Race Reports

Race: Wandering Moose 42k - P.A.C.E Trail Runs Runner: Coach Jennifer Kozak Race Date: 10/07/2023 Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada Results: Overall: 43 GP: 14 // 5:40:11 Photo: Benjamin Walker Photography (@localsince1908) 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The PACE Trail Run community: P.A.C.E - Positive Attitude Changes Everything - truly lives up to its name! Despite this being my first PACE race, everyone ...

Race: Maine Half Marathon Runner: Daniel King Race Date: 10/01/2023 Location: Portland, Maine Results: 2:04:17 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9956430217 Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular? Fell a little short of targeted pace, but improvement continues on the road to the Seattle Marathon. Photo: Donald Penta ...

Race: Run Rabbit Run 100 Mile Race (Tortoise Division) Runner: Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott Race Date: 09/15/2023 Location: Streamboat Springs, CO Results: Overall: 90 Female:10 // 29:42:01 Photo: Denise Bourassa 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? RRR had some UTMB and Western States vibes! The crowds were not nearly as monumental as these larger events (to my relief). However, it was exciting to have ...

Race: The Rut 50K Runner: Michael Adams Race Date: 09/17/2023 Location: Big Sky, Montana Results: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/12456#resultSetId-405241;perpage:50 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Very well organized and plenty of help at aid stations. The spectators are very supportive as well many as a lot of ultra fans are either family or have done them in the past and fully realize when you are doing ...

Race: Crystal Mountain Hill Climb Runner: Coach Keith Laverty Race Date: 09/09/2023 Location: Crystal Mountain Resort, WA Results: 2nd, 37:15 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9816508271 Photo: Crystal Mountain Resort 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The scenic views at the summit including Mt. Rainier Loved the upbeat music at the summit; encouraging to hear it as you got closer to the top when things ...

This is Mike Groenewegen's Trip Report from his Double Wonderland Trail adventure in September 2023. Mike is an accomplished ultrarunner with top10 finishes in 200 mile races including a 2nd place at the Tahoe 200. But one of his major running goals for the past few years has been to complete the iconic Wonderland Trail in WA around Mount Rainier (93 miles and 24,000' of vertical gain), to do it ...

There are myriad reasons to build a strong shoe rotation. Today Team RunRun Coach Miles Bennett-Smith dives into why you should consider building up your shoe collection. While many runners might overlook the importance of shoe rotation, it's a strategy that can yield numerous benefits. From extending the lifespan of your shoes to preventing injuries and enhancing your training outcomes, let's delve into the compelling reasons why you should consider ...

Photo: Seattle United Runners Race: Redmond Harvest Half Marathon Runner: Coach Brian Comer Race Date: 09/04/2023 Location: Redmond, WA Results: https://www.redmondharvesthalf.com/Race/Results/147339#resultSetId-402578;perpage:10 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? This is a great course for those looking to PR, a flat out and back along the Sammamish River Trail with really good competition considering it was the USATF PNW Half Marathon Championship. With it serving ...

Race: Wildcat Ultra 15 miler Runner: Tina Broxterman Race Date: 09/02/2023 Location: Escambia County Equestrian center Results: 1st place female in the 15 miler 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The weather was nearly perfect for being in September in the south. The community is so supportive and encouraging to each and every runner. There were so many different fitness levels and seeing ...

Race: Firecracker 5k and Sparkler Mile Runner: Cassandra Mellon Simmons Race Date: 07/01/2023 Location: Annandale, MN Results 1st in Mile, 4th in the 5k for women, best combined time for women. 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? This race was so family friendly! It had cash prizes for 1st-3rd in both events, combined time, best dressed (costume), and best stroller mile time! It ...

Race: Barrel House Z (BHZ) 5k Runner: Keelin Brennan Race Date: 08/27/2023 Location: Weymouth, MA Results: 8th in Age Group Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9730991752/overview 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? I really enjoyed hearing all the runners cheer each other on during the race. Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race? During this race we runners definitely started to circle ...

Race: Popsicle 5k Runner: Sandy Hernandez Race Date: 08/19/2023 Location: Atlanta Results: 26:54 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The race takes place on the Atlanta Beltline. Mostly flat, which is nice compared to the usual Atlanta races. Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you The organizers ended up having some connectivity issues so the times ...

