Race: TrapRock 17k
Runner: Robert H
Race Date: 04/13/2019
Location: Penwood State Park in Bloomfield, CT
Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=59326
Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/Z2CMCw9qTV
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Challenging course
- The 50K runs on the same course and runners were very positive even as they lapped us slow folks
- Great views
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Post race – the 0.5mile walk up a steep hill is a kick in the butt
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Climbing the “stairs” of rock in race.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
- Finishing.
- I ran a smart race. Took my time where I should. Stopped for some photos. And, then the end, it was fun plunging through some of the mud and small streams. What is the point of a trail race if you don’t get dirty?
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Bring a chair and a bag for the post-race. After I got to my car, there was no way that I was going back down the hill (and then back-up) to watch the finishers
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
- My road shoes worked for me. They did better than my trail shoes.
- I drank almost 2L of water with the heat.
- I need to work on really steep climbs. Traprock starts with a nasty uphill. And, I thought I had been doing hills, but I was wrong
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Cupless race. Bring a cup or something to drink out of.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very pretty. You run along a ridge so sheer drops but great views.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes. Which makes the 50Ks that much more impressive
“The Traprock course is a loop course of approximately 10.5-11 miles per loop. There will be two races (one (17k) and three loops (50k)). It is a rolling course with 50 % technical single track on the Metacomet Trail. The balance of the course is double-track. ”
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This year was a new group running it and they did awesome. Event started on time. Plenty of support throughout the course
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes – but I can’t see them from the back
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 race sells out fairly fast. It is very popular. And, it is now a UTMB qualifier.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Well stocked.
Weather and typical race conditions
Temperatures hit near 70 which considering most of us have been training in the 40s sort of hurt. Rain happened the night before and the morning of the race. However, there was a decent breeze for most of the race. So hot, but not deadly.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
No. It is almost impossible to spectate
How’s the Swag?
Good beer glass.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 stars out of 5.
My friends and I are planning on running it next year.
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