Sri Chinmoy 7 hour Race Report – Jonny Granby

Race: Sri Chinmoy 7 Hour Race

Runner: Jonathan Granby

Race Date: 05/28/2022

Location: Seattle, WA

Results: Stone dead last

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

  1. Simple but effective. This is a no-bells-and-whistles type of event, it has everything you could want or need and nothing extra.
  2. Mix of terrain. In a 1.54 mile loop it was remarkable to be on tarmac, gravel and single track, but the variety was immensely helpful in staving off boredom.
  3. Ties to Sri Chinmoy. The connection to this community provided a warmth and cheerfulness that is rarely seen.

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

  1. The lap tracking was a little, um, different. It was sweet in its simplicity but it didn’t always afford the runner accurate, timely information.
  2. The loop itself has a minor lollipop section where all the runners had to squeeze past each other going in opposite directions, not a major gripe but became tiresome

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

This race was entered in pursuit of a larger goal, to walk around Lake Washington (all 63 miles of it) in one day, we’re calling it WALWOD (Walk Around Lake Washington in One Day). This ultra event provided a great training opportunity to spend 7 hours walking on a flat terrain, largely mimicking the lakeside paths that’ll be used. Good testing for shoes, equipment and really just walking for so flipping long.

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

Not much to it. There’s no secret handshake required. Some legit runners show up, with at least one on their way to Western States later this year. You can park right on the side of the course, which is fabulous for easy access to gear changes and saving you tent set up or anything like that.