Race: Wyoming Range 100 Runner: Jacob R Race Date: 08/11/2023 Location: Big Piney, Wyoming Results: 43 hrs 23 minutes Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/aeu9dqhKiCb Photo: Everlong Endurance 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? There a quite a few aspects that make this race special. The race is very remote, rugged and beautiful. Due to the lack of major cities or even towns, the stars ...

Race: Ragnar Trail Appalachians Runner: Marka OConnell Race Date: 08/11/2023 Location: Big Bear Lake Campground, West Virginia Results: Finisher 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Glamping Camaraderie Unlimited memories Finisher medal Sense of accomplishment Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you The red loop tried to kill us The check in was a little overwhelming but ...

Race: Beach to Beacon 10k Runner: Matthew Watras Race Date: 08/05/2023 Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME Results: 42:05 time, place: 519 of 6536 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/athletes/84566308 Photo: TD Beach to Beacon 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The streets were closed to traffic, making it very easy to run without having to worry about cars.It was very well organized, Dave McGillivray did an ...

Race: Crazy Mountain 100 Runner: Ben Brones Race Date: 07/27/2023 Location: Montana Results: Finish 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The station crews. The crews where fun and pro. Some stations where supplied by horses. The Course is challenging and rewarding. Good grub at the finish. Elk, beef, moose no joke. Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it ...

Race: Bowerman 5K Runner: Coach Brian Comer Race Date: 08/05/2023 Location: Nike WHQ Beaverton, Oregon Results: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/149666/#resultSetId-396125;perpage:100 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The race takes place on the Nike WHQ campus. Seeing the various features of the campus, from athlete statues to the track lined with trees, is always cool and exciting. Competition and course are both fast. Definitely a race where ...

Photo: Takao Suzuki Race: Cascade Crest 100 Runner: Rob Raux Race Date: 07/21/2023 Location: Easton, WA Results: 29 OA, 27:29:35 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9502476459 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Volunteers and logistics were on another level. I felt nothing but love and helpfulness from anyone I interacted with during the race. Beautiful views of Mount Rainier, stunningly tall trees, and a good ...

Race: Aspen Half Marathon Runner: Lon Welsh Race Date: 07/15/2023 Location: Aspen CO Results: 1:55 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Scenery!!!! Really well organized Small, intimate race (around 300 in the half marathon) Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you NA. Really well executed Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race? Loved ...

Photo: AJ PETERSON Race: Jack & Jill's Downhill Marathon Runner: Matt Hall Race Date: 07/30/2023 Location: North Bend, WA Results: 3:11:24 https://www.athlinks.com/event/379803/results/Event/1055186/Results Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9552544434 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Trail is beautiful, downhill, and the race shirts were really nice. Photos were great too! Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you Started 25 ...

Race: RBC Brooklyn Half Runner: Kristen Hodsdon Race Date: 05/20/2023 Location: Brooklyn, New York Results: 2:02:56 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? I loved every moment. A lot of it was just personal mindset, but… Running through Prospect Park was gorgeous. Ending on the Boardwalk The enthusiasm Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you Basically the ...

Race: Mt Hood 50K Runner: Ron Kelly Race Date: 07/16/2023 Location: Mt. Hood, Oregon Results: 15th overall, 2nd age group Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9464620804/export_gpx 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Great trail culture vibes, stunning views, and runnable single track trails Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race? No weird factor! But you could run the 50M on Saturday and ...

Race: Twin Cities Toughest Mudder Runner: Jim Delorie Race Date: 07/08/2023 Location: Hugo, Minnesota Results: 12th place over all Male Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9418363325/overview 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The over night format was unique and made for the the event to be challenging. The opening of obstacles as the night went along so you had to plan when to push to ...

Race: Bighorn Trail Run 100 Runner: Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott Race Date: 06/16/2023 Location: Dayton, WY Results: Overall:58 GP:6 // 28:34:45 Photo: Mile 90 Photography 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The Mud: Call me crazy, but I registered for this event hoping for a rugged adventure with the copious shoe-sucking, tacky and deep mud this course is infamous for. In fact, I was ...

