Timed Events Archives

Jackpot Ultra Running Festival Race Report – Barbara R

August 12, 2020February 22, 2020

Race: Jackpot Ultra Running Festival

Runner: Barbara R

Race Date: 02/15/2020

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=66966

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/3103159854/overview

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

1. Entertainment – Beyond Limits does a great job at bringing entertainment to what can be a very boring race.
2. 2.5 mile loops in horseshoe style w/ varying terrain (gravel, pavement, grass, single track trails).
3. Being able to set up my own aid station halfway through the loop and having my own crew!

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

The one thing that didn’t go well was the end of the race. They were supposed to blow a horn/siren to signify the end of the 6 hour race but no one heard it (apparently people near the horn heard it but said it wasn’t loud at all). So I wasn’t sure if the race was officially over or if I should keep running – it made me pretty anxious and unsure.

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

They do weird things every year to keep it entertaining for the runners. This year they brought out Vegas showgirls and had an ice cream bike for runners to get ice cream from.

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

My nutrition was on point so I didn’t have to worry about tummy problems. I prepped my crew (aka my partner Vinnie) with in-depth details of what I wanted and he rocked it. I was able to move efficiently through the aid station each time and he could help me at the other main aid station. It was pretty awesome. I also like the loop style because mentally I don’t have to worry about where I’m going or what the terrain/climbing might be. I knew exactly where I was at all times and where I needed to be if I wanted to hit my goal.

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

Set up an aid station for yourself in the grassy field. And way overstock it. You never know what you might need/want! It’s just nice to know that it’s there. Also, be prepared for crazy weather. One year it rained so much they had to reroute the course and this year it got so toasty I had to put on my arm sleeves and shove ice everywhere!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Nope, I felt like I nailed that race!

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Get ready to get really loopy. Like super duper loopy.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s pretty for a city park – you get to run around a small man-made lake and see mountain views. It’s nothing spectacular.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

No! Pretty flat and fast. For you flatlanders, there is a “hill” in the course.

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

Yes! Super well organized!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes, for the 100 mile USATF. Not much other distances though.

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

Nope! Just sign up and show up! There’s plenty of places to stay in Vegas so that’s not an issue.

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

There is one main aid station and they have all the things you could wish for (even ice cream, popsicles, and snow cones). I know they switch out the food for the night portions if you’re running in the night. And they take requests as long as you give them enough notice, they’ll make whatever you want! You can also set up your own personal aid station which I relied on way more. It’s nice to have your own area and not have to try to figure out what you want or try to get around people.

Weather and typical race conditions

Totally up in the air. It could be sunny and hot, windy and cold, or torrential downpours.

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

Nope! Just check the weather and plan accordingly. Especially if it’s going to be hot – have ice and plenty of water/electrolytes and a hat because there’s no shade on the course.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Super! You can see the runner the whole time and actually cheer/talk to them twice on each loop!

How’s the Swag?

The shirts are nice and super creative. The medals and awards are super awesome!

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

5 out of 5! If you like to get loopy and run fast or see how many miles you can get in a certain time, this is the perfect race!

Stories Ultra Race Report – Diane P

August 14, 2020February 15, 2020

Race: Stories Ultra

Runner: Diane P

Race Date: 02/08/2020

Location: Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Results: tied for 3rd in the 15 hr race

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

The venue was beautiful. Volunteers were so friendly and helpful. Race director was there to hand out everyone’s medal and give a hug.

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

I think I paced myself well. I talked to lots of people which I really enjoyed and built a snowman! I think my fueling was ok with the help of crew and pacer.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The race consisted of 4 loops that had to completed in order. You could do them as many times as possible in the time allotted. There was a 30 hr, 15 hr and 6 hr you could sign up for. The course was well marked with ribbons denoting the loop you were to be running. The weirdest one was the longest and last of the 4. It was a wonky figure 8.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It was a very pretty course especially with a foot of snow the day before and race day was total blue sky.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Not too terribly difficult. Not a lot of elevation gain in any of the loops. The loops were in increasing length.

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

It was the 3rd year for this race. It was well run but there are a few things they know they need to make better.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

These races are for anyone who wants to see what they can accomplish for themselves. There are always some strong runners but it is about reaching your own potential. There are no awards for 1st, 2nd or 3rd. The series is aptly named Human Potential Running Series.

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.

Some of the races fill up quickly and then there is a wait list. Many of the races are equipped for camping.

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

Many of the aid station captains are given standard fare such as bacon, pancakes, quesadillas, candy, cookies, salty snacks, ramen, water. But as always there are some different things brought by the captains. Hot soups, chili, sticky rice, etc. It is fun to see what there is.

Weather and typical race conditions

There was a foot of snow the day before so the first loops consisted of breaking trail after the trail markers had been out the day before. But race day was about 45 and sunny. That’s Colorado for you!

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

Many runners used traction. It was more needed as the night got colder for the 30 hr runners.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

There was only one aid station at the start/finish because all loops started and finished there.

How’s the Swag?

The medals are all hand made wooden medals designed by the race director and maker of the medals. The T-shirt is nice and this race we got a dry bag.

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

I would give this race 5 stars for this year. One year it was really muddy and another it was 5 degrees! It is a winter ultra!

Operation Jack 6 Hour Race Report – Ashley Nordell

August 13, 2020December 10, 2019

Race: Operation Jack 6 Hour

Runner: Ashley Nordell

Race Date: 12/07/2019

Location: Tigard, Oregon – Summerlake Park

Results: Official results not posted yet, my result was 1st OA and CR with 41 miles and change (it’s a 9/10 mile loop, so you stop at the finish if you can’t make it one more loop)

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

*This race was a last minute decision (signed up the night before) and one of the main reasons I did it was that it was a fundraiser for Autism and I was intrigued by the idea of a timed race. I didn’t go into it with any big expectations on great views or big crowds. So keeping that in mind, what I did like was…

1) All the money goes to a good cause
2) The park we ran loops around was open to the public, so I loved seeing so many people out walking despite the POURING rain
3) Getting to see the other runners so frequently and having access to our bags so often, plus I was fortunate that Zach Gingerich was there spectating and he jumped in and crewed for me for the first 4ish hours, since I was out solo. I love how awesome runners are. If I had my things more organized this could have even been a greater help, but I was so happy to see a friendly face so frequently offering to help.

