Tiger Claw 50k Race Report – Bill S

Race: Tiger Claw

Runner: Bill S

Race Date: 05/04/2019

Location: Tiger Mountain, Issaquah

Results: 5:35

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

Saw so many friends out there.

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

Can’t think of any negatives.

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

You get to pick your route: 3 ways up and one way down. Pretty cool concept.

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

The day was kind of a fog. I was pretty sick and just wanted to start. Figured I’d take it real slow and see how I felt throughout the day.

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

Save a bit for the top of the last downhill, you go through it 3x, and I knew after the first 2 loops it would be hard going through that section tired.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Shouldn’t really force yourself to the start line when your sick. I did ok and don’t regret anything but it wasn’t a great way to spend the day. I felt like I had a towel around my head the whole time and couldn’t really hear anything.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The climbs on all the routes are intense. Very little flat running.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The course is amazing! Will be adding most of it to future training runs.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

This course is a beast. Felt like a 50K finish. It’s a climber’s course, the descent isn’t technical, you can fly on it but there’s bigger gains for climbers.

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

SO well organized. Can’t stress that enough.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Would of been fun not to be sick : )

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.

Took a while to sellout this first time, probably will sellout in a few days moving forward. Get in early.

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

One at the top and one at the bottom.

Weather and typical race conditions

Amazing weather.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Pretty friendly

How’s the Swag?

I’m not big on medals and swag but this one was pretty sweet. Territory Run shirt and a few other things were pretty cool too.

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

5 out of 5 no question. Would highly recommend.