Squamish 50/50 Race Report – Mark Cliggett

Race: Squamish 50/50

Runner: Mark Cliggett

Race Date: 08/18/2018

Location: Squamish BC

Results: 14:36:59/10:16:46

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

Amazing volunteers. The challenge of running 50 miles and 50k on back-to-back days. Finishing the 50/50 so I don’t have to do it again.

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

The aid station food was pretty much the same from start to finish – fine for a short one day race but getting monotonous already by the end of the 50 mile race and I had to face it again through the 50k.

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

A lot of the downhills are on technical mountain bike trails and have wooden ramps – some of the ramps are so steep you have to pick your way down them.

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

Finishing, in spite of various issues.

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

The hardest thing about the 50/50 – aside from the miles – is managing the time between the two races, especially if you aren’t fast. There is a lot to do in a small number of hours (including sleep) and crew/support probably would help. I didn’t have that and I was exhausted by the end of the 50k – probably more so than in some 100 mile races.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The trails are all mountain bike trails – technical, difficult, and slow.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

For me, there are are much prettier courses. At Squamish, you spend a lot of time in the woods and occasionally in clear cuts that are growing back. There weren’t a lot of views. It’s like running in the woods at Cougar/Tiger Mountain – not the worst thing in the world but certainly not the prettiest.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Uh, yeah. The technical trails take it out of you .

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

Definitely well run.

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 races sold out in less than 8 hours this year. One of those races where you have to sign up the moment it opens.

Weather and typical race conditions

This year it was smoky due to BC fires. Given how things are going, this may become an annual problem for the race.

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

If you like really hard, technical trails, this is a great race.

Read more about Mark’s race at: 

https://pointlenana.wordpress.com/2018/08/22/squamish-50-50-august-2018/