This is Team RunRun athlete Keith Nadeau’s 2021 Infinitus 100 mile race report. He shares his knowledge of the course, his pro-tips, and other thoughts about this cool race in Vermont. Enjoy!
Race: Infinitus 100
Runner: Keith Nadeau
Race Date: 5/28/2021
Location: Goshen, VT
Results: 1st overall – 22hrs 6min
Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/edmKNLkmGgb
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
1. The Endurance Society put on a very well organized event with great atmosphere. Course markings were plentiful and support from volunteers/aid stations was incredible.
2. The course is amazing! All trails and a few dirt roads but no pavement. Multiple views along the way and dense Vermont wilderness.
3. The community. Lots of the racers and volunteers were local and I could tell they loved this area.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Can’t think of much I didn’t like!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The theme of the race is infinity. All races start at 8:08 in the morning, the course is a double loop forming the infinity symbol, and repeating the loops creates a feeling that you will be running the trails infinitely. They have many different distances to choose from all the way up to 888k.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
One of the coolest animal encounters I’ve had! During the day about 20 miles in I was rolling through a technical rocky section. I leaped over two boulders that formed a small crevice and noticed brown fur inside. I stopped to look and it was the smallest baby deer I could imagine crouched inside hiding from me. Mom deer was about 15 feet away still in the woods looking back scared for her little one. I talked softly to them to let them know I was friendly and keep them calm. I walked off and they slowly did the same.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This race has very generous cut offs, so it is super accessible to anyone looking for an ultra race. With camping in the middle of the course there were a lot of runners taking naps between loops or at least in the dark hours.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I learned a lot about pacing and effort level on this one. I tried to keep the pace in check for the first half but looking back on it I should have gone slower to conserve a little more for the end.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Very easy to follow with the way they mark the course. The climbs are tough! Nothing too steep but gradual uphill and downhill for most of the course. There are some really good runnable sections thrown in there too if you aren’t too beat up from the hills. It’s a 7 mile and 20 mile loop connected in the middle. The 100 is – 7,20,7,20,7,20,20.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very pretty course. It is in a rural area of Vermont, lots of dirt roads to get to the start. One really great Mountain View on the 7 mile loop, and some good views on the 20 but mostly in the trees. Lots of wildlife out and about on this course!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
This is a pretty tough course but manageable. The climbs don’t last more than a few miles at a time, but they just keep coming and due to the loop nature of the course you know when they are coming. Footing is fairly flat for the majority of the course but a good amount of rocky and rooted sections too.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This is such a well run event. They seem to have everything figured out and dialed in. Andy is one of the most cheerful and genuine RD’s I have met.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
This does not see a huge turnout or competitive field. The second place finisher Benjamin who finished just under 24 hours was working trying to catch me, but other than that it was another 5+ hours until 3rd.
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, camping on site and facilities. Very chill race overall.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
No aid stations on the 7 mile loop. Two aid stations on the 20 mile loop. One of them was just water but the other was fully stocked and had cheerful faces to greet runners. They made me the best grilled cheese of my life… 3 times! (One each loop other than the first) The center of the race is the Blueberry Hill ski center and has full aid as well as many spectators and other racers.
Weather and typical race conditions
This is where things really lucked out this year. Typical weather is hot and buggy with very wet trails. This year not many bugs, overcast and between 35 – 50 degrees F, and minimal mud / water on the trail.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I wore a Salomon vest with 2 x .5 liter soft flasks and that worked very well with the aid stations they had.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Lots of spectators at the start / finish but once on course you won’t see anyone other than the aid station on the 20 mile loop.
How’s the Swag?
I got a nice athletic long sleeve, hat, and stickers at check in. 1st place prize was a locally made pottery mug with their logo.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
8/10 I would give this race!
