Race: Sun Mountain 50k
Runner: Chase P
Race Date: 05/18/2019
Location: Winthrop, WA
Results: 6:43
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2378503677
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Scenery/views, people, those cushy trails!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Nothing – this was a perfect race.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The 1/4mi walk up the very steep hill to the parking lot after the race. Nothing Rainshadow can do about this – but it sucks after the race!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I did an excellent job of pacing myself in the first half. I negative split my 2nd half of the race which I’m proud of since the heat became quite a factor. Lots of people hit the wall in the 2nd half but I did not.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
If you don’t want to get caught up in a massive bottleneck in the first few miles, then sprint ahead of the pack to get through the gate before it slows down. Many minutes were spent watching the conga line go through the gate, and then later up and over the barbed wire fence.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Any amount of heat is no joke, and sodium intake must be a premium focus!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The double-peak of Thompson Pass straight up sucks. But, once you reach that Thompson Pass aid station, it’s more or less rockable from there if you aren’t blown out already.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
No. It is an INSANELY pretty course!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes. While the profile doesn’t look too tough on paper, the course packs a serious punch with well-timed climbs. Everyone I talked to remarked that it was much tougher than they had expected. I think the heat and wide-open exposure of the course “helped” with that.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Completely well-oiled. Not a thing Rainshadow can do better in my eyes.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Competition was pretty tight in the middle of the pack!
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.
Lottery system…and after experiencing the Methow I totally understand why.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
They had everything. I got after the pickles, oreos, and coke.
Weather and typical race conditions
Weather said it was somewhere between 65-70*…but it sure felt hotter than that all day. Prepare for 80-85* weather with that exposure.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Nope – no surprises.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes! The finish line was rowdy.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5/5