Race: Slacker Half Marathon Runner: Coach Nicole Thome Race Date: 06/24/2023 Location: Georgetown, CO Results: 1:52:49 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9326894544 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Downhill (prob 95%) course Very PR'able Beautiful scenery Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you Definitely have someone waiting for you at the finish so you don't have to deal ...

Race: Wy'east Wonder 50k Runner: Simon Pollock Race Date: 06/24/2023 Location: Parkdale, Oregon Results Finished! (8:55, but the course ran 1.5 miles longer than advertised) 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Location, location, location. Wy'east Wonder is a point-to-point course that basically runs south to north just east of Wy'east (aka Mt. Hood) on a ridge line between 4,000-6,000 ft above sea level ...

Race: Grandma's Marathon 2023 Runner: Eddie Grier Race Date: 06/17/2023 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Results: BQ***3:02:48 (close to my marathon PR) 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The crowd support is definitely off the charts in a good way The other runners around me in the HUGE pack in the 3 hr group that I was apart of throughout the race were good to ...

Race: Flagstaff Extreme Big Pine 27k Trail Race Runner: Renee Gale Race Date: 06/10/2023 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Results: 82 of 93 overall Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9240918512 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Now living in the AZ desert this time of year it's hot but it's a lot cooler at 7000ft elevation. Race started at 49° and only got in the mid 70's ...

Race: Zugspitz Ultra 111K Runner: Graham Thornton Race Date: 06/16/2023 Location: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany Results: 23:35:32 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9284853053 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The best little tour of bits of the Alps - dipping into Austria for a bit, some very runnable trails and some pretty wild climbing. Just felt like a treat being in two countries for the race. I ...

Runner: Rachel Mason Name of "Event": FKT: Across Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Date(s) of event: 06/16/2023 Time to complete: 09h49m Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9279427019 Gear - What did you bring? Took my 30L Ultimate Direction Fastpacker (nice pack, horrible color, worse name), just because I wanted to carry poles and a lot of water. I carried a windshirt, very basic first aid kit, headlamp - ...

Race: Ithaca Gorges Half Marathon Runner: Marka OConnell Race Date: 06/17/2023 Location: Ithaca, New York Results: 2:51:47 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Net downhill! The views at the start They had two waves Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you The 7:00am start time Highlights of your race – What did you do well and ...

Race: Garden of the Gods Runner: Lon Welsh Race Date: 06/11/2023 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Results: 56:30 Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/tpzKnATiBAb 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Scenery Great hill training (660' climb) Great, enthusiastic volunteers Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you 5 bathrooms at start line (1800+ runners) = massive lines There were lots ...

Race: San Diego Rock n' Roll Half Marathon Runner: Philippe d'Arabian Race Date: 06/04/2023 Location: San Diego Results: 1:54 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9202049975/overview 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Lots of entertainment along the route Great energy at the beginning of the race Route covers a lot of great neighborhoods Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for ...

Race: Ironman 70.3 Des Moines Runner: John Urban Race Date: 06/11/2023 Location: Des Moines, IA Results: 7:22:02 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Race was very well-organized The swim course was in a unique “S” pattern The run course was scenic. It went along the river and around a lake before finishing downtown. Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t ...

Race: Amateur Mile NYC Runner: Elisabeth R Race Date: 06/09/2023 Location: Icahn Stadium Results: 7:59:12 (1 mile) 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The atmosphere and the location (beautiful views of the skyline)! The track itself is great! Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular? I paced the race well and stayed patient ...

Race: Dexter to Ann Arbor Half Marathon Runner: Rob Raux Race Date: 06/04/2023 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Results: 1:26:05 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9201570461 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Point to point course which travels mostly along the beautiful Huron River Tons of spectators along the course cheering and encouraging Very well organized and executed Not so much – Aspects of the race ...

Race: Pengelly Double Dip Half Marathon Runner: Jeff Matranga Race Date: 06/03/2023 Location: Missoula, Montana Results: Towards the back of the pack Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/routes/2964603220500385350 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Spectacular scenery on the route, going up one side of Mt. Sentinel, then up to University Peak and "the Beacons." Great camaraderie. Well organized. Not so much – Aspects of the ...

