Everette Webber's Staging Area

I had signed up for the 28k Santa Clarita Trail Race back when it was first announced, looking forward to exploring trails I had never run. About a year later, on the week of the race, when we were told that there were last minute permit issues that limited the event to only the 5k Loop, I was admittedly disappointed. My sprawling 28k adventure had just been turned into 6 Lap 30k race around the same 5k loop. However, knowing that the Race Directors at New Global Adventures have never let me down with their other events (Spacerock, VTR, Be The Light), I decided to attend with an open mind. I’m glad I did! The 5k Loop was a wonderful mixture of challenging climbs and long downhill sections that were a blast to run. The 6 Laps introduced an enjoyable element to the mix that I had not been expecting. Running thru the #2 Aid Station at the top of the first big climb became an absolute highlight for me since the Volunteers got to know me by name and felt like my very own cheering squad. They always announced my approaching and were ready to help refill my pack, supply pickle juice shots, or apply ice cold water to the back of my neck and torso with a soaked sponge. I began thinking of the Volunteers at Station #2 as my Pit Crew and the thought of seeing them again helped pull me up that tough climb in the later laps. Descending toward the Finish area was also a highlight each lap. The descent thru a grassy single track was one of the most enjoyable sections of the course for me, made even more memorable by hearing the pumping music of the Festival Area and Terry on the mic yelling out the approach of runners. I got a burst of energy each time I passed thru hearing the few spectators cheering and Terry always had a kind word to say as I passed. That encouragement propelled me into the big climb, and Station #2 pulled me up. I think that having the race forced into a Lap Format was a wonderful blessing in disguise. Instead of simply enjoying a sprawling adventure on new trails, I had the opportunity to really get to know 1 amazing Loop. But more importantly, the multi-lap format gave me the opportunity to interact with the wonderful Volunteers in a way that I hadn’t been able to before. I was able to joke around with the various photographers as I passed lap after lap. Mixing beautiful scenery with beautiful personalities made the Santa Clarita Trail Race an event I’m already looking forward to running in again. I highly recommend it!