Race: White River 50

Runner: Anson F

Race Date: 07/27/2019

Location: Crystal Mountain-ish

Results: 88 OA, GP 74; 10:42:07

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2568714783

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

1. The challenge of attempting to run 50 miles. Furthest I had run prior to this was a 50k (twice) so the challenge was something that both excited and slightly terrified me.
2. It’s a NW Classic. White River has been going on since 1993 (that’ like 26 years?) so it’s a must-do at some point. I feel like there is some substantial history in this race and it’s nice to be a part of it on some level.
3. Volunteers. Has to be the volunteers. Without them this race, or any race for that matter, just doesn’t happen. They were all super helpful, friendly, and just made the day that much better.

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

1. The aid station change the week of the race. While I appreciate the switch from water-only at Ranger Creek to a full station at Noble Knob, making this change literally the week of the race was a surprise.
2. The out-and-back section from AS 2 to AS 3 (Noble Knob to Noble Knob). This trail is pretty narrow in places and can have some moderately steep slopes on the sides, making it hard to pass in spots.
3. There was one course marking that about 15 of us missed on the out-and-back section which added maybe an extra mile or so. Probably could have been flagged better. A bit frustrating but also an “occupational hazard”.

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

I had a chance to run the first 25 miles of the course before race day and I am super glad I did. I think this preview (or at least half a preview) really helped me prepare, physically and mentally, for what the day would hold. Is that first hill really 10 miles? Yeah, it kind of really is, but it’s also more runnable than you may realize. Given that I was able to focus on putting in an effort I knew I could sustain, get good nutrition, and never really enter a dark place during the race. I made sure to eat and drink during the race and spend a few extra minutes at the AS to ensure I got the nutrition I needed.

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

• Yes, it’s just “two hills”, but they are pretty substantial hills. The first one is close to 10 miles but there are good runnable sections on the way up. There are plenty of places to pass (and be passed) so I don’t think someone needs to worry too much about being near the front after four+ miles when the hill kicks in.
• The “new” aid station on Noble Knob is full service so that should help in planning nutrition (not just water-only like the previous station at Ranger Creek) but there is a now greater distance between AS 2 and 3 (also Noble Knob), probably almost ten miles, so plan nutrition and hydration accordingly.
• The second hill also has some good runnable sections on it, especially the false summit down to the road. You can make up some time here.
• The road down from Sun Top sucks (IMHO). Yes, it’s 6+ miles of easy down, but the road is boring, it’s super hard packed and impactful on your body, there are no views to speak of, and vehicle traffic, while low on our race day, can kick up a lot of dust making breathing difficult. However, if you’ve saved a bit in your legs you can make back a lot of time here.
• The last 6.5 through the forest are really quite delightful. Slightly uphill but along the river the entire way. It’s beautiful single track that’s just a pleasure to run. There are some hikers and mountain bikers, but everyone is respectful, and hey, you’re almost done! When you get here you know that you’re going to finish and that mental boost is joyous.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Probably saved a bit too much in the tank. Would power hike the second hill a bit more and run the downs a bit more aggressively. Also might consider bringing poles. I think they would have helped, especially on the second half of the course.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Not a lot of rollers but the “two hills” to get through. Run your race, even from the start. The first four miles can be deceptive but there are 46 to go!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Very. We had a pretty cloudy day so didn’t get many views, but when it’s clear Mt. Rainier dominates the skyline. The silver forest is beautiful in its own right, especially with the new undergrowth and explosion of flowers near Corral Pass. Don’t just look up, look down, too!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes. I had about 9,300′ on my Garmin and it felt that way. The climbs are pretty long so settle in when you start going up. Some of the single track on the Noble Knob-Corral Pass section are narrow and loose so watch your footing. And pick up your feet on the final six miles! Lots of roots and rocks as you work your way 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?

Yeah, felt good. Other than the AS change the week of the race (which was made for all the right decisions) it feels like this has been going on for a while.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes! Seemed quite strong but still super fun and filled with friendly people.

