/finish), 36, 42.6, 47.6, 53.6, 57.8

What’s available: In addition to typical aid station fare of salty and sweet foods, they offer Tailwind and Saltstick. See this page for more info on what’s typically available and special foods for hot/cold weather.

Aid Station Chart

Crew access

Access Locations: All aid stations, though parking is only available at the Lodge, which is the start/finish and halfway point. No vehicles at other aid stations; walk, bike or run there.

Crew instructions/directions: See Hill Country State Natural Area Map

Pacers

Allowed after runners complete one 50k loop

Race qualifiers

Western States Golden Ticket Race

Western States qualifier (under 17 hours)

Race reports

Hoka Bandera 25k Race Report – Frank Fisher

Race: Hoka Bandera Endurance Event 25k Runner: Coach Frank FisherRace Date: 01/08/2023 Location: Bandera, TX Results: 18th, 2:26:31 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/8360705673/overview 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? It's a super cool weekend with the 100k being a Golden Ticket race, so the ...

Bandera 100k Race Report – Ricke Harris

Race: Hoka Bandera 100K Runner: Ricke Harris Race Date: 01/09/2021 Location: Bandera, TX Results: 15:17:15 Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/Lm0OWzDcedb 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? COURSE - The beautiful vistas and challenging terrain. Two loops with a lot of rocks and steep climbs ...

Bandera 100K Race Report – Rick H

Race: Bandera 100K Runner: Rick H Race Date: 01/11/2020 Location: Hill Country State Natural Area, Bandera, TX Results: 15:54:31 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/3004736853 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Challenging course. Beautiful landscape. Positive volunteers and well-supported. Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t ...

Bandera 100k Race Report – Olin Berger

Race: Bandera 100k Runner: Olin Berger Race Date: 01/05/2019 Location: Camp Eagle, Texas Results: 13 OA, 9:59:51 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2062630903 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Set in beautiful hill country Great course markings and use of a small space for a ...

Strava activities and GPX files

https://www.strava.com/activities/1344423001

Race Website

https://www.tejastrails.com/#/bandera/

Thinking about running an ultra? Check out our 7 steps to get started!

CCC 100k Race Report – Matt Urbanski

August 10, 2020September 16, 2018

Race: CCC 100k

Runner: Matt Urbanski

Race Date: 08/31/2018

Location: Chamonix, France

Results: 57th OA, 13:43

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1811017979

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

They put on an amazing event for the entire week. They make everyone feel special, the event feels special, it’s such a cool thing to be part of.
It’s gorgeous! Seriously, the mountains here are just amazing!
The competition. There are so many good racers from all over the world, and not just in the marquee UTMB event. I love being part of events where the best people in the world show up.

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

I literally can’t think of anything I don’t like about the event.

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

The required gear list is hefty. Thankfully, I didn’t need hardly any of the gear, but it’s a bit abnormal compared to most races I do to be forced to lug a bunch of stuff around the mountains with me. Not complaining, but it’s a unique aspect of the race. https://utmbmontblanc.com/en/page/143/Mandatoryequipment.html

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

I managed my race well. I only had one low point (the climb out of Trient). I stayed positive, focused, in the moment, and I enjoyed this race, while still working hard and putting forth my best effort. I’m proud of this because managing effort and keeping positive for this long on such a demanding course is no small feat!

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

So much climbing! (and descending!) Relentless. Be ready for the climbs, be good at powering up, and efficient going down.
Have your gear dialed in. It’s important to have all the equipment, but it was obvious that some people focused on being more streamlined than others. I think this is worth the time and money investment.
Respect the altitude. It’s not a super high up race, topping out just over 8000′, but if you’re not training at those elevations, they can impact your race. Combine that with all the steep climbing which can jack up your HR and your effort and you can easily be going out way too hard way too soon. Oh yeah, and there will be hundreds of people hurrying up that first climb, making you feel like you need to as well. Respect the course, and manage your effort well early on.
Fuel well. It’s not a fast 100k and people are out there for 20+ hours. Calorie burn can be high given the climbing. Eat.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Keep getting better at climbing. Damn those climbs get tiring. I used poles this year and wow what an impact it had! I felt stronger on the ups, and more stable and able to go faster on the downs. I have room to improve on all this and will have to if I will climb up the rankings, but with more work on it and using poles, it can be done.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The race starts uphill immediately. It’s on road for maybe a couple miles, and then goes to single track. Decide where you want to be in the line. Know people go out hard. But also know that you can get really slowed down if you don’t go hard early. Tough decision; I think I made the right call to be conservative, but I did that first climb slower than I would have overall had I not been in the conga line.
The climb out of Trient is so freaking steep! When I scroll over the grade on this one, I see numbers in the 30-40% range and one mile of that segment on Strava shows a 1358′ gain for one mile! It is the only hill that really kicked my ass. The course was slightly different than it was two years ago so maybe it’ll be different next time around too, but that one was tough!
Keep your legs. There are runnable sections in the middle of the race. Put yourself in a position to be passing people and running well when the course permits.
There is a ton of downhill. Of course it’s fun to bomb downhill, just know that there is A LOT of it, so be cautious about blowing up your quads.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Gorgeous. One of my favorite places to run in the world.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

I find climbing/descending to be tough. The course isn’t super technical relative to some races, but it’s trail and there are some slow sections. It’s a tough run!

