Race: Ouray 100
Runner: Mark Cliggett
Race Date: 07/27/2018
Location: Ouray, Colorado
Results: 46:04
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1741296679/overview
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Gorgeous, hard, like Hardrock but you can get in.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
It’s a big time commitment to go their early to adjust to altitude. Most races take a few days door-to-door, this one took 2 weeks.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
In Colorado, most outdoors people are smart enough to get off the mountains by noon to avoid the thunderstorms. Not ultra runners! They don’t have that option.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I finished! 31 out of 81 starters finished. I picked this race because it looked really hard and it met expectations.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
To train for this race, do hills, hills, and hills. Carry enough gear in your pack so that you can adjust to constant weather changes. Unless you are really fast, expect to be awake through two nights.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It’s all hard. There is nowhere to hide during the race.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This is the 4th year for this course/event. It wasn’t 100% perfect but it was close and there was nothing that affected my ability to enjoy the event and run the race. It will get better every year and I wouldn’t hesitate to tell someone to do this race.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes and no. There are some very fast people at the front. But it’s still a small race so it depends upon who shows up.
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.
That’s the great thing about this race – you just sign up. No lottery. Registration was still open a week before the race. I think that will change though when people realize this Almost-Hardrock-Without-The-Lottery (and possibly harder). I bet it starts selling out in the next couple years.
Weather and typical race conditions
Thunderstorms and lightning! Can’t be avoided! Mostly ok for me, though a few others had some exciting moments.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes and no. About half the aid stations are in Ouray or a short drive away. But it’s a hard race and runners spend a long time away from aid stations so I don’t think of it as a race that would be fun to watch.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
For someone who is ready for a very hard race and/or would really love to run Hardrock. I recommend it. Completely.
Read Mark’s full report with lots more details and pictures here: https://pointlenana.wordpress.com/2018/08/14/ouray-100-july-2018/
