Race: RUFA Staunton Rocks – 6 hour
Runner: Stephen Bartos
Race Date: 03/07/2020
Location: Staunton State Park – Colorado
Results: 2 Laps -17 Miles
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- The event is to raise money for clean air in our state.
- It has a very low key group run feel, which is a great way to start the race season.
- Location! It was only 40 min from my front door!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
- Starting at noon really threw my normal race routine out of sorts, but not really a huge deal.
- The ice and snow!! Made it difficult to get into any rhythm with all the sliding around.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Nothing too weird about the race.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Beautiful race course was the overall highlight.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Bring traction! It’s not a difficult race and its very laid back. Good race to test out new items such as shoes, packs or nutrition.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I will not try and run through the slippery stuff, in the end it cost me some hip tightness that kept me from a third lap.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
There will be ice! Sections of the first uphill are very shaded and there will be longer patches of ice.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes there are 3 overlooks along the course that are beautiful!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Medium toughness, but mostly due to ice and snow.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well run and the new location made everything smooth.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Not a very competitive atmosphere, but there were some elite runners in the field.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Very standard. I brought my own snacks knowing I would be back to my car after each lap.
Weather and typical race conditions
March in Colorado can be 65 and sunny to inches of snow all in the same day. We were lucky and the sun was out and temperatures in the 50s through the day.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Spikes!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes, very spectator friendly. 24, 12, 6, and 3 hours races all on the same 8.5 mile loop and one big aid station at start/finish line.
How’s the Swag?
Swag is solid, no t-shirts (I have plenty anyway) but hats and socks were solid.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4 Stars. Great to run close to home and for a good cause.