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

Amazing. Simple answer; they have this down!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

The best in the world.

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.

You have to collect points. You then enter a lottery (can be bypassed if your ITRA ranking is high enough).
Book lodging early b/c there are 10,000 runners coming to Chamonix for this week, along with their friends and family. The area is well equipped but probably good to book early, especially if you want to be in Chamonix near all the action.

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

Normal fare, I think. I rarely eat from aid stations. They’re well organized and a huge production at UTMB.

Inside the Champex Lac aid stationWeather and typical race conditions

It can be hot, cold, rain, snow. They make sure you have the gear for any of it. They will also make course changes last minute if there is reason to. Be flexible, be adaptable.

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

Definitely. Check out the required gear list above. My poles (Black Diamond Carbon Distance Z) were my favorite piece of gear this year. I used the Hoka Speedgoats 2 and loved them for this race.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yep! For the aid stations, you are only allowed one specified crew person in the crew tent, so no setting up the picnic blankets and hanging out like we do in the States. But the tents are huge, the whole scene is well organized. My wife and 2.5 year old son have fun there!

How’s the Swag?

It was good this year. Nice t-shirt, a nice finisher’s vest.

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

I love this race! I am already excited to go back someday! 5 out of 5 stars!

CCC 100k Race Report – Stephanie G

August 10, 2020September 15, 2018

Race: CCC 100k

Runner: Stephanie G

Race Date: 08/31/2018

Location: Chamonix, France

Results: 17:50:02, 26th female, 283rd overall

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1811088350/overview

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

The atmosphere – wow, what a scene! Chamonix was packed for days and the whole thing felt like a giant running party (those are things, right?)
The course – beautiful even when surrounded by clouds. I would love to see the whole thing in the light.
Organization – a race that big needs to be organized, and they have everything down

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?

Probably how big it is for a trail race!

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

I ate and drank really well during the whole race. This has been an issue in previous longer races, so I was very happy with this. I think intentionally eating more during training really helped.
I ended up positioning myself really well at the beginning of the race so that the part of the conga line I was in during the initial 6 mile/4500′ climb was moving at a great pace for me.
I held out long enough during a down period for my energy to come back around and had a great last 1/3rd of the race.
I steadily moved up in position throughout almost the entire race.

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

I should have looked at where the aid stations were prior to the race. There were longer gaps between some of them than I had anticipated, and sometimes I’d assume I was coming up on one, and it would turn out to just be a checkpoint. I never ran out of anything, but it played some mental tricks on me!
Lots of steep climbing! But also, there is a lot of runnable trail. I was actually surprised at how much.
I didn’t really notice anywhere to change at aid stations, so be prepared to strip in the tent if you want to put on new clothes for the night.
No option for having drop bags at aid stations.
Don’t get too comfy in those nice warm aid stations!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I can eat cheese during races! And I can eat a lot of it.
A lesson learned time and again – things rarely just keep getting worse. For quite a while during miles in the 30s I thought I was going to be relegated to a 2mph pace for the rest of the race. But, surprise! Things turned around and I felt pretty great for the last 20 or so miles.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

As mentioned, lots of climbing. Also lots of rocks. The last decent is also quite technical and I felt like I was going over a cliff at first!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes! And likely even prettier on a day with better weather.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

I’d say so.

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

They’ve done this a few times.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Not as strong as the main event, but impressive nonetheless

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.

You need to have enough points from other races to be entered in the lottery, and then be successful in the lottery. I found a place to stay just outside of town fairly easily, and while it wasn’t in the middle of all the fun, it was a great escape from the craziness in town.

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

I think they were standard for European aid stations. The usual coke, chips, oranges, bananas, broth. Many snack products that I didn’t recognize, and also a ton of meat, cheese and bread.

Weather and typical race conditions

It seems to vary a lot, even within the race. We had a very nice start and then wind and rain. The rain thankfully eventually stopped.

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

There’s a list of required gear. It can seem kind of overwhelming, but in the end it’s not that much stuff, and I think I used all the required clothing except for gloves. I’d definitely recommend poles.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

It didn’t seem like the easiest to navigate, but there were definitely lots of people everywhere!

How’s the Swag?

Short sleeve tech shirt and this year a finisher vest – both nice.

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

All the stars. It was definitely a great experience!