Race: Highland Park Strong/North Shore Classic Half Marathon Runner: Whitney Snell Race Date: 06/04/2023 Location: Highland Park, IL Results: 2:10:03 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9201813593 Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular? PR'd, 12 minutes faster than my last half marathon two years ago Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course? Yes, nice course along some pretty streets and Lake Michigan, ...

Race: Pineland trail festival 15k Runner: Jeff Lind Race Date: 05/28/2023 Location: Pineland Farms, ME Results: 1:23:40 Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/h32yOWpFeAb 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Great course; Well organized; good swag Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you The portapotties were kind of rough for the second day of races, with the long races ...

Race: Miles on the Mohawk 10 Miler Runner: Marka OConnell Race Date: 05/28/2023 Location: Schenectady, New York Results: 2:15:10 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Well organized! Point to Point Nice views along the River Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you The last two miles are grueling especially in the heat. Because most of it ...

Race: Toronto Woman’s Run Series Runner: Crystal Spencer Race Date: 05/21/2023 Location: Toronto, Ontario Results: 2:18:16 Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/3UmulFUt4zb 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? On time Very well labeled route Great swag Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you Lots of turn arounds The route was open to the pubic, so other walkers, runners, ...

Race: Denver Colfax Half Marathon Runner: Lon Welsh Race Date: 05/21/2023 Location: Denver, CO Results: 1:58 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Mostly flat. Nice views. Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you They can't / won't send out bib package in advance, even with a fee. Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this ...

Photo: Sally Wood Want to read Des's full race report? Find it here. Race: Cocodona 250 Runner: Coach Des Clarke Race Date: 05/01/2023 Location: Start - Black Canyon City, AZ Finish - Flagstaff, AZ Results: 108 hours 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The course. What an amazing adventure in some of the most beautiful areas of Arizona. The community. I'm from Arizona ...

I always thought 200+ milers were crazy, and I never had any interest in doing them. Then Jamil from Aravaipa Running introduced the world to his plan for the Cocodona 250, and I knew I was in trouble. I had moved to Arizona in 2017, and it immediately felt like home. Cocodona provided the opportunity to explore some of the most amazing places in Arizona by foot, and the adventure ...

Photo: Jen Kelly Race: Capital City Half Marathon Runner: Coach Keith Laverty Race Date: 05/21/2023 Location: Olympia, WA Results: 1st Overall, 1:13:46 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9114235125 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The fanfare and lively spectators around town, and from their driveways in some residential areas toward the end. Easy, straightforward logistics and parking The course! Weird factor – What’s the weirdest ...

Race: Cleveland Half Marathon Runner: Kara Hickok Race Date: 05/21/2023 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Results: 2:25:59 Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/qeYOF5EN0zb 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Pacers for this race were amazing! Very encouraging and you could tell they had plenty of experience. Shout out to pacer Jim from Pittsburgh! I like that this course is relatively flat, the few hills that were in ...

Race: Ice Age 50K Runner: Natalie Weeks Race Date: 05/13/2023 Location: LaGrange, WI Results: 5:18 - 7th woman overall 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Photo: Jeff Crosby Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular? This race is so well organized, a well-oiled machine with the best aid stations, beautiful course and great ...

Race: Sun Mountain 20 Mile Runner: Shannon Payne Race Date: 05/13/2023 Location: Winthrop, WA Results: https://chronokeep.com/results/sun-mountain-50m#50Mile Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9065833201 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Balsamroot! 360 views of the North Cascades! Pizza party and private beach on Patterson Lake at the finish line! Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you On an early season ...

Photo: Melissa Curll Race: Sugarloaf Marathon Runner: Ben Curll Race Date: 05/14/2023 Location: Eustis, ME Results: 3:26:45 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9070587780/overview 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Finally a breakthrough Marathon! Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you Nothing - what a perfect day! Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help ...

Race: Yosemite Half Marathon Runner: Lukas Burrer Race Date: 05/06/2023 Location: Bass Lake, California Results: 1:27:19; 9th OA; 4th AG Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/VLghLDcBGzb 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Very nice location and gorgeous views! Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you Mile 4-6.5 was off road and very muddy and slippery! Highlights of your ...