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

-It rained for 6 hours straight – that was a bit hard for my muscles, especially since I don’t often run long on pavement or do runs that are so runnable, so it took a toll pretty quickly.
-The loop was challenging in that it had a lot of hairpin turns and lots of little hills. This would not be ideal if you were wanting to go for a lot of miles (about 2,000ft gain over 40+ miles, which is not major for trail ultras, but feels like a lot when trying to run steady splits). It is also pavement for the whole loop, so just good to know for those who prefer dirt timed courses.
-The small aid station was positioned behind the timing mat and hard to access easily.

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

I am pretty sure running so many loops around a park is weird to most people.

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

Hmm, I can probably list a lot of things I did not do well since I went into it so unorganized. I would say smiling the whole time, despite running mostly alone and soaking wet for so long. It was hard to stay in it mentally and keep going for the whole time. Oh, and one of the bathroom stalls had a heater in it.

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

See below in Lessons Learned.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I think I went into this too casually. Even though I had no goals or big plans for it, just being organized could have made my day more enjoyable. I had my bag all thrown together and in the back of the covered picnic area that was not close to where we ran by, so I ended up not accessing my bag enough, thus not getting enough calories. I also only brought minimal calories since I signed up on a whim, and was in the valley, not at my house to grab my usual stuff. Because of how cold and wet I was, I never felt thirsty, but I could tell the next day I definitely did not drink enough. I also think I underestimated how hard running loops for so long would be. I had visions of meeting all sorts of runners and running with other people and it being a social event, but I think because of the weather people were so bundled up with heads down that I never really got to interact with others as much as I envisioned. Because of that, it was a long solo six hours. My legs went from feeling like I could easily run 7:50s-8:10s all day to suddenly feeling so tight and sore that by the end, 9:00 pace felt like torture. I am sure part of that is just due to never really running long on pavement and the cold rain, but I am sure part of it was also due to my lack of fueling/drinking/electrolytes. I love doing some races casually and not worrying too much about the details, but there are definitely things I could have done to help myself feel better and enjoy it more. Doing a loop course is such a great way to practice fueling, and I should have taken advantage of that since fueling at ultras is my challenge. I think being low key is great, but being unprepared is not so great. I was more the unprepared person on this day.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The mini hills feel huge by the end, and knowing the way the loop goes so that you can position your gear or car would be really helpful. It is a short loop, so you have lots of time to get to know the course.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It is a paved loop around a neighborhood park, but it is a pretty park with a pond in the middle. I saw lots of birds – geese, ducks, blue heron. But it is an urban course still.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It is not tough like a trail run, but it is challenging in a different way. I learned several lessons out there.

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

It is pretty laid back and put on mostly as a fundraiser. The race also offers a half and full marathon option. The timing system was very well done – we had chip timing and every time we crossed the timing mat our information was relayed onto a big TV screen so we could see what mile and loop we were on.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

No, lots of people use this race as a chance to walk a marathon with 6 hours to finish. But I think in a run like this it is kinda cool to be yourself against the clock. I was more aiming to get 41ish miles because the course record was 40ish, so in a way I was racing an imaginary person.

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.

Nope, signed up about 12 hours before it started and I could have signed up race morning.

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

Pretty minimal. Bring your own stash. I wish I had brought some more choices. They did have hot cider which was nice in the cold weather.

Weather and typical race conditions

It is Oregon in December. Probably pretty standard to have pouring rain, though not sure it always lasts the whole time.

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

Warm food/drink in a thermos, (wish I had had), waterproof mittens, organized gear bag if going crewless.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yep! Great for family. There are playgrounds on the park, so if the weather is ok, it is very family friendly

How’s the Swag?

Not really, again, it is more put on to raise money. There are shirts if you sign up early enough.

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

I give the race an 8/10 as far as an event, just not sure the loop course on pavement is for me. Of course, I will probably want to try to do better someday, so I am sure I will try another one at some point. I think if the start/finish area had a bit more going on (music, people cheering, etc) it might be a bit more fun, but I don’t blame people for not wanting to hang out in the weather.

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

Beebe Farms 24 Hour Race Report – Jeffrey Zawadzki

August 9, 2020October 10, 2019

Race: Beebe Farms 24 Hour

Runner: Jeffrey Zawadzki

Race Date: 09/27/2019

Location: East Dorset, VT

Results: 1st place overall for the Friday 24 hour run

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

Beebe Farms is beautiful, set with the back drop of Vermont colors and mountains. The organization of this race is top notch and with the variety of food they can make for runners. Lastly, the mug and fleece are wonderful swag and the granite 1st place plate is unique.

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

Flying in across country the night before and driving 4 hours to the race. I only slept ~2 hours in 48 hours with travel and racing… No fault of the race, this was all personally induced stress.

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

Pretty mellow east coast race… not much weirdness.

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

I really set out to hone my nutrition, it is a huge part of these 24 hour runs and being keto has helped a lot. Also, stay on top of the little things so they do not become bigger problems later in the night is huge. I enjoyed going and not feeling much discomfort or nausea.

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

“No one cares… try harder.” -Cameron Hanes

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Supplements and hydration can be a wonderful help in these long long runs.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It gets cold at night… real cold.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The course is lovely set around mountains and fall colors.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Course is mostly flat and not much uneven rocky areas. Tough course NO… racing 24 hours YES.

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

Nor-east did a wonderful job with this race. For multiple days they were on top of everything and no issues at all.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Not the strongest field Friday but apparently Saturday’s 24 hour had more competition. Next year Saturday for sure!

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 in a small town in Vermont, so just playing with those logistics are fun. Also, it’s a multi-day event so camping on site is no problem. Yes, there are plenty of places to stay and Manchester is only 10 minutes away.

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

Anything and everything you need was ready at aid stations, if not the next time around it was!

Weather and typical race conditions

Weather was perfect, cool, clear and breezy at times. High was ~75, low ~40.

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

There are times it will get really warm, an ice bandanna will be key mid-day.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Very spectator friendly course, 360 degree views of runners.

How’s the Swag?

Swag is awesome, a mug, fleece, medal, and granite awards. And the buckle for a 100 of course.

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

4/5… Wish they drew more runners but it’s a new race. Let see next year what come!

Jeffrey Zawadzki is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with Coach Jeffrey, check out his coaching page.

Ragnar Rainier Race Report – Matt P

August 14, 2020September 3, 2019

Race: Ragnar Rainier

Runner: Matt P

Race Date: 08/23/2019

Location: Crystal Mountain Ski Resort

Results: 50/240 overall (open)

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2645252972

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

Really well organized and very relaxed atmosphere – fun!
Camping out and running trail loops is really fun.
Night runs!

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

Don’t like the long periods of inactivity.

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

The team costumes. Hard to call out just one.

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

I enjoyed 3 distinct effort types from the 3 legs. Green: Short and nice to put out an intense effort, Yellow: A steep climb with lots of optional running sections – kind of rough terrain. Red: Long and downhill with great views.

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

Don’t camp close to the Ragnar village, so that you can actually sleep. Also, don’t expect to actually sleep 🙂

Here are the Strava links for each leg:
https://www.strava.com/activities/2645910491
https://www.strava.com/activities/2647749591
https://www.strava.com/activities/2645252972

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Stay warmed up closer to your run time – it can be hard to gauge but eventually you start to realize approx. how long your group is taking.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

If the legs don’t change for next year — Yellow is the actual hardest for most regular runners probably. Red is the longest so it gets tagged as hardest but it’s actually probably the smoothest of all the legs. Green is a trick to put out all of your energy — depending on your training and purpose, maybe that’s what you want! Yellow is hardest because it’s rough terrain with some steep grades. The mid section is runnable and with a full tank all of it is runnable but it’s a difficult climb overall.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Gorgeous! The views of Rainier, the gondola rides, etc — amazing!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

None of the legs are hard in their own right for a regular trail runner if managed properly. Not sleeping and being worn out over a couple days can make it particularly tough.

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

Pretty well-run and generally pretty chill.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

If you want to compete, there are folks out there pushing, and then usually ultra team setups, alternate routes for smaller teams and more mileage, etc.

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 organizer of your team needs to move early and stay on top of things to make it work. As a participant, I really just showed up, said hi, setup camp and started having fun!

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

Lack of energy bars, actually!

Weather and typical race conditions

It was chilly and can also be wet, but mid day is warm.

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

I used distance poles on the yellow leg, and I also power hiked and outpaced people trying to run them, so I feel it was a good choice.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Friends could definitely come out and spectate. Lots of room on the trails and campsites.

How’s the Swag?

Lots of stuff to buy in the Ragnar village, but the medals are unique!

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

I give it 4 stars for what it is: a fun relay race to do with friends!

Hood to Coast Race Report – Larry Merrifield

August 11, 2020August 29, 2019

Race: Hood to Coast

Runner: Larry Merrifield

Race Date: 08/23/2019

Location: Oregon

Results: Team Results 80th Overall, 5th in Mixed Submasters

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

I’ve been running this race for 35 years during which I have run over 105 total legs and am a member of the inaugural Century Club, so there are way more than “3 Bests”. Relays are fun. What other race do you get together with running friends for a day or two running across a state or just down the road?

It is a team event. Running can be such a solitary endeavor, so a relay is an opportunity to run as team where each runner is dependent on the other.

The challenges. 199 miles using a team of 12 runners running from Mt. Hood to Seaside, Oregon. Each runner does 3 runs averaging over 6 miles per leg in an 18 hour period. Sleep deprivation and its effect upon your performance is real which in my case meant sleeping for 90 minutes in a 38 hour.

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

Traffic. The race has 1400 teams each of who uses 2 vans, so that math works out to 2800 vans. Even though teams start as early as 5:00 a.m. and the final wave of teams leaves at 2:00 p.m. Highway 202 in the Oregon Coast Range might as well be the 405 in Los Angeles. The backup means many runners on the faster teams (sub-27 hours) have to run a mile or so up the road to the exchange before they begin their final leg. When you have already run 12-13 miles hard this is a black mark on the race. When the RD prioritizes their financials over the quality of the race and assuring the enjoyment of the runners, it truly is a negative.

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

Running at 2:00 a.m. down a dark road in the woods with little to no homes while ahead of you and behind you are other runners with headlamps and reflective gear.

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

My van which had 4 rookies to the race one of whom wasn’t even born when I started running the race. It is odd that most sub-masters (age 30-39) were not born when I first ran the race in 1985. The rookies were awesome, as was the other veteran in the van. No one had an attitude, everyone pitched in to get us from Mt. Hood to Seaside.

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

Make sure and eat a good mix of protein and carbs within 30 minutes of finishing your leg. It really pays off on the third leg. Skip the easy calories of cookies, Pop-Tarts and energy bars as a means of fueling you. They aren’t substantial enough.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

After 35 years there really isn’t anything to learn.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

If you are running any of the first three legs on Mt. Hood do some downhill specific training. It makes it much easier come race day.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

At times no. You run down Highway 26 from Mt. Hood to the outskirts of Portland. It’s a highway and while there are some scenic vistas, they are behind you. You then run along the Springwater Corridor, which can be scenic, but can be well…we have a homeless problem in Portland. After a quick run through downtown Portland it is back onto the highway heading from Portland to St. Helens. Who likes running along a highway? No one.

The course eventually gets scenic when climb out of the Columbia County Fairgrounds and head into the Coast Range. For the last half of the race the scenery of forests, open valleys with meadows, cattle grazing and elk make the miles pass pretty quickly.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

The challenge is running three times in 18 hours while spending most of the time between legs sitting in a van. Add in the lack of sleep and less than desirable meal choices with a full compliment of nutritious items, and the toughness is infused throughout the race.

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

Overall it is well organized and run, but even as I write this I shake my head. The race has been put on for 38 years and yet each year there is some problem with the leg descriptions in the booklet. It doesn’t matter that there were no changes to the leg, there is a problem that requires an email from the race director. Then there was the shirt snafu this year in which they ran out of large shirts at packet pickup. Since everyone has to register well in advance and give their shirt size, this is baffling.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

We were 80th in 26 hours 12 minutes. That is an average of 7:54 per mile. So yes, from my perspective the field is strong when nearly all the top 100 teams run under 8 minutes per mile that is an indication of a strong 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.

Registration is by lottery in October the year prior to the race. Hotels and vans are booked up as well. You have to be on it even before the race registration opens because if you wait until you are accepted it gets much harder to find hotels or homes by the finish and vans to get you there.

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

A fairly new addition to the race in the last few years are water stations on any leg over 6 miles. The water station is at the midpoint of the leg.

Weather and typical race conditions

It can be cool and cloudy at the start on Mt. Hood to sunny and hot. This year it was sunny and hot. Then when you get to the coast range the next morning it is usually cloudy and cool in the morning before becoming typical comfortable beach weather by the afternoon when you reach the beach. So in sum be prepared for everything.

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

Nothing special is needed but runners are required to wear a headlamp, a reflective vest and have two flashing LEDs (one on the front, one on the back) from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

No.

How’s the Swag?

You get a Nike Dri-Fit shirt, which is of nice quality, and a finishers medal which also has a bottle opener, but beyond that you get nothing

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

I’d give the race 3 stars out of 5 this year. Why? By allowing 400 more teams in they created traffic congestion that had previously been resolved using 1000 teams spread out over 9 hours. An increase of 40% in the field size was going to create traffic headaches and they knew this. Plus, they tout being a Certified B Corporation, which is a corporation which is supposed to evaluate its environmental impact in its endeavors, so who thought adding 800 vans to narrow roads where they would idle and spew carbon monoxide was going to be a positive environmental impact?

It calls itself the “Mother of All Relays” and it really is, so yes I would recommend it to others.

Larry Merrifield is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with Coach Larry, check out his coaching page.

Loopy Looper 12 hour Race Report – Navindra G

December 30, 2021August 14, 2019

Race: Loopy Looper 12 hour

Runner: Navindra G

Race Date: 08/10/2019

Location: Pennsauken Township, NJ

Results: 9 laps – 33.75 miles

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2607964117

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

Really enjoyed that the 3.75 mile course was flat, easy to follow, and well supported. Weather was good, not too humid and only hit upper 80s/low 90s.

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

Very little, the race was exactly what I wanted in a training race in August for Javelina

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

Nothing that weird about the race, closest would be the finisher’s medal.

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

I really got to focus on my pacing, nutrition and hydration during this race.

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

Several fast runners in the group from the local running community. Male and Female leaders got in 71.25 and 67.5 miles respectively.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Just continue to build my fitness, this was the longest race since my 50k back in March, and I jumped from 20 miles a couple weeks ago in the mountains to 33 for this day. Really not sure what else I could have done differently, perhaps have a cooler with electrolyte pre-mixed to save time.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s a flat, very flat 3.75 mile loop. I think I got 370 ft total gain over my 33 miles

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes, the course covered two sides of a beautiful river front park, decent amount of shade at times though there were exposed parts as well.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Nope, it’s great for working on fundamentals

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

Well organized! They had a whole crew making sure each lap was counted since it was not chip timed. There were two aid stations, main one at the start/finish that was well stocked with food and drink. Second one was on the other side of the river around the half way mark that had gels and water.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Small field of 70 total runners, lots of them local. I tied with 10 people for my distance, top male hit 70 miles, and 6 people jad

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 to sign up for and I did that in July, though it did sell out. Wife and I stayed with a friend, but there were plenty of hotels around, couple near the race site. It was a great race to attend but not worth traveling for, we only had to drive 3 hours to get there.

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

Standard, but good fare of salty and sweet foods, pickles, PBJ sandwiches, etc. Had plenty of gu and huma gels, as well as gu electrolyte tabs and electrolyte pills. They did offer local non-alcoholic beer at the end.

Weather and typical race conditions

Warm 80s to low 90s, not too humid and not stupid hot for the east coast in August. Consistent wind started mid-morning and well into the afternoon that followed the river and felt good in terms of cooling but did slow me down as a head wind on one half and tailwind on the other.

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

None, standard gear is fine since there is only a short distance between the start/finish and on-course aid station

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes, very easy for spectators to get around. Wife read a couple books in the shade at the start/finish while I did laps.

How’s the Swag?

Decent, shirt and medal were nice but nothing to write home about.

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

Overall I would give 4 out of 5 stars, it was a great training race in August. Would only recommend it if you were in the region and wanted a race in August.

Looking for a coach for a timed event? Check out our coaches and find the right fit for you and your goal races!

Tally in the Valley Race Report – Greg J

August 14, 2020August 4, 2019

Race: Tally in the Valley 7km, 6hr, 12 hr day, 12hr night, 24 hr, and The Gong Show

Runner: Greg J

Race Date: 07/27/2019

Location: Dundas Valley Conservation Area (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada)

Results: https://results.raceroster.com/results/36vvsns3g4np29g9

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

Well organized, friendly chill atmosphere and great volunteers.

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

It’s a timed event, so a short loop (7km) is par for the course. No other issues.

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

The Gong Show event. Leave on the hour, every hour for 24 hours. The last lap is the race and it’s crazy how fast they rip (~30′) after having done 23 laps.

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

Managed the heat well using ice in my hat and in a bandana around my neck. Didn’t waste time in the aid station like I did the previous year; volunteers made this possible by packing my hat and bandana while I took care of food and water / nutrition bottle. Only changed shoes / socks once; was hoping not to, but my shoes started to feel as thin as flip-flops.

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

Find your rhythm on the course as there are plenty of rollers. Always run the rail trail section no matter how much you want to walk it; you make up good time here. Note: the course changes each year so sometimes this section is a slight uphill which makes it more of a mental crux.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I should have printed out my pacing chart on put it on my cooler because after a plethora of loops in the heat I was actually on track even though it didn’t feel like it. I was using average pace on my watch and though I had blown it for my goal distance, but I was hitting my splits that I had accounted for the later fatigue and heat.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Which direction the race is going this time around. There’s a water tap at eight 2.4 km (CCW) or 5km (CW) to fill-up a bottle or soak yourself. Which nutrition drink(s) they have; it’s been different. Mostly in the shade, but sill sunny each for SPF. It can get hot it was 35ºC (95ºF) this year. You can wear road shoes if it’s been dry; there are some grass sections.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s a nice shady course through a “scenic Carolinian Forest.”

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Difficulty lies in the pacing through the rolling hills. Depending on the year, the 2km uphill on the rail trail can be a mental battle and the are a couple of short, but steepish hills no matter which way you go.

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

The RDs are very experienced runners and directors and their events are well run and keep the friendly trail vibe.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

The strongest runners seem to be in the 7km or the Gong Show. The 6hr can be quick.

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.

Some of the distances can sell out quickly. Located just West of Toronto and near Hamilton, so plenty of accommodation options. Some airlines fly right into Hamilton otherwise, Pearson is next closest.

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

Lots of choices of the standard fare and changes throughout the day. Typical soft drinks and different sport drink are available. Volunteers are great.

Weather and typical race conditions

Typically dry for this time of the year. Temperature and humidity are fickle. First year, the heat broke after a brutal heat wave and made for a great, summer race. This year, we woke up to a heat advisory.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Very spectator friendly and there’s even place to set-up a tent for the longer events.

How’s the Swag?

T-shirt and “buff” and a nice finishers metal and a buckle if you hit 100 miles in any event.

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

Five out of five and yes, you should try one of the distances that challenges you.

Born to Run Race Report – Jill D

August 9, 2020May 24, 2019

Race: Born to Run

Runner: Jill D

Race Date: 05/18/2019

Location: Los Olivos, CA

Results: 50k

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

1)Views during the run
2) No rules when you start; you restraints when to finish. This was perfect for me since I had a 24 hour stomach virus. It allowed me to complete my 50k in 2 days.
3) The community was supportive; Camping out and other activities to entertain your crew/friends.

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

1) Not much trail, mainly dirt roads.
2) Consist of 2 loops. One is flat and the other was hilly

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

1) Beer mile everyday before each event starts

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

1) This was a training run for me, which was great environment b/c there were all skill levels there.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Stay clear of the dance floor the night before your run. 😉

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The views were breath taking. While running you look off into the distance with rolling hills over looking vineyards, then the next turn you’ll run into a cow, deer, or snake.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It was a easy course.

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

This event was well organized and ran well.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

There were a strong group of runners; however, no one was really serious about podium.

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.

People are allowed to enter the property on Tuesday. 4 day race starts on Wednesday. I recommend getting there early to pick a great place to camp/park you R.V.

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

Each loop (10 miles/loop) you run into 3 aid stations. They had a great spread of food that worked for vegans or meat eaters. My favorite is hot food straight from the griddle.

Weather and typical race conditions

It was in the 70’s everyday with cloud cover and wind on the backside. It did rain Saturday night and Sunday.

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

Sun exposure is legit on this course. Bring a sense of adventure for not a typical race environment.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Very friendly course to friends. Even if you are not running, people can hike/run with their puppers. This event is kid friendly. A lot of families attended.

How’s the Swag?

I received a shirt for 30 miler, 60 miler, 100 miler. The 0.0 received a hat. The medallion, hand crafted necklace was the finishers “medal”.

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

Totally recommend this race; however, you must be ready to go there to have fun and not take racing so seriously.

White Lakes Ultra Race Report – Robert H

August 15, 2020May 15, 2019

Race: White Lakes Ultra

Runner: Robert H

Race Date: 05/04/2019

Location: Tamworth, NH

Results: 50.4Miles

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

Well organized race.
Welcoming and easy logistics for a beginner looking to do first 50M
Very positive vibe

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

I either need to get faster or slower. Spent most of the race running by myself.

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

The aid station volunteers after many hours of volunteering became a very interesting group to watch.
Found out afterwards that during my last lap as I kept thinking it would suck to get eaten by a bear and stop 1 mile short of my goal that someone had actually seen a couple of bears out on the course earlier in the day.

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

Completed my first 50Miles
Talked with several great people
Hot Grilled Cheese Sandwiches!
Tacos!

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

Stay at the local hotel. It was a whopping 8 minutes from the start. Super accommodating for late check out.
Course has several large water crossing due to rain. So bring extra shoes, etc
There was plenty of room for more runners

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I had set a mental goal of wanting to get 50 miles. I expected it to take longer than it did. In all my preps, I had only thought about what if cases for if I couldn’t meet my main goal. I didn’t have a goal beyond 50M so lost my drive to continue.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

None. This is not a hard technical course. A little bit of technical work, but most of it was very runnable.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Nice course in a park.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

No.

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

This was year 2. The organizers seemed to have their game face on and it ran well.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Not sure. Winner did 86 miles.

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 closes out the field fairly early. No race day sign up.

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

1 aid station because it was a looped course

Weather and typical race conditions

It had been raining all week, but was clear and comfortable for race day

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

Nothing special

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Loop course so get to see you every loop.
Loop was about 2.8 miles

How’s the Swag?

Good

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

Cottontail 6 hour Race Report – Anson F

August 10, 2020April 15, 2019

Race: Cottontail 6h

Runner: Anson F

Race Date: 04/13/2019

Location: Carkeek Park / Seattle WA

Results: 2OA, 30.88 miles

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2287573931

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

The people! It’s a somewhat small race so you get a great chance to see / meet almost everyone, and of course they are all SUPER NICE! There are heaps and piles of encouragement for you to keep going! ONE MORE LOOP!
The timed format, rather than distance. It’s a great chance to practice pacing and other aspects of your “race day” plan, including aid station efficiency, etc.
The location! It is in an urban park, but there are beautiful views of the water, the green trees and foliage, and the birds are everywhere. Just a great place to be.

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

I had a plan to run an average pace and a target of 17 laps. Every three laps (~6 miles) I also planned to stop and refill my hydration, top off nutrition, graze a bit on the ultra fare, and head back out. Given that every 1.96 miles the AS reappeared it was pretty easy to stick to this cadence and really focus on my nutrition. Given all this I completed 16 laps for 30.88 miles, and 6,880 of climbing. Pretty much exactly where I should have been based on my pacing calculations. Math works!

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

Pacing! Figure out what you want to do then calculate the pace you need to run to achieve that goal. It was such a great experience for me to do this, which included time at AS and bathroom breaks. Because you can stop your watch on training runs but it keeps ticking in a race.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

6h is a long time. Run your race, not anyone else’s race.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The course is deceptive in how hilly it is. In the Spring the course goes CW so you start right out with a decent climb. Don’t be afraid to walk it. I walked that hill every lap, that and two other spots on the other side. That plan really helped me stay consistent in my effort.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s gorgeous. While in the city of Seattle it is so dense with foliage and so green, and the views of Puget Sound and (on a clear day) the Olympics are terrific.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

In terms of technical terrain, no. But in terms of elevation over six hours, yes! Given it’s a timed event you can make it as hard or easy as you want. Run for one hour, run for six hours, run for 12 hours!

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

Definitely well organized. Easy check-in, good snacks, delightful people. Well done in every way.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Hard to tell as people just go at their own pace. While the CR was set this year with 35.x miles in 6h, it’s not like there’s a mad dash at the start or a sprint for the finish. Overall I’d say no, because the race is what YOU make 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.

Nope. Ultrasignup is your friend. There is the Cottontail version the Spring that goes CW and a Fall version running CCW.

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

Every 1.96 miles with your standard ultra fare. And these are cupless so bring yer own cups!

Weather and typical race conditions

Given it is Seattle in April (or late October) it is likely to be grey and damp, if not wet.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Very spectator friendly as you run the same loop each time. You pass by the parking lot each loop and the very hikeable trails are open to everyone during the race.

How’s the Swag?

For my 2nd place finish I got a pack of Zinnia seeds, so it is awesome! Seriously, it is a fundraiser so I am glad they focus on using the money for a good cause. I really don’t need another t-shirt.

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

Five stars! Low key, friendly people, great venue, good cause. Run it, people!

Across the Years 48 Hour Race Report – Jonny G

August 9, 2020January 2, 2019

Race: Across The Years – 48 Hour Race

Runner: Jonathan G

Race Date: 12/28/2018

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Results: 102.881 miles; placing TBD – currently 18th male (of 58)

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

Aravaipa make it really easy to focus on the running and not logistics. They make sleeping options, bathrooms, showers, food (including three full meals each day) all readily available.
The camaraderie. Most of the participants seemed to be repeat racers and the friendly rapport along the course and between the race director, volunteers and runners was palpable.
It was a totally new experience (for me). Running, sleeping, running, sleeping, was utterly bizarre and also rather wonderful.

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

N/A – it really was a magnificently executed event.

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

Running round and around a 1 mile loop has the potential to send you batty. Surprisingly, I found myself totally unaffected by it but I am sure it could present a challenge.
The repeat runners in the crowd like to dress up and have a good time while running around so be ready for some outlandish and outrageous costumes.

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

Biggest highlight was capturing my first 100 mile buckle.

The second half of my first day was a struggle physically and mentally and I finished the day on a real low with my feet banged up, blistered and sore. Starting in the cold and dark the next morning was actually the reset that I needed and the second day went much better as I found my grove to manage my soreness while maintaining a good pace.

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

Changing shoes and socks every couple of hours was key for me, as was taking a short break every couple hours with my feet elevated to alleviate some of the suffering.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I lean toward wearing ultra-light shoes for both road, trail, training and racing – I have found repeatedly in the past that heavier shoes pull on my heel and aggravate my achilles tendon – but even though I had three pairs of shoes with me, all three were on the lighter end of whats available. Potentially investing in a more cushioned pair of shoes and a larger size to accommodate foot swelling could help.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Nada – it’s a flat 1.0498 mile loop, one half is slightly winding and narrower through the pristine practice fields of the Dodgers and White Sox, while the other half is wider and straighter, all told, it’s pretty straightforward.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Tricky question. Yes and overwhelmingly no.

Yes – the open vista of Arizona allow for great sunrises and sunsets, moonlight and stars. The immaculate training fields of the MLB teams are cool to see up close and there is a pretty water feature and waterfall in the middle of the park. It also has some amazing signage saying things like: Beware of flying balls and bats

No – running around any course dozens of times will mean it starts to wear a little thin.

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

Yes, extremely well run. They have this one dialed in completely. The only modest niggle was when they turn on some portable lights during the evening to illuminate sections away from the MLB practice areas, this sometimes resulted in total darkness as lights were connected, but I am really nitpicking.

24/7 volunteers manning the warming tent, first aid, food tent, as well as race directors at the start/finish line all day and night. This final point may have come as the result of some attempted cheating last year, to combat this they also added a second chip mat on the far side of the course.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes, I believe some heavy weights in the multi-day and even 24-hour event show up every 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.

No special handshake, like most of Aravaipa’s events registration and booking are super smooth. They do have discounts with some local hotels but I didn’t use those, there are plenty of cheaper options around Phoenix. For less than $30 you can get a tent and cot at the race event, I brought my own sleeping bag and other comforts.

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

There is one primary aid station which has all the usual race fare plus a few extras: M&Ms, pickles, nuts, cookies, PB&J sandwiches, water, gatorade, tea, coffee, hot water and tea bags, gummy worms. As well as salt tablets and other things but I paid little attention to those.

They also serve three square meals a day, these were pancakes or oatmeal for breakfast, chili and bread for lunch, hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. They had vegetarian and vegan options for all meals. While these were fairly light in quantity, the quality was good and they provided a welcome caloric increase. Adjacent to the aid station was a warming tent with chairs and tables where some people sat to eat or warm up late in the night, as well as a first aid tent that offered some blister help and general support.

On the far side of the loop there was a water only aid station too.

Weather and typical race conditions

Can vary quite widely. I read reports of it hitting 70+ degrees during the day in past years and sub-zero temps at night, as well as torrential rains. I was fortunate that I enjoyed low 60s and sun during the day and it stayed in high 30s overnight, so nothing too challenging to deal with. I did see that on the third day (after I was done) there were some heavy rains.

I went ready for anything since I had a tent to store everything in.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes, very. My family came to visit on numerous occasions, bringing doughnuts and other treats with them. There were a fair number of people who hailed from closer that brought RVs or other mobile homes with them and families and friends in tow.

How’s the Swag?

Fairly standard. A long sleeved baseball-style tee, understandable given the venue, an enormous beer mug and different style buckles for every multiple of 100 miles finished, so 100 mile finishers got plain metal, 200 a bronze, 300 something shiny on a buckle, you get the idea.

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

5/5 – highly recommend if you’re looking for something challenging and different.

Crooked Road 24 Hour Ultra Race Report – Mark Cliggett

August 10, 2020November 27, 2018

Race: Crooked Road 24 Hour Ultra

Runner: Coach Mark Cliggett

Race Date: 11/17/2018

Location: Rocky Mount, Virginia

Results: 119.46 miles, 1st place overall

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1975515511/overview

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

Nice people, nice setting, well-organized. The win was nice also.

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

There isn’t really anything about the race that wasn’t good. VA is a long way to travel, and the food options in Rocky Mount are pretty limited.

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

People running endless 1.17 mile loops like hamsters?

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

Last year I didn’t really have a nutrition plan and I paid for it when my stomach went off for a few hours. This year I had a plan (mostly liquid simple stuff) and had no issues. Although I won last year also, this year I had a pretty good runner chasing me for the last 11 hours so I had to focus to keep my lead whereas last year I was able to coast a fair amount towards the end.

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

You don’t really need crew at this race. I borrowed a chair and set it up about 2 feet from the path we were running on, with all my food and gear. I lost very little time taking care of my needs.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

My original distance goal for this race was way too ambitious. I knew that going in and planned to dial back early if I wasn’t feeling it – which I did, and it worked out. It would be interesting to have the right (ambitious but achievable) goal and see what that kind of race is like. I know what it feels like to run a very good marathon. After 2 24 hour races, I don’t think I know what a very good 24 hour race feels like.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The logistics of this race are very easy (once you get there). A 1.17 mile loop, with a heated bathroom near the start finish. You never have to worry about anything. If you forget someone on one pass, you’ll be back there ~15 minutes later and can take care of it. The course is “flat” but there is probably 50 feet of easy climbing in each lap. Over ~100 laps, that adds up to 5000 feet which most people would not call flat.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes. A path around two fields in the Virginia woods, with the Pigg River a few feet away for at least half of the course. It’s not a dramatic setting but it’s beautiful. At least on a sunny day…

Competition – Is there a strong field?

If I win the race, the competition can’t be too strong. That said, the people who do show up are pretty capable and the winning distances are gradually creeping upwards. And everyone who shows up works hard. More than half the field (166 starters) ran 50 miles or more.

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.

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

Coke is usually my Elixir Of The Gods in races, but Crooked Road had something better – sweet tea. Non-carbonated, caffeine, sugar, water. Maybe that’s offered at other races in the south, but I’ve only seen it at Crooked Road. They had several great soup options at night. They also had pizza and hamburgers at different points, but I stayed away from those.

Weather and typical race conditions

Based on my 2 experiences, pretty dang good weather – sunny, cool, some wind last year but none this year. I’m told those were the 2 nicest weather years though. It’s probably pretty bleak in bad weather.

How’s the Swag?

Nice quality hat and shirt. Unusual winners trophies (miniature instruments). Nothing about the race, including the swag, feels cheap.

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

For what it is, it’s an excellent race. It’s not a bucket-list race and it’s not the fastest 24 hour course out there. There are easier places to get to. But as a place to test yourself against a 24 hour clock, it’s a great option, especially if you have another reason to be near Virginia in November.

To read more about Mark’s race and to see more photos, check out his personal blog post at: https://pointlenana.wordpress.com/2018/11/27/9925/

Mark Cliggett is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with Coach Mark, check out his coaching page.

Carkeek 12 Hour Race Report – Bill S

August 9, 2020November 2, 2018

Race: Carkeek 12 Hour

Runner: Bill S

Race Date: 10/27/2018

Location: Seattle, WA

Results: 12Hr/ 41.85 miles

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

It’s a small race and even on a 2 mile loop you can run by yourself for hours.
There’s a short .5 mile loop, straight up then straight back down.
At the end of the night the mad panic to cram in short loops is hilarious.

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

Weirdest thing was that the day seemed to go by in about 3-4 Hrs

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

My goal for this race was to focus on pace. I wanted to go 12 hours so I knew I couldn’t burn too many matches early. I’ve done the 6 HR a handful of times and going out too hot can make for a very long day.

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

The climbs at Carkeek will catch up with you quickly. Ease into the climbs from the start, don’t wait until 2-3 laps in.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

A good mix of walking/fast hiking/running can cover the miles you want. You just have to trust it.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Course is pretty diverse and never got boring between the fall colors and the views of the sound.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Carkeek is a very tough course. Of the 2 mile course only about 150-200 yards are flat. The rest is climbing or descending.

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

RDs, Matt and Kerri are amazing and care after every runner.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Super strong competition, some amazing runners out there.

Weather and typical race conditions

Weather varies, first time doing the 12 HR but have done the 6 HR 4x and it’s probably rained hard 3x and been amazing weather 3x. Although, Carkeek in the driving rain can be pretty fun.

How’s the Swag?

You’re medal is a ring pop! And you get a bag of Halloween candy when you’re done.

