South Mountains Marathons 50k Race Report – Jeremy L

Race: South Mountains Marathons (50k)

Runner: Jeremy Lynch

Race Date: 01/12/2019

Location: South Mountains State Park, Connelly Spring, NC

Results: 5h:32m (7th Overall)

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

  1. The views from the top
  2. Low key, laid back vibe
  3. Aid Station Mile 21

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

The finishers’ prize was arm sleeves which I don’t wear (I gave mine to my wife).

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

The excessive warnings about horses on the trails.

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

Cut 12 min. off fastest 50k time even with an additional 3,000 feet of climbing.

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

The climbing is serious… there is no such thing as flat. You’re either hiking up steep hills or running down some sweet single track.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Just when you think you’ve put in enough time on the hills and in the weight room working quads… you haven’t.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Apparently you have to watch out for horses (I didn’t see any).

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Mountains in NC, so yes. Plus, you run past a nice waterfall even though you have to climb some serious steps to get to the top of it.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes… especially if you live in an area without mountains (like me).

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

Definitely a well-oiled machine even though this was the first time they’ve held the 50k (3 previous years of 26.2 and 13.1). I really like the low key vibe. It was like showing up and running with a group of friends (and the chili after the race was fantastic).

Competition – Is there a strong field?

The guy who won finished in 4h:24min. I never saw him other than at the starting line (I think he ate and was at home showering before I finished).

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.

The event is held in a state park so camping is always an option but other than that you have to drive (oh and no alcohol allowed in the park so you have to pack your own cooler).

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

Standard fare except for the aid station at mile 21… they had fresh pancakes and bacon!

Weather and typical race conditions

Cold and wet… expect snow and ice and everything sometimes not so nice.

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

Shoes with good traction and a nice strong toe protector because the downhills were fast and rocky.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

If they can hike.

How’s the Swag?

T-shirt at registration was sweet. Arm sleeves for finishing just aren’t my thing.

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

8/10… and yes I highly recommend this event. Looking forward to some of their other events in 2019.

south mountains marathons