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@marshall2021

Charleston, WV Raving since 2019 50 States hopeful/finisher Active 2 weeks ago

About Me

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My Races

Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.

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Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (0)

Race Distance Location Date Result

Future Races (0)

Race Distance Location Date Paid

Past Races (58)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
30 Miler Brookline, NH Oct 19, 2024
Marathon Old Forge, NY Sep 6, 2024
50K Wellston, MI Aug 24, 2024
20 Miler Toutle, WA Aug 18, 2024
Marathon Bellevue, WA Aug 10, 2024
38 Miler Whitewater, WI Jun 8, 2024
9 hr Stratford, CT Apr 20, 2024
100K Dubuque, IA Oct 20, 2023
100K Westcliffe, CO Sep 22, 2023
50 Miler Livingston, MT Jul 15, 2023
38 Miler Mt. Charleston, NV Jun 3, 2023
15 hr Colorado Springs, CO Feb 19, 2023
Marathon Red River, NM Jul 30, 2022
50 Miler Fairplay, CO Jul 10, 2022
60K La Veta, CO Jun 25, 2022
50 Miler Pocatello, ID Jun 4, 2022
50K Laramie, WY May 29, 2022
12 hr Divide, CO May 14, 2022
100K Ottawa, KS Mar 26, 2022
30 hr Colorado Springs, CO Feb 12, 2022
50K Moab, UT Jan 29, 2022
Marathon Crazy Horse, SD Oct 2, 2021
Marathon Gering, NE Sep 25, 2021
106 Miler Medora, ND Jul 31, 2021
50K Wilburton, OK Jul 10, 2021 7:37:00
12 hr Fairmont, WV May 1, 2021
Double Marathon Roanoke, VA Apr 17, 2021 10:37:00
47 hr Williamson, WV Mar 12, 2021
35 Miler Dalton, GA Sep 18, 2020
12 hr Pennsauken, NJ Aug 1, 2020
47 hr Williamson, WV Mar 6, 2020
Marathon Mesa, AZ Feb 8, 2020
50K Charleston, WV Jan 4, 2020
Marathon Huntsville, AL Dec 14, 2019
Marathon Nashville, TN Nov 24, 2019
Marathon Huntington, WV Nov 3, 2019
Marathon Baltimore, MD Oct 19, 2019
Half Marathon Circleville, WV Oct 13, 2019 2:26:00
40 Miler Bethesda, OH Oct 5, 2019 10:09:00
Half Marathon Thomas, WV Sep 14, 2019
50K Ona, WV Aug 3, 2019
8 hr Indianapolis, IN Jul 20, 2019 34.9 mi
Marathon Evergreen, CO Jun 2, 2019 4:09:00
Marathon Roanoke, VA Apr 13, 2019 4:39:00
50K Eleanor, WV Mar 23, 2019
Marathon Charleston, SC Jan 12, 2019 4:06:00
Marathon Kitty Hawk, NC Nov 11, 2018
Marathon Columbus, OH Oct 21, 2018
Marathon Cass, WV Oct 7, 2018
Half Marathon Thomas, WV Sep 15, 2018
Marathon Erie, PA Sep 9, 2018
15 Miler Charleston, WV Sep 1, 2018
Marathon Waitsfield, VT Jul 8, 2018
Marathon South Williamson, KY Jun 9, 2018
Half Marathon Clifftop, WV Apr 21, 2018
Marathon Morgantown, WV Sep 23, 2017
15K Charleston, WV May 20, 2017
15 Miler Charleston, WV Sep 3, 2016

My Raves

Another race I couldn't find many reviews on beforehand...so I feel compelled to put something out there. This race is nuts. I've run in 24 states and was just amazed … MORE

Another race I couldn’t find many reviews on beforehand…so I feel compelled to put something out there.

This race is nuts. I’ve run in 24 states and was just amazed how beautiful this course is. There is dense forest, open ridgeline, tons of wild flowers, and mountain peaks. The weather is different every year- this year was overcast skies with a few sprinkles and a mild 60-70ish degrees. A little snow on Scout Mountain, but some years it can be feet of snow. The climbs are brutal. 3500′ over 6 miles and 4000′ over 10 miles, with rolling climbs in between. The altitude is between 6500′- 9000′ so locals, MT and CO folks will be fine, with the rest of us huffing it to the top.

Easy logistics – park at the high school, get shuttled to the start, and catch one back (or have someone pick you up at the finish if you’re over 15 hours for the 50). There’s no cell service at the finish so plan ahead for a ride if you think you’ll even be close to the cut off for shuttles.

Five manned aid stations, with a few water only stops in between the long stretches. I was struck how fantastic the volunteers were- these were clearly experienced ultra runners themselves and knew exactly how to take care of every participant coming in. So grateful for all the folks out there helping with this race.

I was rewarded with a bar of soap, a hug, and a potato at the finish, which is everything you want and need at the end of this gnarly 50 miler.

This is a very challenging, gorgeous, SPECTACULAR race. You will NOT regret this one.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5
My Media

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

I had a hard time finding anything about this race on the internet, so figured I might write a review for others interested. Logistics were super easy. Packet pick up … MORE

I had a hard time finding anything about this race on the internet, so figured I might write a review for others interested.

