In 2016 we finally made it into this race. It sells out within 1 week each year. We were put on the waitlist and when we got the unexpected email asking if we would still be interested in participating we jumped on it. This is now my 3rd year completing the half marathon.
Let’s jump into 2018. I had been watching the forecast all week and it was calling for thunderstorms for the entire weekend. I knew from past years that there was a lot of tree cover on the trail but I would still prefer to run with the sun overhead. I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of thunder and rain hitting the hotel windows. I rolled over with a sigh and thought there was still time for it to pass through and held out hope it would clear in time.
The previous two years we ran the Sunday half marathon but this year we were running the Saturday half marathon. On Saturday there is also a 50 miler and a marathon taking place. The 50 miler was set to start at 6:15am with a 14 hour cutoff. A Facebook post indicated the 50 miler would be delayed 15 minutes but they anticipated the other two races would start on time. My start time was 8:20am.
We drove to the start and found as we anticipated, that we would need to park in the overflow lot. That lot was already full as well and cars were parking along the single lane dirt road making their own spaces by pulling up into the forest. Crazy!
As we walked from our car to the start line we noticed runners walking back to their cars but did not think much of it. As we were standing in the porta-potty line we found out that the 50 mile race start had been delayed until 8:30am. The marathon start was pushed to 9:00am and the half marathon would be 9:30am start. It really was not raining that bad and we could not understand why there would be such a long delay. It turns out it was not due to weather but a surprise health inspection. The Inspector needed to go to each aid station along the course. I think the runners were taking it all in stride as it was so out of the Race Directors hands at this point. I do need to give the RD a huge amount of credit. He sent volunteers out to purchase headlamps to lend to runners that did not anticipate running after dark. These would be made available at one of the final aid stations. The cutoff time also needed to be extended from 8:30pm to 10:30pm making everyone’s day so much more exhausting! Great job to everyone involved in this event. We all appreciated the hard work and effort.
It was raining lightly as my race began so I kept my rain jacket on since I was damp and chilly. A short 1 mile or so loop starts the race and you circle back past the start area so I was able to toss my jacket to my sister-in-law and I was off for the balance of the race.
A good majority of the trail is single track so there was a bit of a traffic jam early on but there were opportunities to pass eventually. There is definitely a technical component to this trail but very runnable as long as you keep your eyes down and keep lifting your feet over the rocks and roots. I did witness 2 runners go down but they both got up with no injuries besides a bruised ego! The first half of this race is challenging but the second half is where you really get to experience the climbs. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster – climbing the big one knowing that once you get to the top you are going down. I could not help but smile as I was flying down some of those really steep long downhills, what a rush! The trail was in great condition and even though you could hear rain you did not feel very much of it.
The aid stations were well stocked with all the normal goodies trail races are known for. It did seem like the promised porta potties were MIA. I only saw 1 out there on the course and am so glad I took advantage of it!
Since I have completed this race previously I knew that there is one final big climb and once you see the strand of flags you are almost to the finish – less than 1 mile to go and the best part is its mostly downhill. A fast finish flying down a sandy descent with a smile on your face as you run towards the finish coral makes you forget about all the climbing you did earlier and certainly prompts you to sign up again for the next year!
A huge finisher’s medal is placed around your neck as you complete your adventure. A great after party including burgers, brats, corn on the cob, salads and Founders Brewery beer. I think there were at least 6 varieties of beer to choose from this year.
The awards were 5 deep in each age group this year but I understand they will be 6 deep next year. Not sure if that is due to the 20th anniversary of the event or if it will remain at 6. The amount of swag you get with your registration is insane.
Overall this is an event that you want to return to year after year and many do just that. I have seen many familiar faces upon my two returns. It is a challenging but fun course with great support and a very friendly and supportive atmosphere. You should put this event on your bucket list and keep an eye out for registration because it closes fast!
Click below to watch Mark’s video from the 2016 race: