Race: GOAT Run 50k (Great Olympic Adventure Trail)
Runner: Matt P
Race Date: 09/07/2019
Location: Port Angeles / Joyce / Crescent Lake
Results: 18th / 56
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2688675664
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Small number of runners
- Very chill atmosphere
- Beautiful course
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
No time following shuttle ride to warm up before race. The mileage seems to have been shorted a bit. No one was clocking 31-32 for the 50k route. Same with other distances.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
It’s on mountain bike singletrack routes!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I really enjoyed the scenery. You can see Victoria/Canada border across the Strait. When you can’t see it you’re running through lush Olympic forest!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Warm up early.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Fuel better and bring less water – the aid stations were sufficient plus one small carry pouch.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Very rolling and flowy, not a lot of steep uphills. Hard up/down in last 2 miles.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
YES – so beautiful. Typical PNW beauty, even on a rainy day.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
With about 3000 ft gain, it’s rather easy and non-technical compared to other big 50k’s.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Happy medium here! For the most part though it was simple to figure out and get going. Pretty well organized.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Well Keith Laverty was out there so yeah 😉
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.
Nah I passed out in a creek bed a few miles away the night before. Lots of lodging available in Port Angeles.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
8 aid stations – PEANUT BUTTER PRETZELS beyond station 3.
Weather and typical race conditions
It was rainy but eventually the sun came out. Trail was still smooth with light rain.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Go light. I wish I hadn’t brought so much fuel.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
The logging roads and finish line are accessible, so yes.
How’s the Swag?
I got a pint glass and a cool bandana. Shirts were sold out!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 stars. Recommend as a great 50k course that will permit a lot of running as opposed to power hiking.