Bigfoot 100k Race Report – Delaney H

August 9, 2020August 21, 2018

Race: Bigfoot 100k

Runner: Delaney H

Race Date: 08/10/2018

Location: Cougar, Washington

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

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

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

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

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s amazing!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

So hard!

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

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

Competition – Is there a strong field?

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

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

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

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

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

Weather and typical race conditions

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

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

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

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

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

How’s the Swag?

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

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

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

Miwok 100k Race Report – Jeff K

August 13, 2020May 10, 2018

Race: Miwok 100K

Name: Jeff K

Date: 05/05/2018

Location: Stinson Beach, CA

Results: 12:42

Strava Activity Link:
https://www.strava.com/activities/1552378707

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

For me, Miwok ranks up there with the best ultras I have ever done. The course itself is simply phenomenal. It has climbing, open spaces with awesome views, forests, coastline sections where are so close you can taste the pacific salty air. The list goes on and on. It is a 100K and a qualifier for Western States, but you do have to work for it.
The race director, Tia Bodington , is a local to the area. She has RD’d it for many years and really knows how to make the race special. From the route itself to the awesome swag that you get at the end. This year the shirts were from the company Rabbit who makes killer stuff that I actually buy.
There seems to be a lot of runners who come back to Miwok year after year. It is a friendly bunch.

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

The only downside of Miwok is that can be logistically hard for getting to the start line and for your crew to maneuver around. The race starts early at 5AM . Unless you are staying in Stinson Beach, you may have to leave in the middle of the night to get there. On weekends, the are super crowded with people coming to the beaches from nearby San Fran and Oakland. If you have a crew traveling between the aid stations they might find it takes several hours just to go a short distance.

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

There are a couple aid stations that you go through twice. Because of the time of day and the approach you hit them, they appear totally different. I was at one going “wow this place looks strangely familiar…”

Also, something about the course seems to change every year, either by re-route or switching directions.

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

It is still dark when the race starts and the first 2 miles are a climb. After about 2 miles when you get to the top, there was a bagpiper on a crest in full kilt attire playing and is silhouetted by the sun just beginning to break. It was simply amazing and really got me into the running groove.
The first 50K of this race then goes through some really interesting terrain. We passed through a eucalyptus forest. There is also a place early in the course where we passed through a farm called the Zen Garden. (I think it was part of the re-routing and the owners of it must have worked out a deal with Tia). It made me envision the original Woodstock where the owner of the farm proclaimed something like “If 475 young people want to get together and run a 100K through my yard, then God bless you for it”
The weather stayed in the 60’s mostly and I found that I could keep running (mostly) up until the next to the last aid station at mile 49. Things got difficult at that point and my hip started acting up to where it was really uncomfortable to put any weight on it. Once I made it up the climb back to the ridge, I was luckily that it was flat enough to keep moving through the single-track in the tall grass. But, once I hit the downhill sections for the last 3 miles that was pretty much it for me and It seemed like I got passed by like 15 or more runners who were trying to hit their time goals. That didn’t really matter to me because I had such a great time running it.

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

This race has a tight cutoff for a 100K with over 10K of vert. Canyons, which is similar, allows for 18 hours (maybe more) and this one is 15:30. You need to practice sustainability to ensure you can go the distance.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I had a bout of injuries this year and didn’t get what I thought was a proper training cycle. If you are a trail runner already, it is certainly possible to complete the race, but if you want to really do well and PR, the more training on hills uphill/downhill to get those quads in shape will help you.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

If the course runs in the same direction as this year (2018) then know you will have to deal with the monotonous grass section on very narrow single-track with a slight camber, but a lot of the later miles will be shaded.

If it reverses, the later stages will be out in the open areas and it can get hot and you can get sunburned. No matter which direction it does go, you will always have a 2 mile descent that is pretty steep so think about preserving your quads.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Absolutely.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes. It has 11,000 total vertical feet. No matter how aesthetically pretty this race is, this makes it tough.

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

Totally well run

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes. There are some really strong runners in this race year after year. It is kind of like Chuckanut

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 lottery, but there is a very high likelihood you will get in. That could change if its popularity increases.

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

This race tries to be zero waste and they do a really good job. That means they don’t have any packaged gels, blocks, etc. They have the standard ultra aid station fare. Otherwise, it is BYOGU. They also don’t have cups so you just use your bottle for a shot of mountain dew.

I think that it is do-able to take a single 20 ounce bottle for the first half of the race. This year I stayed with one bottle and there were a couple times where I drained it completely about a mile out from the next station. If the weather was warmer, I would have definitely picked up a second bottle to carry for the second half.

Weather and typical race conditions

It can vary. This year it was nice. In 2014, it was in the upper 80’s.

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

The majority of the trails are non-technical or fire roads and unless they have had rainstorms there isn’t any mud. Therefore you can do the race in about any type of shoe.

