Race: Backcountry Rise 50k

Runner: Kim C

Race Date: 09/07/2019

Location: Toutle, WA

Results: 1st female, 13th overall, time 6:20

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2688977291

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

The course is stunning … there were moments when I rounded a corner and literally gasped because it was so beautiful. The volunteers were great, and I met tons of wonderful people before, during and after the race.

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

That climb at the end really was brutal. I was warned ahead of time, but still wasn’t prepared for how long it was. It was really long.

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

This was my first time camping (sleeping in my minivan) the night before a race. Worked out better than I thought, and they have dinner and clean restroom facilities nearby. I would have liked to sleep in a bed that night, but it was nice not having to worry about driving to the race in the morning. Also, it added to the whole sense of adventure, which I think actually helped me have a better race (“Look at me! I’m on an adventure! I’m camping! I’m running! What fun!”)

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

Mostly I just kept going! Even when I felt like I was crawling and I desperately wanted to stop. I’m proud that I was able to stay focused and positive for the entire 6+ hours. The other runners I met along the way really helped keep me going too. From a strategy standpoint, I knew I wanted to get ahead during the first five miles, which were relatively flat, and then just hope I had enough juice in me to stay ahead of the field once we hit the hilly sections. I figured if I was at least out of sight, then hopefully no one would try to speed up and catch me! But I had to be assertive about passing people in that initial section, because most of the runners I came up behind did not want to pull over and let me by.

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

If you want to compete in the race, then definitely get ahead in the first few miles. And if you’re there to enjoy the day and the scenery, then be sure to do that! My only regret about this race is that I missed most of the spectacular beauty because I was focusing so hard on my run.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I drank so much during this race, and it still wasn’t enough. I think my fluid total came to almost 6 full flasks of Tailwind and 1 flask of water. More Tailwind would have been good — I ran out of fluid completely between aid stations 2 and 3. And next time I’d bring simpler, easier-to-eat food. My mouth was too dry to eat anything thicker than a gel. I swear I was chewing a bite of fig bar for an entire mile.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Push it off the starting line because it’s hard to pass people as soon as you hit the narrow single-track around the lake. And the rest of the course is just really tough but beautiful so … settle into your pace and your mindset, and just keep on keeping on. And don’t forget to look up and take in the view!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes! Stunning for most of the way.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Only my second 50k, but this one took me 90 minutes longer than the last one. I would say yes, but really it is gorgeous too.

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

Super well organized. Race communication was minimal but very thorough. And the night-before activities were a nice distraction from my nerves too.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

I won the women’s race this year (yay!) but in comparing with last year’s times, I wouldn’t have even cracked the top 4 so … it all depends on who shows up for race day!

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.

This one does sell out quickly, so I’d recommend signing up on the first day. I know there are hotels, but they are about an hour away. Camping was super easy and there was tons of room in the parking lot.

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

Aid station volunteers were great. I was so thankful they had Tailwind … it was perfect, and I couldn’t have done the race without it. I didn’t eat or even see any of the food because I had all of mine with me.

Weather and typical race conditions

I think we lucked out with mild weather this year (low 70s?). In general there was more shade on the course than I was expecting, but still mostly exposed.

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

I had 3 soft flasks with me — 2 soft flasks + a bladder would have been better.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

The start-finish area is a fun spot to hang out and adventure from, but it’s very hard to cheer runners on during the race.

How’s the Swag?

I love the shirt designs! And you can’t go wrong with Territory Run Co. products.

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

4 out of 5, assuming you like the challenge!

Race: Backcountry Rise 50k

Runner: Frank Fisher

Race Date: 09/07/2019

Location: Toutle, WA

Results: Placed 25th, 6:48:57

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2688901443

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

The scenery around the volcano is awesome! The race is well organized, and the aid station volunteers were fantastic.

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

Large chunks of the course are really brushy in the 1st half of the race, and lack of port-o-potty’s at the start. Post race could be better, I just wanted a coke and some ice, but not a lot of options.

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

Aid station 2 on the 50k course is just sitting on the side of the trail in a pretty gnarly situation. I don’t know how they got all that gear out there, but huge props to those volunteers who made the 5am trek out there to be there for the racers.

