3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Beautiful trails
A lot of rolling hills
Steep climbs
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
It was very muddy and slippery
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Hit my sub 6h time goal
Made some new friends during the run
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
First half is way easier than the second half! Pretty much all the vertical is happening during the second half
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I brought too much water and food. It was just extra weight I had to carry around all the time
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Safe enough energy for the second half
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes! Some very nice and pretty trails
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes! Very steep climbs at the end
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It was very good organized
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yeah it’s pretty competitive
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.
Sells out pretty fast
Weather and typical race conditions
Usually very cold
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Waterproof shoes would help a lot
How’s the Swag?
It’s fun
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Support. Aid stations were well-run and (if you register early enough) you can also get lodging at a nice cabin just 3 miles from the start.
Efficient, looped course. Don’t have to figure out a plethora of drop bags. Only two aid stations that you hit a total of 4 times each 25-mile circuit makes for easier planning.
32-hr cutoff makes this a good first 100-miler.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
First 100-miler, so nothing to compare it to. Maybe next time.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
It’s called the Lake Martin endurance run, but you don’t really see much of the lake at all.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I held back just a little during the first half, but not too much that I was pushing cutoffs. Getting through the first 50 miles in less than 11:30 took pressure off and I knew, barring anything super weird, I would be able to finish.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This race advertises rolling hills. Don’t be fooled, the hills are RELENTLESS! 13,000 feet of elevation gain with hardly any actual flat areas. Unless you are a front-of-the-packer, plan to hike the uphills; even though they all are “runnable” on their own, they seem to get a lot higher after 75 miles.
You will pass the start/finish twice per circuit. You can easily bring extra gear since parking is right there.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Work on better hill endurance and stronger climbing. Improve on power hiking. Bring more almond butter packets!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The final 6 miles of each circuit are the most challenging and most technical. If you use hiking poles, have them at the start/finish aid station so you can grab them for the 6-mile loop that starts/ends at the start/finish.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Even though you don’t see much of the lake, it is very pretty. Southern forests and some horses at the end of the last 6-mile loop.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
It is not too technical. Most of the trail is single-track with roots. But, the hills are sneaky and are likely the most insidious threat to the runner who doesn’t keep that in mind.
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. The RD will still count you as a finisher if you exceed the 32-hr cutoff as long as you make it to the finish before they have to pack up (more on that in the runners manual).
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The field was varied. Walter Handloser ran this year and Karl Meltzer has the course record. So, the field isn’t very competitive but it does attract serious amateurs with the random appearance of a big-ish name who shows up just to have fun running an ultra without the fanfare.
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.
If you want to rent a cabin close to the start, you need to get on that right away. If you choose to rent a hotel in town, you don’t want to wait since the lodging selections close-in are limited.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard fare throughout the day. Coffee, pancakes, grilled cheese, and quesadillas as the night wore on and morning came around.
Weather and typical race conditions
Slightly warm during the day and cool overnight. This year, it was low/mid 60s during the day and high 30s/low 40s overnight.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I appreciated poles for the last 6 miles of the last two circuits. But, I found it better to leave them with my gear stashed at the start/finish since I found them more of a nuisance than a help for the first 19 miles of each circuit.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
With only two aid stations with car access to each (short walk from parking up the hill to the Heaven Hill aid station), it is very crew and spectator-friendly.
How’s the Swag?
The buckle is shiny and solid. The shirt is soft. I’d rate it high.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
1. Beautiful, rugged terrain!
2. Great people – runners, volunteers, staff
3. Challenging and unique
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
My only complaint was that the race culminates in a truly epic 1-mile rocky uphill scramble named Blue Hell around mile 28 of the race. It’s a natural end and when you’re done you’re about half a mile from the top of Mt. Cheaha (highest point in Alabama). But they run you on to side trails for 2-3 more miles and it was anti-climactic and tedious.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Blue Hell – ~28 miles in you climb the side of a mountain for a mile.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Thanks to Coach Matt and my physical therapist, my running fitness and core strength were the best they’ve ever been. Felt like I could kick into a run whenever I needed to – basically everywhere outside of the climbs and the most intense of the rock garden trails. My gut was also very solid – I ate 1900 calories in Huma gels plus some sport drink and a few bites of food at aid stations. Started early and kept it up. Also managed my water despite much more heat and humidity than expected – drank ~5l of water and sport drink in almost any aid station.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
1. Lots of rocks – and they get slick very easily. Most of us walked in the worst of the rock gardens.
2. Tons of climbing – the pre-race hype is all about Blue Hell but you start climbing right away, I mean have to walk, hands on thighs, straight up hill climbs.
3. Lots of downhill! Felt good to bomb on some early downhills but 6 days later my quads are still blown – took its toll by the end of the race.
4. Watch the weather – went from 20’s, 30’s, 40’s to over 70 on race day – no direct sun but still tough.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
You never know – temps soared and had to adapt. Climbing was intense enough to add 2 hours to my previous 50k race times – in a race I felt good about! Rocks were a unique challenge – watch the regulars, trust your instincts – no place to get a twisted ankle.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Climbing and blue hell.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Fantastic – layered mountain in the distance both to east and west, high meadows and ridges, creek crossings – very pretty.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I’ve only done three 50k’s but this took two hours longer than the others and I was in better shape!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Yes, they nailed it.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Not really relevant for me.
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.
Only thing I would do differently is book early enough to stay in the park at the lodge – otherwise it’s a 30 minute drive. I would consider camping too.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Lots of options, lots of help.