How’s the Swag?

Great

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

5 out of 5. Go run it!

The Canyons 25k/100k Race Reports and Info

January 7, 2022February 19, 2018

Quick Summary: The Canyons 100K is a double out-and-back course based in Foresthill CA with a start-finish-village at the old Foresthill Elementary School. It is run mostly on single-track, on the historical Western States Trail, running scenic and challenging sections of trail along familiar WS100 course highlights like Swinging Bridge and Rucky Chuck River. The 25k is also an out and back course which doesn’t quite reach the canyons, but with 3500 feet of elevation gain, is still a challenging course on beautiful trails.

Race Details

Detailed course description – 100k:

Starting out on the road from Foresthill, runners pick up single track at 1.5 miles as they drop into Volcano Canyon.
Then runners have a sharp climb followed by rollers to Michigan Bluff at mile 6.2
Next is a nearly 3 mile, 1800 ft drop down El Dorado Canyon at mile 9.
The biggest climb of 2500 feet is next until mile 13.5.
After passing by Devil’s Thumb runners will plunge down the extremely steep and twisting descent of 1700 feet in 1.5 miles to the Swinging Bridge at the turn around.
Turn around and head back the same way to Foresthill.
From Foresthill runners are on another short road section before getting on single track again. A steep descent and several creek crossings lead up to mile 35.5.
The trail rolls until hitting a very steep “elevator shaft” descent prior to Cal2 at mile 40.5. Runners should fill up here, as it’s almost 8 miles to Rucky Chucky and the turn around at mile 47.8 in what is likely the heat of the day.
Cal Street to Rucky Chucky is the fastest 16-mile section of the WS Trail, but runners need to save energy for the climb back to the finish after turning around at Rucky Chucky.

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

It gets very hot in the canyons and as the day progresses, especially on the long sections without aid
Use the creek crossings and the river to cool off
Take advantage of the sponges with cold water at the aid stations to cool off
The first 50k has more, steeper climbs and more technical terrain than the second 50k (and has 9,000 feet of gain vs. 5000 in the second half)
First creek crossing is in the dark
Quads tend to get beat up by the downhills in the first half of the race
Tough climbing in the darkness once the sun sets
Poison oak on the course
Trekking poles can be really helpful in the first half of the race
Weather is typically hot but also need to be ready for cool and rainy, which could drastically change gear and nutrition choices along the way
Climbing feels relentless throughout the entire day
Train for being able to hike and climb, and then switch right back into running gear for flats and downs, and smaller inclines
Train with fully loaded pack and bottles. When you come out of an aid station with two full bottles and ice in your pack, you feel really weighed down.
Save enough energy for the second half of the course, as it has some more runnable sections than the first

Coach Riccardo Tortini rockin the Canyons course

Elevation

Total gain/loss: (25k) 3,500/3,500 and (100k) 15,000/15,000

Total climbs: 25k has 1×750, 1×1500, and countless rollers

100k:

1x2500ft

5×1000-1500ft

Countless rollers and 100-500 ft gains

25k: Maps/Elevation

100k: Maps/Elevation

Aid stations

25k: 2 aid stations at miles 3.1 (water only) and 8 (gels, chews, electrolytes)

100k:

Total aid stations: 12

Furthest distance apart: 7.3 (twice)

Locations: 6.2, 9, 13.5, 18.5, 23, 25.8, 32, 35.5, 40.5, 47.8, 55.1, 60.1

What’s available: Ultrarunner favorites including GU gels and chews, Gu Roctane Summit Tea energy drink, water, Trail Butter, PB&J sandwiches, Coke, Sprite, fresh fruit, potatoes, and salty & sweet snacks. If it’s a hot day, it can get very hot in the canyons, and the race recommends that you carry a minimum of 2 water bottles or a hydration pack.

Crew access

Allowed at Foresthill, which is the start, finish, and the halfway point (miles 0, 32, and 63.6), and at Rucky Chucky (47.8). There is a day-use fee collected by State Parks at Rucky Chucky. The road down to Rucky Chucky is steep, rocky, and a bit dicey for smaller cars, so you may not want to make the trip down there, as it’s not for the fainthearted or for the less agile car.

Pacers

25k: None

100k: Runners leaving Rucky Chucky (mile 47.8) after 6pm may have a safety runner.

Race Qualifiers

UTMB: 3 stones

Western States (finish under 18 hours)

Race reports

The Canyons Endurance Run 100k Race Report – Pavel Ivanov

Race: The Canyons Endurance Run 100K Runner: Pavel Ivanov Race Date: 04/23/2022 Location: Auburn, CA Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=89063 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7034313399 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The course is amazing. Spectacular views of the canyons, the American River and other water features ...

Canyons 100k Race Report – Jeff K

Race: Canyons 100K Runner: Jeff K Race Date: 04/27/2019 Location: Foresthill, CA Results: 13:20 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? I like this race because mostly because it is on the iconic Western States trail and it is also a Western States Qualifier. If ...