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

5 stars and I totally recommend it.

Crooked Road 24 Hour Race Report – Mark Cliggett

August 10, 2020December 4, 2017

Race: Crooked Road 24 Hour

Runner: Mark Cliggett

Date: 11/18/2017

Location: Rocky Mount, VA

Results: 114+ miles, 1st place

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1284652652

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

Winning a race was novel.
It’s a really well-run event, with great ultra-runner volunteers and organizers
The ~1.2 mile loop is in a really pretty area, around a lacrosse field with woods all around.

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

I started slowly, mostly at the pace I intended, and let everyone run away from me. Then they got tired, but I didn’t so much.

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

If you are doing a timed event, plan to run for the whole time.
If you have two goals, one more ambitious than the other, and aim for the less ambitious one, it is very hard to achieve that and then refocus on the harder one. In my case I wanted to win (less ambitious given the competition) and then run 125 miles (probably at the edge of what I was capable of that day). Once I had the win in hand, I focused on protecting it rather than seeing how far I could run.

Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes and no. There are some very good runners but it’s a local race and the people running it don’t have their pacing strategies completely dialed.

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

Ragnar Luckenbach – Jeff K

August 14, 2020April 5, 2017

Race: Ragnar Luckenbach

Runner: Jeff K (the team was Jeff, Chris, David, Ben, Armon, and Zach)

Date: 3/31/17

Location: Bastrop to Luckenbach TX. 192 mile relay

Results – 23hrs:45min (6 runner Ultra team) 1st place overall

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

I have never done a Ragnar relay and surprised how fun it was. My nephew Chris, who lives in Houston and his buddy put the team together and they initially recruited me to be the “old guy” on the team. Actually, it turned out that I wasn’t the oldest as Christopher’s dad (My brother in law) got on the team as well. We ended up with a diverse age group ranging from age 24 to 58.

We won the race. The next team was an hour slower.

Our youngest team runner Ben, was 24. He was really fast. He could run the shorter 2-3 mile segments in the 5min pace range, and the remainder in the 6’s It was really exciting to watch.

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

Definitely could have done without the 90 degree heat. I got the stomach cramps from dehydration after the second leg, and sunburned to top it off.

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

Things get generally weird between 2AM and 5 – like you are in a dream state.

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

Our team was in the last wave to start at 11:30AM on Friday. I was in position three of the rotation. It was already hot and that took its toll on us because we weren’t doing a good job of pace management. At this point in the race we should have been going slow, but we were trying to catch up to the teams who started earlier and pass them. This ultimately lead to one of our runners dropping in the third segment because he just couldn’t keep any fluids or food down anymore. We then had to figure out how to cover the remaining legs with 5 runners and manage one of the 5 that wasn’t feeling so well. Doing this was like trying to solve an impossible puzzle and almost laughable to watch. No matter what combinations of who was doing what, it just seemed like somebody was going to get stuck with a bunch of extra miles! I ran a double leg in the 4^th to cover for the runner who was out. The team was kind enough to let me know this right as I was finishing my leg that I could just “keep on going” and they’d meet me 4 miles down the road at the next checkpoint <ugh>.

Towards the end of the 5^th segment it was around 4-5AM and still very dark. There was this weird exchange where they had it decorated like a Santa’s Village complete with reindeer. It even had this LED projection on the trees that looked like twinkling stars. It was very surreal like you were on an acid trip. Later we had a really good laugh about that.

By the start of the last segment, We knew we had passed a lot of runners and thought we were in the front or very close. There was a race announce that there were two legs cancelled in the 6^th and we were to just drive to the checkpoint and start running again. This actually worked well because we had another runner who was basically done after the 5^th. I had to pick up a longer segment than originally planned and finished it as strong as I could. We would stop the van more than usual to set up a cheering station for our runner with cowbells and stuff like that so it made the last few hours really fun.,

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

We had a couple dedicated drivers (Chris’ and Ben’s wives) this helped immensely as the runners didn’t have to worry about it.

Organization of your stuff is key. The van quickly become a sea of clothes, banana peels, empty GU packs and junk. I used a simple strategy where one compartment of my pack held all electronics and the other clothes. this made it easy to find stuff.

If you can, bring your own iPhone portable battery pack. There will be a lot of competition for plugging it in to the van.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I found out the hard way that team with some fast dudes and “effective pace management” can be mutually exclusive. During the first part in the heat, I ran the opposite of proper pacing. We all did. Had I done this differently, I know I could have crushed the later segments in the cooler weather and not had any dehydration issues.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Yes. You would see a lot of wildlife like deer and wild turkeys, and ranches with real Texas longhorn steers. I think the river section with the cypress trees was the nicest, but it was unfortunately at night.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

The question I had before this was … “Is a 50K or 50 miler harder or easier than a relay?” The feeling is quite similar at the end of both. Because of the sleep deprivation, and the fact you get cramped from riding in the van, the last leg is kind of like those final miles in an ultra.

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

Ragnar is run by a corporation – Reebok I think. It has the feeling of a corporate marathon with a lot of marketing behind it.

Competition – is there a strong field?

It probably varies greatly between race locations. It seemed like in this Ragnar, some teams might have had a couple fast runners and the rest were recreational. Some teams were clearly out there for the fun of it which was awesome. Our team of 6 had two sub 3hr, two low 3hr, and two 4hr marathoners and we won the race. Had we had to race against a team that was comprised of the top 6 Chuckanut finishers, we would have been toast.

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.

Luckily for me, our team captains set it all up. All I had to do was book my own flight

Aid Stations

Not all the exchange points in a Ragnar have food and water. You need to bring all your own stuff in the van.

Weather and typical race conditions –

This one was hot, like 90’s during the day. Evenings and early morning were 60-70s.

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

The Ragnar handbook lists everything you need to bring. And more.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Could be, if they want to drive around and follow you

Awards –

We just got the same finisher medals as everyone else

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

I think Ragnar is a bucket list kind of thing. Someone might be able to convince me to do it again, but it might be a while. I think with the right group you can have a fantastic fun time.