Three Corner Rock 50k Race Report – Delaney H

three corner rock race reportRace: Three Corner Rock PCT 50k

Runner: Delaney H

Race Date: 09/01/2018

Location: North Bonneville, WA

Results: https://ultrasignup.com/m_results_event.aspx?did=51760#id902373

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

  1. So beautiful!
  2. Super chill atmosphere
  3. Proceeds go to benefit the local HS Cross-Country team

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

I can’t think of a single thing that was less than great.

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

No weird so much as cool. Lots of through hikers headed the opposite direction. All the hikers I encountered were really great and many cheered the runners on. Also the race made sure the hikers knew that aid stations were available to them.

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

I had so much fun! This course is mostly very runnable and includes some long downhill sections where the trail is just perfect!

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

Save something for the finish. It’s downhill and except for a few sections of loose rocks, you can fly if you have anything left in your legs!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Nothing really…just smile and enjoy this one!

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s very chill. It’s a small race. I think it’s capped at 100 runners but I don’t think it fills up. There is a shuttle ride to the start as it’s a point-to-point course. Unless you you have got a ride to the start, you need to arrive at the finish area about an hour before start time.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s spectacular

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It’s not terribly difficult. There are a few good climbs but good downhill too (there’s a net elevation loss). There starts few technical areas but nothing crazy. It’s mostly very runnable.

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

It felt pretty well organized

Competition – Is there a strong field?

I’ll say probably not as it’s a lesser known event. But I hang in the middle of the pack, so I have no idea what’s happening up front.

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.

Easy to register, easy to get there, the race provides shuttles to the start. It’s close to Portland (about an hour), but there are also accommodations in Hood River, Cascade Locks, and other nearby towns.

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

Pretty standard. The website said it was a cupless race, but they actually did have cups.

Weather and typical race conditions

Could be anything and everything. It was sunny and beautiful at the start. At 3 Corner Rock, however, it was foggy, windy, and cold. Once we dropped down a bit, it was sunny and beautiful again. Good idea to carry a light jacket.

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

Nope. I saw a couple people with poles, but I don’t think they are needed. I brought a cup for aid stations but didn’t need it.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Nope. Aid stations are the only place to see runners unless you’re out on the PCT.

How’s the Swag?

You get a shirt and a meal (a good one) at the finish. I don’t know if there were awards for the top finishers.

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

Five out of five! I love pretty much everything about this race. When I got to the aid station at mile 24 or 25 and the volunteers told me I was almost done, I felt kind of sad. It was so enjoyable.