Canyons 100k Race Report – Jeff K

Race: Canyons 100K Runner: Jeff K Date: 4/29/17 Location: Foresthill, CA Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/963772549 Results – 14th out of 326 starters with a time of 12:34 in the official results. This was my second race at a 100K distance and got a PR (previously was Miwok with 13:01) 3 Bests – ...

Canyons 100k – Josh B

Race: The Canyons 100k – http://www.runcanyons.com/ Runner: Josh B Date: 5/7/2016 Location: Foresthill CA- Western States Trail Results – Dropped at 75k. 3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most Course- I chose this race because it was on the Western States Trail and was not disappointed with ...

Strava activities and GPX files

https://www.strava.com/activities/963772549

https://www.strava.com/activities/568897567/overview

https://www.strava.com/activities/569721853/overview

Race Website

http://www.runcanyons.com/

Need help training for an ultra? Check out our awesome coaches.

Conquer the Castle 100k Race Report – Mark Cliggett

August 10, 2020December 4, 2017

Race: Conquer The Castle 100k

Runner: Mark Cliggett

Date: 11/11/2017

Location: Cleveland, OH

Results: Just under 15 hours

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1284555983

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

The volunteers at east coast races are just as stellar as the volunteers at west coast races.
This is a small park and yet they fit in a very fun, interesting 16 mile loop.
The finishers medals are handmade by the race director.

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

The race starts at noon – good in some ways for someone traveling from the left coast, but it means you finish in the wee hours.

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

I didn’t fall! Last year, I fell and ended up with a nasty cut just under my eye. It was beautiful at times, with a light snow falling in the light of my headlamp.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Be ready to run through leaves hiding roots.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It is deceptively hard even though there’s only about 5000 feet of climbing – lots of roots, constant up and down. The winner finished in about 11 hours. Oh, and the same winner just measured the course with a wheel and it’s closer to 67 miles than 62.

Full race report and more photos at: https://pointlenana.wordpress.com/2017/12/02/conquer-the-castle-then-take-the-crooked-road/

Black Canyons 100k – Jeff U

August 9, 2020March 7, 2017

Race: Black Canyons 100k – http://aravaiparunning.com/network/blackcanyon/

Runner: Jeff Urbanski

Date: 2/18/17

Location: Mayer, AZ

Results – 11:38:45

Pre-race dinner with Jeff, Josh and Daisy, all in the 100k race

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

Aravaipa put on another great race. They communicated the alternate course change well in advance and managed to run everything smoothly given the weather challenges. I have been pleased with both BC100k and Javalina.

The aid stations were well stocked throughout the race and the volunteers were super helpful.

The crew was solid! It was great seeing Matt, Julie, Paavo, Daisy and Josh at various points on the course.

Julie and Paavo crewing in the rain. Nothing stops us!

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

I know it was the alternate course (so this wouldn’t happen with the normal course), but I didn’t love the out and back on single track. It makes for a lot of getting off the trail, stopping, restarting, etc.

It was tough to get in a rhythm with the snaking nature of a lot of the course. There were very few parts, partially due to the mud, that allowed for smooth comfortable running.

I fell for the first time in a race! Not cool. What not to do – don’t be worried about how you’re going to pass someone on single track and then eat it 🙂

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

This race takes you to the middle of nowhere desert which can lead one to wonder, “who actually lives out here”.

We were definitely in the middle of nowhere!

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

I was pleased that I was able to stay positive throughout the race. My energy was fairly low much earlier in the race than I expected, but I was able to maintain a similar level of hurt for a long period of time and just get through it.

Given the rain and muddy trails, I was worried my feet would get torn up during the race. Using my drop bags, I was able to change my socks multiple times as well as my shoes to avoid any blisters.

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

Be prepared for anything with this race. Make sure you have gear for both hot and cold temperatures. Running in the desert without cover is always an adventure, so do yourself a favor and bring whatever you can to make things easier on yourself.

Don’t get too worked up about things you can’t control. The weather and the course change were not exactly optimal, but it’s helpful to just be able to roll with it without stressing too much.

Taking time to check on Paavo in the rain

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Don’t be in a hurry. I tucked into a group on one of the technical sections on the way out, and I think it saved me from myself. I was worried about going out too fast given the steady downhill on the front half, and this helped save my legs for the way back.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Single track starts pretty early in the race, so it helps to be closer to the front if you’re really looking to be competitive. With the alternate course, it would help to be closer to the front to ensure you don’t have to hop off the trail as much for those on their way back.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

It was cloudy and foggy for much of the race, but there were a few times when everything cleared up. Given the rain this winter, there was a lot of green with pretty views.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

There wasn’t much elevation change, so from that perspective the course wasn’t too tough. As previously mentioned, it wasn’t very easy to get into a groove and just bang out the miles.

