The 50K distance was a point to point course through the Sheyenne National Grassland via the North Country Trail. The first 6 miles of the course were very flat grasslands … MORE
The 50K distance was a point to point course through the Sheyenne National Grassland via the North Country Trail. The first 6 miles of the course were very flat grasslands intersected frequently with cattle trails. Fortunately, the race director marked this part of the course very well. The rest of the course was over short, rolling hills interspersed with aspen and oak trees. We were blessed this year with almost no snow and dry trails except for under some of the wooded areas. There were only 3 aid stations along the 31 miles of the course. The first one was at 6 miles, the 2nd was after 9 more miles, and the third was about another 6 or 7 miles. This was quite a bit fewer than most 50Ks that I’ve participated in, but added to the aura of the isolation out on the prairie. It seemed to add a little more of a challenge which made the run that much more memorable. I was pleased with my sub-7 hour finish, which is the best for me in the last couple of years. The weather was cool, but comfortable, and there was good food at the finish.
Rolling in the Sandhills
The 50K distance was a point to point course through the Sheyenne National Grassland via the North Country Trail. The first 6 miles of the course were very flat grasslands … MORE
The 50K distance was a point to point course through the Sheyenne National Grassland via the North Country Trail. The first 6 miles of the course were very flat grasslands intersected frequently with cattle trails. Fortunately, the race director marked this part of the course very well. The rest of the course was over short, rolling hills interspersed with aspen and oak trees. We were blessed this year with almost no snow and dry trails except for under some of the wooded areas. There were only 3 aid stations along the 31 miles of the course. The first one was at 6 miles, the 2nd was after 9 more miles, and the third was about another 6 or 7 miles. This was quite a bit fewer than most 50Ks that I’ve participated in, but added to the aura of the isolation out on the prairie. It seemed to add a little more of a challenge which made the run that much more memorable. I was pleased with my sub-7 hour finish, which is the best for me in the last couple of years. The weather was cool, but comfortable, and there was good food at the finish.