Weather and typical race conditions
I think it’s usually in the 40’s and 50’s – but not this year. Also, rain is frequent.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Shoes with a rock plate and good drainage. Ability to carry everything you need – it’s point-to-point.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Kind of – if they’re willing to drive and hike. If not, they’ll see you at the end and tell you what a good time they had.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
1. Southeastern trail runs treat everyone in their races like family whether elite or back of the pack
2. Oak Mountain State Park is a lesser known jewel in the state – Even though it’s only a few miles off the interstate at no point on the trails do you hear traffic
3. The race directors David and Mary Jo Tosch will do anything in their power to make sure you finish in my case not enforcing strict cutoffs
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Even though central Alabama isn’t known for high mountains the course finds the steepest climbs and descents to really rack up vert.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
The section we raced on is a 11 mile loop that you run once and then in reverse so getting to see everyone including the leaders is always something I love. Got to run most of the race with one the 100 runners who was on his last 25 getting to follow him and see how he responded to the course (until he dropped me that is) was one the most awesome experiences I’ve had. And he gave me the strength I needed to finish when I sprained my ankle at mile 19 after watching him all day never stop, despite falling a few times and spending all night in the rain, there was no way I could quit.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
The elevation is no joke the course finds the toughest way cross country with some very technical terrain from muddy climbs to random rock gardens.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I didn’t work hard enough during training to prepare for the climbs and descents and I didn’t bring trekking poles with me.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The average runner will have long sections that are not runnable and that includes some life the rare flat sections which the rocks and roots are so bad you can barely look up to see where you’re going.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Absolutely beautiful.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Brutal.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Well oiled machine! The 100 mile course got changed less than a hour from the start due circumstances outside of the race directors control and there was already a contingency plan in place.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The 100 mile had pro Jeff Browning taking the win and every distance has stiff competition including locals who practically live on these trails
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.
Registration is simple. There’s camping at the park and hundreds of hotels and airbnb within a 25 mile circle.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard until you get to the finish where great barbecue and cold beer is a standard at all southeastern trail runs events.
Weather and typical race conditions
Nothing typical in Alabama – the race started dry 70 degree temperatures, started raining and by nightfall, snow flurries. Prepare for any condition when coming to Alabama in the winter from heat and humidity to cold and humidity.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
TREKKING POLES DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Your friends have easy access to you at 2 of the aid stations and a 2 mile hike to the third.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10 out of 10 if you wanna test your climbing legs and think you have to go out west to do it, come give this one a try.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Pinhoti Series trail races have a great community of runners who are training for Pinhoti 100 and other runners who keep coming back because Todd Henderson, the race director, and his wife have a way to make you feel at home before, during, and after the race.
You are running rolling hills along a series of water systems
It’s small and intimate
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
No complaints
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The race director starts off every race with the song “sweet Home Alabama”.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I went into the race knowing that this wasn’t going to be the race to PR my 50k coming off from injury. So, I really focused on keeping my nutrition up to par and paying attention to my body’s reactions to the heat. For the first time, I ran an ultra distance in extreme humidity without bonking.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Prepare for the humidity and heat; I wore a PolarHug and refilled at AS that had ice to spare.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Less salt intake. I was concern about my sodium level and double my S cap intake. My fingers were sausages by the end.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The most important course specific knowledge to know about the race is the climbs are sneaky. You don’t realize it after the turn around. Take easy on the climb to save your legs for the slow climb out.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
This race is gorgeous. It’s not busting with amazing vistas; however, you run along a series of water systems with a copper-like color. As you work your way to the ridge line, you can hear the river running deep in the thick green between two ridges. There are at least 6 creek crossing that are very refreshing to dive into to cool off. There is a mix of rooty sections and some buffed out sections.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Technically no. Rolling hills. Great race for 1st 50k. The only thing tough about the course are the elements.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This race is put on by Todd Henderson of the Pinhoti Series. He has the logistics nailed down. His volunteers are always super friendly and willing to go the extra mile for you.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
This is a small race. It’s only been running for 4 or 6 years. There were only 2 women racers who were on any competitive level–Liz Canty and Rebecca Waters.
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.
Registration is wide open. no special requirements. You can stay in a hotel in Heflin; however, I suggest camping out at Coleman Lake Campground. Packet pickup is the evening before at a local wine store.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Aid stations had slushies, popsicles and normal AS food and beverages. Everyone was super excited to volunteer. Even the half marathoners stuck around to help out at the aid stations.
Weather and typical race conditions
100% humidity in the low 90’s. Rain is normal, but it held off this year. It rained 2 weeks straight leading up to the race.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
This a very hot/humid race. It’s super important to stay on top of your nutrition–electrolytes, etc. A friend of mine ran a solid race till mile 23 and became super disorientated. I experimented with CarboPro, which worked like a champ for me. Chaffing is the worst because the humidity allows so much sickness and sweat. Your clothes are saturated from the get go. Body glide doesn’t do the trick, you a need a more powerful substance.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
There are only 3 aid stations total that are super easy to access via road. The start/finish area is located at Coleman Lake Campground on a peninsula where friends and family can swim/hike while waiting for runner.
How’s the Swag?
I received 2 pieces of swag: super soft shirt with the logo on the it and a sticker with the logo on it. The finish medal is a hand carved wooden medal.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3.5 I recommend for first timer 50ks or people heat training.
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Race: 
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?