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 only thing here that seems to require some forethought is the night before. Are you going to stay at an over-priced hotel at Crystal Mountain? A campground near the start line? Maybe just camp at the start line? Or stay at home and get up super early? I chose the latter, which made for a long day, but made sure I went to sleep early.

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

All standard fare, which was new this year.

Weather and typical race conditions

I think it’s usually bright and sunny and warm/hot, but this year we were treated to overcast and absolutely perfect race conditions.

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

I would consider using poles next time. Otherwise I don’t think you need anything particularly special.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Not really. The first half is pretty much closed to spectators (because of remote terrain). And Sun Top is closed to cut down on traffic and dust on the road (totally support this). You can see your runner at Buck Creek (27.2) and again at the finish. I suppose you can also hang out at Skookum Flats (44.5-ish) but otherwise that’s about it.

How’s the Swag?

T-shirt and a pint glass. Very good.

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

4/5. I didn’t like the out-and-back as passing and being passed in certain sections was hard given the narrow trail and steep hillside. I also feel like the course marking at the turnaround could have been better.

Race: White River 50 Mile

Runner: Alison Gillespie

Race Date: 07/28/2018

Location: Near Crystal Mountain, Washington

Results: Learned a Lot

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

1. Well directed, seamlessly put together
2. Great, challenging course
3. Strong community turnout

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

White River is an iconic Northwest race in it’s 26th year – directed by Scott McCoubrey and expertly managed by a team of race staff and members of the Seattle Running Club. 50 miles, 8700’ elevation gain (and lets not forget – the loss too!) and plenty of staggering views of Mt. Rainier. Who could resist? I picked this race two years ago – and let’s just say, the lessons keep on coming. (Spoiler alert – I think the third time is the charm!)

My motivation stemmed from a desire to settle some old scores that I have with ultra running. Lots of runners instantly fall in love with the longer distances and experience relatively quick progressions in covering ever increasing distances and elevations – this is most decidedly NOT me. My real superpower as a runner was the two mile. Run on FLAT ground. My first attempt at a 50k- Chuckanut in 2002 – was almost comical – although I am proud that I finished. Soooo, what is a NW living, mountain-loving-stubborn-minded runner to do? Enter the White River 50 Mile Race. Nothing but hills. Two of them. Very Large Hills. Dammit, hills and I were going to be FRIENDS.

I stripped my training down to the bare bones and spent a long cold winter rebuilding an aerobic base – lots of easy running at what seemed to me an absurdly slow pace. My legs like to go fast – and this was not fast. I spent a lot of time thinking about my goals, swearing at the heart rate monitor and working on the discipline to trust my training principles. And slowly, slowly, things started changing. I began to run longer distances at a reasonable pace feeling really good and recovering well. Several trail marathons and a 50k went great, with improving times and ability to handle increasing elevation. Everything was on track. I was less attentive to working on leg strength than perhaps I should have been, but the demands of working, running and can I admit? (skiing) ate up most of my time. Or so I told myself. This proved to be a crucial factor in my outcome.

Heading up the first half of the course, everything felt great. The pace was perfect, I saw several friends, and the weather was reasonably cool. Last summer, there was a large wildfire that burned through the area – leaving a spooky, charred Tim Burton-esque landscape of dead trees and sterile soil. The trail was as good as it could be given the circumstances – but the odd footing left after the fire was one ingredient in my eventual downfall. About 15 miles in, I felt my left knee start to yell at me – a small meniscus tear from a ski wreck – and often I can run it off after a few miles. However, the steep climb + odd footing + lack of proper dedication to leg strength meant that I couldn’t shock absorb well going downhill and what started as a annoyance turned into a full out gimpy gait. I spent 10 miles pondering my options and ultimately decided to call it at 30 miles in. This was hard to do, considering that otherwise I felt pretty good – but I reminded myself that my entire goal is to be able to KEEP running consistently and happily and that I had some things to attend to before returning to this race. This is absolutely the best part of running- there’s no hiding where you are and what opportunities for improvement exist. I’m overall so pleased with the huge increase in my base fitness, aerobic capacity and mental game – and now, I have some clear goals in front of me and things to work on. I’m already looking forward to my next chance to tackle this distance.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

“Only Two Hills!”

