Race: WV Trilogy (50K race)
Runner: Jeremy L
Race Date: 10/12/2018
Location: Spruce Knob (Circleville, WV)
Results: 5:44:50 (7th place)
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Imagine getting a group of about 80 friend together and saying “Hey lets all go run 30+ miles through some really rough terrain. We put some tape up to mark a course and we’ll start around 7:00. See you at the finish”
- It was a no frills, no BS kind of race. No timing chips, no finish line clock, just run and we’ll tell you what time it is at the end.
- The mountains, the streams, and the vast emptiness of West Virginia at its finest.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Only one kind of beer at the finish line.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
It takes place at the Experience Learning center near Spruce Knob. It is an interesting place…awesome but interesting (https://experience-learning.org/).
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I finished 7th and had absolutely no idea where I was in the field during the race. And I survived the mountains even though I don’t live (or train) in them.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Get used to hiking…and water.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Stabilizer muscles are key on the long and steep downhills.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Don’t expect bells and whistles. During the pre-race meeting the race director said “we’ll have water and tailwind at the first aid station and some typical running fare some of the others, but if you really want something you should bring it with you…you knew what you signed up for.”
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Mountains and streams of WV… so yes.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
It was my first 50k so I would go with yes.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Despite the no frills approach it was definitely a well-oiled machine.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Probably not since I finished 7th.
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.
You either stay in a dorm at the experience learning center, a tent in a field, or at a hotel 40 minutes down the road.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Since a group of guys had to backpack into the wilderness and camp the night before the race, I was would have been happy if they just said hi and offered some water at that point.
Weather and typical race conditions
Cold and wet.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Shoes that drain.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
If they can hike long distances in the backcountry…yes.
How’s the Swag?
Patagonia t-shirt for signing up… Free beer at the finish line.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10