Race: Nipmuck South Trail Race
Runner: Robert H
Race Date: 06/09/2019
Location: Mansfield, CT
Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=63552
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Great views
- Great race support on the course
- Low cost
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Last year, the course had to change due to a beaver flooding out the trail
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
- Ran a lot faster than last year.
- Saw my first rattlesnake in the wild.
- Ran with several friends so we alternate pulling along.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
I didn’t put on enough sunscreen and burned. It really hurt me on the last mile when we came out of the woods into the sun.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
More sunscreen sooner.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
This is a good beginner course. It has technical terrain, but with breaks that are runnable.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very pretty course
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I don’t think so. It has plenty of challenges. Mud, rocks, small hills, roots. But nothing that isn’t “normal” for this area of CT.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This is an established race. It is part of the CT Blue Blaze Challenge Series
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I’m too slow to care.
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.
There is day of registration.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Basic fare – potato chips, sports drink, water, fig newtons
Weather and typical race conditions
Upper 70’s low 80s. Sunny
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
I carried water, but would have been better served with a smaller bag and refilling at the stations
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
There are a couple of spots that people pop out of the woods, but not a lot a places to watch.
How’s the Swag?
No swag unless you buy a shirt day of. Part of the reason it is low cost.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
Five stars – I love this style of race.