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

The terrain is variable – from rooty, rolling trails to steep single track climbs to dusty gravel road descents and even one hilariously perched wooden “staircase” about 5 miles into the first half of the race. Two big climbs and two big descents are demanding on the legs!

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

White River is an exceptionally well run race. There are even two practice runs put on two and three weeks prior to the course – covering half the course each time.

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.

Camping near the start is free- first come first serve, and registration is comfortably open for a relatively long period of time

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

Aid stations are plentiful- about 5 to 8 miles apart- and the volunteer crew is top-notch. Friendly, quick and thorough – they were 100% on top of every little detail.

Weather and typical race conditions

WARM. 80 degrees-ish.

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

Gear used: La Sportiva Akasha running shoes, Nathan Vapor Airess hydration pack, Suunto Ambit3 running watch, Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts and Tee. I was happy with all of the gear I used and have tested it pretty extensively.

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

I give this race a full 5 stars.

Race: White River 50

Runner: Alan

Date: 8/5/17

Location: Crystal Mountain, WA

Results – 10:24:00

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most
1. Always the volunteers, they were so nice and made sure I had everything I needed. Always happy to see and thank them.

2. The first down hill was a lot of fun. In the shade and threw a pretty forest on a nice soft trail.

3. Well organised and nice goodies (event shirt, socks, water bottle).

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Nothing bad. I enjoyed it all.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race
At the sun top aid station I thought I saw a bar. If true I should of took a shot.

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular
I thought I managed the first climb well. I felt really good most of the race.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Be patient on the down hills. The second down hill can be fast so be sure not to trash your quads

Cool off at the aid stations and creeks. It really made a difference that day.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
On the last big down hill take it easier so I can manage skookum flats better. My quads were tired by the time I got to the last aid station so the last 6 miles were a mix of running and walking.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
17,400ft in elevation change so be ready for both climbing and downhills. If you’re really looking to compete for a top spot its best to start up front because it can get crowded the first few miles.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course
Yes there were times I wish I had my camera.

Difficulty – is it a tough course
Yes and no, the climbing at times can be difficult but most of the trail is soft. Most of the trails here in Texas are really rocky and can leave your feet bruised but i was walking fine after the race and the days after.

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. I can see why this is a classic race.

Competition – is there a strong field?
Yes, some big names have run this race and it being one of the well know races in this area it attracts a lot of fast people.

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.
I signed up about a month before the races and it was easy. We camped near the start and didn’t have any issues finding a spot.

Aid Stations
Lots of options and the nicest people. Went straight for the water melon and chips each time.

Weather and typical race conditions –
According to y’all it was “hot” lol

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Other than my race vest not much. A hat or sunglasses for the exposed parts of the course helps.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends
Most of the aid stations were near a road so I imagine them being easy to get to. There was one that was on the first climb (you also pass it on the first big down hill) that was a bit remote.

Awards –
Finishers medal. There was also prize money for the top finishers.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it
Yes 10/10. I’ll be back

Race: White River 50 Mile

Runner: Daisy C

Date: 7/30/16

Location: Near Crystal Mountain Resort outside Greenwater, WA

Results: Favorable, given I had a couple of time sucks. 12:17 and change.

Bests:

On this particular day I would have to say the weather was perfect. Low 70’s, a nice breeze, sunny. I had done a training run there on the first half of the course during a rainy day, so having seen the trails muddied and slippery it was a real treat to run on dry, grippy dirt throughout.

The views at the tops of the major climbs will take your breath away.

The aid station crews were great. As soon as I approached someone was checking off my bib number and a volunteer would be there before I knew it with my drop bag ready. Super organized! Plus, so many of my trail running friends were volunteering in addition to Team Urbanski members being there to show support. So nice to see familiar faces!