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

I finished! I had some doubts there for a while with some stomach issues and cramping, so I spent some extra time at aid 3 to get some fuel and salt down to get my body back on track. Thankfully, it worked out and I was able to run the last 6 miles fairly well. Overall, I thought I paced pretty good throughout, my legs were strong all day and the fitness was there to do well. Gotta love the camaraderie of ultra’s too! Went back and forth with a guy (Sam) from about mile 14 to the finish, I think we did a really good job of keeping one another pushing to the end.

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

It’s easy to go out fast in this race as you really don’t start climbing till after aid #1. The website says 8k of vert, and it is every bit of that (though my Strava says otherwise, but we’re gonna ignore that), and you will spend most of the day climbing. The distance between aids 2 and 3 is significant and the course is very exposed from about mile 14 on. I had two full water bottles, but I think it would’ve been smart to have some in the bladder as well because I came very close to running out of fluid, and it starts to get pretty warm during that time. There are no water sources for that 11+ mile stretch at all. Hike early and save something for the last .5 mile climb to the finish, it’s a soul sucker!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

This is the one and only race I did not carry salt tabs, and it’s the one and only race I’ve needed them. The exposed nature of the second half of the course, and the distance between aid stations is tough. I would definitely carry more fluid than you think is necessary and fuel up as much as you can handle at aid 2.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s a lot of vert for a 50k, and there are some fairly technical sections of the course. Still, it is pretty runnable and the downhills are nice. The aid stations are in remote areas, so may not be stocked as well as some other large races. Don’t expect ice or port-o-potty’s out on the course (aid 3 had one). It is way more exposed than most courses in the PNW, so be ready for a long time in the sun.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes and no. The first 6 miles are kind of meh…but once you start to climb it gets prettier. Coming out of aid 2 you pop over the hill and wham, you finally see Mt. St. Helens for the first time on the course. From there till you get close to aid 3 there’s a lot of amazing views. The last 6 miles, not so much.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes, it’s very tough. A combination of a lot of vert, exposed trails, really brushy for long stretches, some big distances between aid stations, and a pretty strong field make it hard. There are a number of technical sections, washouts, fallen trees and areas where you just won’t be able to move too fast. Expect 1.5-2 hours longer than an average mountain 50k for most people.

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

Yep, Daybreak does a good job.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes, there is a 50k finish pre-rec for this race and it’s becoming fairly popular, so you’ll see a lot of your regional fast folks, and a lot of seasoned experienced trail runners from all over. Many of the people I ran with had done this course before, so they were well prepared.

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.

No. It does fill up so you have to register ahead of time. Plenty of room for car camping, and hotels within an hour of the start.

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

Aids 1 and 2 are in tough spots. I ran through aid 1, so I didn’t see what they had, but it was small and typical of what you might normally see. Aid 2 is way out and hard to get to, so not a lot of options at that one, just the basics (water, tailwind, coke, cookies, oranges, etc..). Aid 3 was pretty well stocked. I highly suggest filling up at aid 2 though. All the aid station volunteers were great, and they did a good job of telling everyone to top off and be prepared.

Weather and typical race conditions

Low 60’s at race start. Very humid till the sun burns the clouds off. Maybe up to low 70’s, but weather changes quickly up there so be prepared to go from warm and sunny to cool and damp.

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

I would say be mentally prepared, even if you’re experienced this one can be hard. Stay focused, the brush hides a lot so you might find yourself face down in the dirt if you’re not paying attention. Have a good power hiking base, you will need it. I would also suggest having more than 40oz of fluid on you, especially if you know you drink a lot, and be ready for long gap between aids 2 and 3.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Nope. There is access around aid 3, but for the most part, they won’t be able to get out on the course.

How’s the Swag?

You can buy a hat or t-shirt, which are super cool, but no “free” swag.

