Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon Race Report – Roey P

Race: Light at the End of the Tunnel

Runner: Roey P

Race Date: 06/10/2018

Location: Hyak Trailhead to North Bend (Snoqualmie Pass, WA)

Results: 3:20

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

• The Course – All downhill. Almost 90 feet per mile downhill the whole way.
• Aid Stations – Spaced almost exactly 2.5 miles apart, they were well stocked with water and gatorade (several GU’s stations, too).
• Surroundings – Waterfalls, Bridge Crossings, and Mountain views make this a gorgeous course.

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

• The Field – The best way to describe this race is a trail race with a road race mentality. A lot of the other runners wore headphones, or weren’t overly friendly (something I like in trail races). They ran in close packs of 3-4 people.
• The Course – Crushed gravel, yuck.

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

Not very many port-a-johns. Only 3-4 along the whole course.

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

• I paced myself incredibly well, with some really consistent miles.
• Nutrition and hydration – when you know you nailed it, you know.

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

The tunnel is very disorienting. Both in running through it, and what it will do to your GPS.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

• Push harder.
• Stay near the finish line the night before. It is an early start, and coming out from Seattle, it was an hours drive in the morning.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Downhill, literally, the whole way.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Gorgeous. Like I mentioned, you get beautiful vistas, waterfalls, bridge crossings.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Very easy!

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

Our bus driver didn’t quite know how to get to the start, but other than that, smooth as silk.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

This course brings out a lot of fast runners looking to BQ. So a good solid 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.

They do sell out, so register early.

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

Pretty standard, but well spaced.

Weather and typical race conditions

This one was cold and overcast. Perfect conditions for racing. Although being in June, I am guessing that’s a big variable.

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

I ran with a belt with my favorite GU flavors, and that’s about all I needed.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Only a few spots to cheer from along the course, but if you are familiar with the course, it could be.

How’s the Swag?

Nice shirt, and a bright shiny metal. What else can you expect?

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

4 Stars. If you are looking for a speedy race, then this is it.