Not so much:

There was nothing about this race that was a bummer, except for my uncanny ability to trip and fall four times. I swear there were gremlins out there!

Highlights:

It’s a beautiful, challenging course. Every climb rewards you with spectacular views. It is tough and satisfying. No matter how hard I thought a section was it pushed you to keep working. Having many friends and TU teammates running felt good too. I got to see both Ricardo and Dave coming up to Corral Pass, and that was a huge confidence boost. I was also representing for my team Oiselle, and a lot of people yelled out to me on course in support of the Volee. I ran the last 8 miles with another Oiselle teammate.

Lessons:

This is not a course for beginners. I am certain I wouldn’t have done as well if this was my first 50 miler. Of course, I can only speak to my own experience. Everyone is different. But if you want to do this race, then you need to do the training runs and prepare for the climbs in your training. They will break you. You need to break down the course into sections and run them with patience. I had a hard time getting through the sweet, technical Ranger Creek portion. It is the 5 mile of down from Corral Pass that just screams at you to run it fast. It is some of the nicest switchback around. Gravity begs you to lean in and enjoy the ride, but if you do that you will have no legs left for the Sun Top climb and Skookum flats. I literally had to hold back the whole time knowing what was ahead, and it paid off.

Aesthetics:

Mt. Rainier views, sweet PNW canopied trails, creeks, chipmunks, and wildflowers.

Difficulty:

I consider this an intermediate trail race. 10,000 feet of elevation gain is pretty formidable. The trails are not super technical, but enough so that you need to prepare well in advance if you want to run it well and come out of it having had a good time.

Competition:

This is a very competitive race. It attracts some fast folks. The female winner (and 4th overall) is the world title 100k holder. I’m just an old lady having fun. I was pleased to finish 5th (of 15) in my age group (50-59).

Aid Stations:

Great aid stations with the usual fare. At every station that I had a drop bag it was either handed to me as soon as I arrived, or someone found it quickly for me. I had friends volunteering at every station, so that was especially nice to see people who knew what I was going through and attended to my needs. Josh and Dave took great care of me at Buck Creek!

Weather and typical race conditions:

This is the PNW, so you should expect nearly any type of weather. This year was near perfect. It never got above mid 70’s and much of the trail is forested, so you get a lot of respite from the sun. Sun Top was the warmest section, but it actually felt good to me.

Gear:

I wore my Salomon Sense Lab vest and hydration bladder. I never had more than 1.5 liters in it at a time, because the aid stations are pretty close. Next year I will just use soft bottles in front to lower weight. I had trained wearing everything exactly as I did on race day. This is Urbanski law. It works! Nothing about my gear went afoul. Well, except for my Julbo sunglasses tumbling down a steep forest wall into the abyss. No chafing, no rubbing, nothing. I recommend grippy shoes. I wore Altra Olympus 2.0. I dig cushion on these longer efforts, plus they have a knobby Vibram sole perfect for every type of footing the trail presented from soft pine needles to rocks, slippery creeks and hard packed gravel road. There were quite a few folks using poles. I could see using them on some of the climbs, but I would need to train with them to acclimate.

Spectators:

The only crew access is at Buck Creek and Skookum. This was fine for me, as it allows spectators time to get from the start and back in time. And your supporters can see you at mile 27, 43 and finish.

The Overall Score:

A solid 5+ (of 5). This is my favorite race so far. My hardest, my most satisfying effort. It has beauty, challenging terrain and is well organized. It showcases everything that makes the PNW trail community so special. You can camp at the race location or choose to get a hotel at Crystal Mountain or rent a local cabin. I highly recommend this race and I will be there next year to run smarter, faster and see what challenges it presents.

To read a more detailed race report from Daisy, check out her post that we put on Urbyville, which we called, Why we Run. Thank you to Daisy for sharing all these wonderful race reports.