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

I was very pleased with how well the race was run. It can’t be easy making the call to completely change the course and everything else with it. I was impressed with how Aravaipa communicated all of the changes and made everything happen.

Competition – is there a strong field?

I’m not exactly a front runner, so it’s hard for me to say. There were some solid times, particularly given the conditions, so it was a decently strong field. People wanted their WS100 golden tickets!

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 is typically a point to point course, so you have to decide if you want a hotel near the start or finish. In this case it ended up being an out and back from the original start, so the idea of having our hotel near the original finish went out the window. In general, the race isn’t too far outside of Phoenix, so all in all it was pretty straightforward.

Aid Stations

The aid stations were well stocked. I’m wheat intolerant, and upon mentioning that they quickly offered to make me quesadillas with corn tortillas instead. They were roughly 5-7 miles apart, and the volunteers were great.

Weather and typical race conditions –

Last year it was really hot – this year it was really wet (and cold for me – 40’s the whole way).

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

I know of a number of people that dropped due to the cold. I was super happy that I decided to bring multiple pairs of gloves, hats and arm sleeves. This saved me since I don’t own a wet weather running jacket.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

There were a handful of aid stations that allowed for crew. This isn’t a course that brings out the spectators throughout though.

Awards –

I got a buckle for the 100k finish as well as a drinking glass. The top finishers got their WS100 golden tickets.

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

This is a 5 out of 5 if for no other reason than the race directors. I have to believe there would have been smoother running and pretty views if it hadn’t been pouring the whole time.

Waldo 100k – Josh B

August 15, 2020January 10, 2017

Race: Waldo 100k – http://waldo100k.org/

Runner: Josh B

Date: 8/20/2016

Location: Willamette Pass, Oregon

Results – 20:36 Overall Time.

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

Views. On the two of the climbs on the course there is amazing views of all the surrounding lakes. The video attached is of the last climb. As you can tell in the video I was pretty sick at the time and immediately upon summiting I went back down. I believe it was altitude sickness. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tioastjx0y4ka43/AAAl5tJAuZz7K6OF5s92coMpa?dl=0
Volunteers. The volunteers were plentiful and experienced ultra runners.
Course. The course was mostly on single trek trails with several portions being on the PCT

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

I didn’t like that we had to drop off our drop bags the night before the race. I was running behind to the pre-race briefing and had to rush and pack my bags. Glad I had my crew to carry any items I forgot to put in my drop bags and take them to the midway point where there was crew access.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

I was surprised at how remote the last 17 miles of the course was. All the volunteers and aid station supplies were hiked in 7+ miles to the last couple aid stations.

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

The first 37 miles of the race went according to plan. After that it was pretty miserable. I really suffered during the last couple climbs which I believe may have been caused by altitude sickness. Took 3 hours to cover 4 miles at one point.

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

Be prepared for long climbs and long downhills. Saw several runners with blown out quads early in the race. The last 8 or so miles are downhill so if quads are in good shape it can be a fast finish.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

The race had a 3am and 5am start. I utilized the early start and would do so again as I got to cover 2 of the 5 major climbs before the sun came out and the course got hot.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The race is basically 5 climbs and 5 downhills. The last 4 miles or so are on the PCT and are smooth fast trails. Be prepared to run late in the race. Also be aware that after mile 44 there is no drop bags, no crew access, and no ability to drop as there is no vehicle access.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Overall it is an aesthetic course with very nice views of several lakes. Also get to run next to several lakes with the opportunity to hop in and cool down.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

The long climbs make it difficult. Seems like you just keep climbing sometimes. Climbs are not particularly steep but just never ending.

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

This was a very well-oiled machine. The volunteers out there had been volunteering or running in the race for many years.

It should be noted though that this race is changing race directors which will have a major impact I believe. It will be interesting to see if the same volunteers continue to contribute to the race. I sure hope so.

Competition – is there a strong field?

This race typically draws a pretty strong field as it is a WS qualifier.

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 was a lottery for the race in which I believe the odds were about 50/50.

Camping at Willamette Pass is definitely the best lodging option. It serves as the start/finish and offers hot showers in a pretty nice lodge area.

Aid Stations– The aid stations and volunteers were great. Each runner got immediate attention from the volunteers and was pretty spoiled. I have never been iced down so much and fed so much watermelon.

Weather and typical race conditions – The race can be pretty warm, it got in the 90’s this year. Be prepared for heat and exposed sections of the course. I was easily drinking 40+ ounces of water between aid stations. Bring a camelbak for extra water and ice.

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

Like I mentioned above, bring a camelbak for extra water and ice.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

There is only a couple spots crew can access. But one of the spots is by a lake where your crew can BBQ and swim. Can’t beat that.

