Race: Headwaters 50k
Runner: Delaney H
Race Date: 09/29/2018
Location: Lake Siskiyou, CA
Results: https://ultrasignup.com/m_results_event.aspx?did=51815#id902373
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Really pretty surroundings
- Amazing volunteers
- Sweet downhill finish
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
- Not nearly as much single track as I wanted
- Some pretty rocky downhill sections (this slowed me down)
- The t-shirt was a little small
(Yeah…that’s the worst stuff I can say about this race)
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Not weird really, but much of this was on dirt road. Some sections were fairly rocky. Having said that, some were delightfully runnable.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
It’s all pretty straightforward. No secret.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I might carry less stuff. I tend to over pack. The aid stations were great and I didn’t have much need to use much from my pack. I’d probably wear different shoes than I did. This race could be done in road shoes without too much problem. A rock plate would’ve been nice through a couple areas.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Lots of dirt roads. Mostly very runnable, so it’s a pretty fast course.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Views of Mt. Shasta from much of the course. Very pretty!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Nope. There are a couple of good solid climbs, but there’s a long downhill finish. As mentioned, most of the course is quite runnable.
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 amazing and the volunteers had everything dialed in! The race itself seemed a little disorganized. But, it’s a small race, so it was totally fine.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There were definitely some fast folks (Ryan Ghelfi ans his wife Natalie ran the 30k and 50k respectively), but it’s a small field.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Easy registration via ultra signup. They also had race day registration. It was a small, local race. Very chill vibe.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Pretty standard fare. Very plentiful and the volunteers were wonderful.
Weather and typical race conditions
I think the weather is generally good. It was perfect when I ran.
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?
I think this might be decent for spectators. If your peeps have 4 wheel drive, I think they can get to several places to watch.
How’s the Swag?
T-shirt, trucker hat, and a fancy metal glass for age group winners.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I give 4 out of 5.