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

3 out of 5. Maybe I hyped the course up too much in my head, but it wasn’t as cool as I thought it would be. A lot of it was awesome, but a lot of it wasn’t. I think post-race fare wasn’t on par with a lot of other smaller races, and considering how hard racers just got worked, I’d like to see some better care afterwards with ice and cold drinks, and maybe even food trucks. It didn’t seem like they were ready for the ~400 athletes plus fam/friends. I think for a race that size the post race could be a lot better. If you’re looking for a hard, mentally challenging race in a remote area, then this is a good race for you. Definitely not for people new to ultra’s or not experienced with long days in the mountains. There were a lot of repeat racers there that go back for a reason, but probably not a race I’ll do again. That being said, I am very happy to finish this one and proud that I was able to pull myself back out of a tough spot.

Frank Fisher is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with Coach Frank, check out his coaching page.

Race: Backcountry Rise 50k

Runner: Marc

Date: 9/9/17

Location: Mt. St. Helens Science & Learning Center (Start/Finish)

Results – 9:12:43

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

1. The course was amazingly beautiful, with crazy views in every direction.
2. The race is very well run, and the RD makes sure to say hello to everyone personally.
3. The race medal, hat and shirt from territory run company are awesome.

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
There’s a lot of bush whacking in the first half of the course, and the hills really don’t quit until after mile 20. Due to some challenges with the hike in aid stations, distance between aid stations were as far as 10 miles. It was my first 50k, maybe not the best choice…

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race
Weird factor is pretty low, other than the guy at aid station 2 wearing daisy dukes and high rise briefs!

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular
Just enjoying the views as the landscape changes from forest to meadows to the blasted landscapes nearer to Mt St Helens.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Wear gaitors! Loose pumice really slowed down people who didn’t wear them with lots of stops to empty rocks from shoes. Take it easy and start in the back unless you’re trying to place; it’s singletrack right after the start with a quick 1 mile downhill, so you’ll end up either running too fast or slowing down the pack. Try to keep something in reserve for miles 21 to 31, where you can make up a lot of time if you have something left in the tank.

If folks aren’t up for the 50k, the 20 mile course has many of the same amazing views and a lot less climbing.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
If I do the race again, I’ll be mentally prepared for some slow bushwacking, and know to embrace the climbing for the first 2/3rds of the race. And I’ll be chugging ginger ale at all the aid stations!

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Expect slow finishing times, so just judge your race by how you feel and if you’re passing (or being passed) by other runners. Between mile 1 and 4, there are sections where chain link fence is embedded in the trail for erosion control. Some of the wire loops are now poking out of the trail, creating really hard to see tripping hazards. Multiple people tripped and sprained ankles in this section!

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course
It’s a really amazingly beautiful course. If weather is clear, there are views in every direction after the climb up from Coldwater lake. Mt St Helens, Mt Adams, and Rainier are all visible on clear days.

Difficulty – is it a tough course
Oh yes indeed. Technical singletrack for most of the race, with a few scary washouts. 7500ft of climbing, and 500ft of that is in the last mile to the finish!

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This was the first year of the race, but the RD really knows what he’s doing. Felt super professionally run; I’m betting next year will be even better!

Competition – is there a strong field?
It’s a small race this year, less than 100 in the 50k. Max King showed up to win, but the field wasn’t super deep.

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.
Race didn’t sell out, but it’s the first year. There’s camping on site (mostly on asphalt) and on site breakfast that’s free. For those who’d rather not camp, nearest motels are in Castle Rock 50 minutes away. I highly recommend the Mt St Helen’s Motel!

Aid Stations
They are pretty basic; water, carbopro, gu’s, some fruit, coke, ginger ale and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Watch out for long gaps between aid stations, lots of folks ran out of water. And Aid station 2 had iodized water from the lake, I think, due to it’s remote location. It was an acquired taste :-\

Weather and typical race conditions
We were lucky this year; weather broke days before race so it was mostly cloudy with highs in the 60’s. It can get very hot in the backcountry, and it’s a very exposed course.

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Gaitors! And lot’s of suntan lotion. A few folks had poles, it’s a toss up.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends
No official place to spectate until the last aid station at mile 25, unless you want to hike into the course.

Awards
Nice medals!

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

I would give this a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s an adventure and the course is amazing!