Awards – No idea what the awards were for the top finishers. They were long gone and asleep by the time I strolled into the finish.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it- 4 out of 5. I would recommend others to run it but I may wait a couple years to see how the race director transition goes.

Eiger 100k – Stephanie G

August 10, 2020January 10, 2017

Race: Eiger 101k – https://www.eigerultratrail.ch/en/

Runner: Stephanie G

Date: 7/16/2016

Location: Grindelwald, Switzeralnd

Results – 189 overall out of 561 starters/405 finishers. 24th woman out of 88 starters/50 finishers

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

The scenery was amazing all day long. I really can’t even begin to describe it.

The aid stations were wonderful. Even if there was a language barrier, everyone did as much as they could to help you.

The course in general. Very challenging, but with some fun downhills. I also felt completely safe the whole time, even alone at night.

There was often the sound of cowbells in the background – from actual cows! ????

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

The 51k racers joined the course at one point for quite awhile. They were much fresher and faster and the constant passing was a little mentally discouraging.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

In my experience – people really didn’t want to let you pass! It was much different than any race I’ve done in the US where people will sometimes offer, and almost always move over if you ask. I had a couple people step aside without me asking, a few more that moved over when I asked, and many who didn’t change a thing they were doing when I asked.

Weird in a good way – almost all the aid stations were in/at buildings, which meant actual bathrooms everywhere!

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

I really tried to start out slow. It helped that the distance and the amount of climbing both were intimidating to me, so I really didn’t want to get it wrong. There were several of my friends also doing the race, and I ran with my boyfriend and another friend for about the first 30k, which made the time fly by. I felt like the conservative start and being able to take my mind off things for the first 1/3 of the race helped make things easier later. I felt great on the later downhills (from about 85k on) and passed a lot of people who looked like they were in a lot of pain. The last 5k was the easiest part of the race, and I was happy that I was in a position to still be able to run it.

I also managed to do pretty well on fueling. I made myself eat and drink from the start, and though I had some nauseous times, I never felt low on energy from lack of fuel (the hills took care of that).

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

Stay near the start. It made race morning (and post-race) so easy.

Be ready to climb and climb and climb.

Poles might be helpful? Others sure seemed to think so.

There was no option to leave any clothes at the start/finish area, but I put some in my drop bag (which returned to the finish line long before I did) so I’d have some dry clothes to change into at the end.

The aid stations are so close that I rarely needed more than .5 L of water at a time.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Work on my glutes for climbing!

I would have put my jacket in a plastic bag after I took it off in the morning, It got soaked with sweat being in my pack all day and I couldn’t have used it at night if I had wanted to.

Lots of runners had their numbers pinned to their pack, which I eventually did too. It was nice since clothes may change, but the pack won’t.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

So pretty. I could share 1000 pictures, but I’ll spare you.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

So difficult. The climbs just kept coming and coming. And they were big. Even the ones that didn’t look like they would be big felt big. That got discouraging sometimes, but makes me more proud of completing it in the end.

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

I thought it was really well run. Packet pick up was a breeze, the aid stations were awesome and the course markings were great. The only thing that was a little difficult was the pre-race “mandatory” briefing. It was in German and English and I’m still not sure what they covered in the 30 minutes they talked. All I came away with was we would probably want poles (didn’t bring them) and didn’t need snowshoes (uh.. phew).

Competition – is there a strong field?

Seemed very strong with lots of sponsored runners

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

I think it sold out within a couple weeks of registration opening. There seem to be 1000 places to stay in Grindelwald, but I think the race does fill all of them up pretty well. We had a 5 minute walk to the start/finish area which was really, really nice.

Aid Stations

Really great, and usually pretty close together (5-10k apart… although with some of the climbs, that could take awhile). There was usually water, Coke, broth, and a European brand sports drink (I didn’t care for it) to drink. Most aid stations had food – bars (a European brand that was pretty good), oranges, bananas, peanuts, dried apricots, chips, cheese and chocolate were pretty typical.

Weather and typical race conditions

This was only the 4th year of the race. Last year’s pictures looked sunny and warm. The week before the race this year was cold and snowed in the mountains. Race day was perfect – forecast was for ~70 and sunny. The few days after the race it was in the mid 80s, and then the forecast was for thunderstorms. So… I’d say it could probably be pretty variable. I wasn’t expecting snow at all. I don’t think I would have done anything differently, but I guess it’s good to consider all possibilities.

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

I think the only people not using poles were from the US. I can see how they’d help on the climbs, but liked having my hands free too. It kind of felt like I was surrounded by people with weapons.

There is a required gear list, but I wouldn’t pay too much attention to the exact specifications of things (ie how big the bandage is), their gear check was pretty superficial.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

There are several spots where spectators can ride gondolas up to watch. It might get kind of pricey trying to see more than one spot though.

Awards –

Top 3 men and women (I think)

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

5+ for super organization, beautiful course, great support, and just an overall great experience.

Coahuila 100k – Matt U

August 10, 2020January 10, 2017

Race: Coahuila 100k – http://www.ultracoahuila.com/

Runner: Matt U

Date: 6/18/2016

Location: Near Saltillo, Mexico

Results – 5th overall, 11:23.06

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

The vibe. People were excited for this race. It is one of two races in all of Mexico that earns runners points for UTMB and everyone there knew it. They were happy and it felt like a special event.
The experience. Being on course as one of the few foreigners felt like a special thing to me. People seemed excited that I was there and were quick to cheer for me. Even runners on the course seemed excited to see me. Twice I had people shake hands as I passed them.
Felicidades. Lots of people sharing congratulations after the race was over. People at this race were just genuinely happy to be there and to be part of the experience.

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

The course was really exposed and more sunny than I would have expected. Good amount of flat pavement, which normally I like, wore me down quite a bit. Late in the race the course was pretty rough and not fun. Really steep and rocky. It felt like we were just going up and down to add vert and get the extra kilometers in. Lastly, there is a canyon section we had to do twice and it wasn’t well marked. It was the only time during the day that the course wasn’t well marked and fearing that I’d gone off track, I turned around. I lost a good amount of time this way and ended up doing the canyon three times instead of two! I heard that they mentioned this at the briefing, but after listening for a few minutes and not understanding much, I didn’t stay for the entire thing, so maybe it’s my fault?!

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

Pueblo dogs! I’ve never had to pick up rocks for dogs on course before and I was running with a rock multiple times during this race. The course runs through small homestead areas on dirt roads. It often looks quite impoverished and one common feature in these smaller areas in Mexico are roaming dogs. They don’t necessarily belong to anyone and they will bark and get aggressive. However, just the act of picking up a rock usually gets them to run away. I probably was a bit more stressed than needed because of this and was thinking more about dogs for a big chunk of the race, rather than my run.

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

I didn’t blow up! I paced it well and spread my effort out over the day. I kept my heart rate below 140 almost the entire run. This was good because all the sun and the tough final 30k would have destroyed me if I’d gone out too hard.
I also ran the big downhill really well. We climbed to 10,800’ in the early stage of the race and then came all the way down to below 7,000’. The course was steep and often rocky on the way down. I passed people early and that only stoked my confidence. I flew down the hill and likely passed 10+ people during this stretch. It was fun, though my quads were a little more tired than needed after it. All these downhill workouts are paying off!

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

Wear sunscreen! I got fried. My skin has peeled off in sheets since the race and I was seriously burnt after this run. Minimal shade throughout the day. Also, if you like gels, best to bring your own. Fruit, potatoes, and electrolyte drink were the main things I could rely on from the aid stations.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Yes and no. I loved the first part of the race. The initial climb and descent were great with trees and forest. The middle 50k were kind of crappy. Lots of paved and dirt roads. The dirt road sections were nice once we got back into the mountains but the lower elevation stuff in the towns was not so great. The final 30k had some pretty aspects to it but it was also tough. I don’t think there is much single track trail in Mexico and the little sections where we had “trail” was not really trail as I’m used to. It was more just ribbons in the trees marking a rough path through the woods. Pretty in some ways, but also something we were cursing at that stage in the race.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

Yes and no. The sun and rough final 30k made it tough. The total elevation change wasn’t too much and the flats make it easier. I was tired at the end!

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

I was pleased. My expectations weren’t all that high and my expectations were exceeded.

Competition – is there a strong field?

I would like to say yes, but I didn’t kill this race and I still finished 5th.

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.

Lodging can be a challenge. If you don’t get a place in the resort where the race happens, hotel rooms are nearly an hour away in the city of Saltillo. We managed to get a place last minute but we paid for it. The story of this weekend and how it all came together was worth a separate blog post: How an Ultra Happens on a Whim

Aid Stations

Often far apart, 10-12k, sometimes more frequent. Water, electrolyte drink, fruit, potatoes. There were some sandwiches and something that looked like an empanada at some of the stations. I didn’t try these. Bathroom access on course was limited. Thankfully one of the aid station workers talked to a local tienda owner and they let me poop in their bathroom – no paper available of course!

Weather and typical race conditions –

It was warm, 70s or 80s and sunny. The temps may not have been high but with the direct sun and no clouds, it felt really hot.

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

There was a required gear list but nothing out of the ordinary. Headlamp required because we started in the dark.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Maybe. There were places you could drive to along the course. Most was on dirt roads so if you have local knowledge or a sense of adventure, you could probably get around to various points on the course. Locals were all quick to give me a cheer as I shuffled by.

Awards –

There was money for the top 3 and big plaques for age group winners.

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

4 out of 5. Worth it for the experience. The people were awesome and I’m glad we went for it.