Logistics were super easy. Packet pick up was either at the local running store in Cheyenne (about 30 minutes from the start) or you could get it race morning. Start line was at the Sherman Summit rest area off I 80 (highest rest area on the highway at about 8600′) so finding it and obtaining parking was a breeze. There were 3 distances that started at 7am (half, full, and 50k) on an out and back course. 9 total aid stops for the 50k (5 out, 4 back). You really only need to carry a flask for water/electrolytes, the stations were well stocked with snacks. The volunteers were super nice. One aid stop worker told me I reminded him of his daughter and then showed me a picture of her on the way back through. The course is on dirt roads through Medicine Bow Ntnl Forest and through Vedauwoo Recreational Area (popular climbing, mnt biking, ATV riding, and camping spot). VERY easy to follow and a pretty course. There’s a section that runs alongside I 80 for a few brief miles (not so attractive) but you can eat up the road miles pretty quickly. Most of the climbing is on the way back, gradual, and is deceptively difficult, if you’re already tired and maybe not quite used to altitude. There’s plenty of Colorado based participants to make the rest of us look like sloths :p The weather can change very rapidly in this area so layers, gloves, and a rain shell are necessary. I was on the last 5 miles when the temperature dropped about 25 degrees and a 40 mph wind blew in a hail storm (there were likely only a few 50k runners left on the course). Volunteers did come out on the course to check on everyone and see if anyone wanted a ride since it was lightning, thundering, and just generally pretty miserable- it passed over in about an hour though right as I finished (I paid for this, you bet I was gonna finish). Again, VERY small and low key race, but the two volunteers at the finish were very enthusiastic spectators and cheered everybody in! In spite of being pelted with hail for 45 minutes, I had a great time and would totally recommend for a Wyoming race.

Take aways: this is not a technical race- it’s on dirt roads, so while trail shoes aren’t necessary, gators are, for the loose dirt and little rocks. It’s also not terribly hilly. The most significant factor is the elevation between 8000′-9000′. If you live in the Front Range you won’t even notice. If you’re from sea level just drink plenty of water and slow down as needed (it’s not Mount Everest but you might feel a little more sluggish)

The weather will likely change multiple times during the day. Pack a shell, gloves, hat, and sunscreen. The course is completely accessible by vehicles so you aren’t stranded if something should go wrong (it probably won’t…)

You can veer off course to a few vault toilets at campgrounds or go behind a shrub (carry TP in case!) but otherwise don’t expect any port-a-potties.

Have fun!

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3

3 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

The race production couldn't be better-everything was easy, from packet pick up, to parking at the start, and the shuttles. The marathon field is pretty small, but the half seems … MORE

The race production couldn’t be better-everything was easy, from packet pick up, to parking at the start, and the shuttles. The marathon field is pretty small, but the half seems more popular. Fortunately the weather was great this year. This is an arid climate, which means the mornings are cold and get HOT once the sun rises, but it isn’t humid, so it’s very comfortable. Bring chapstick! Plenty of aid and water stops. It’s a small town so there’s no crowds, but the volunteers and community are really welcoming. They do a really nice job treating the runners well, and you’ll get a free beer at the local brewery! The race director was even there checking in with runners to see how they liked the race. They REALLY care about runner satisfaction.

Despite Scottsbluff/Gering being a very tiny place physically, they managed to not make this a constant out and back course. There’s a few yards you repeat to cross a street and that’s it. The scenery is decent-lots of sweeping vistas, bluffs, and corn fields. Not terribly exciting, but this is Nebraska. I don’t imagine it gets a lot more exciting. The course is very flat, with some downhill at the start, and one long, slow incline through Mitchell pass. This can be a very fast course if you’re trained for it.

Overall this was a really nice race. The community spirit and attitude really makes this one. I would recommend it for 50 staters looking to cross off Nebraska, or anyone looking for a fast course in the Nebraska panhandle.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
5
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

The MDH Ultra distance options can sound pretty daunting- not many people register, and even fewer finish. The course isn't super technical (coming from someone used to Appalachian humidity, rocks, … MORE

The MDH Ultra distance options can sound pretty daunting- not many people register, and even fewer finish. The course isn’t super technical (coming from someone used to Appalachian humidity, rocks, and roots) but it is relentless. It’s hot, dry, barren, and the aid stations are few and far between (25-29 miles apart) so you will have to have a crew supporting you at the additional checkpoints (there are 9 check points) so be prepared to wrangle up some friends and family. You have to bring your mental game and be prepared for some long hours alone in the middle of nowhere. You’ll need a solid hydration and fueling plan, otherwise things could go downhill quickly out there. The course is well marked and easy to follow, even in the night hours because the trail markers are reflective. The RD and volunteers really care about this race and trim, mow, and make sure the entire 106 mile stretch is cleared and easy to follow.

The shirt and medal are nice, but that’s not really what ultra running is about. I came for the experience and absolutely enjoyed every painful minute. The Maah Daah Hey Trail is pretty special and I’d recommend any of the distances.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

5 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

Out of the "regular" road marathon options in WV, this is probably the easiest one to get to, find lodging, and best bet to qualify for Boston. Swag is decent; … MORE

Out of the “regular” road marathon options in WV, this is probably the easiest one to get to, find lodging, and best bet to qualify for Boston. Swag is decent; marathon participants get a pullover and a little something extra (this year was goodr glasses with footballs and the Marshall M pattern). That being said, there isn’t much special about this race. Course is very industrial, repetitive, and quiet. The community does not come out for this race. Fortunately, the volunteers are very energetic and encouraging. You do get to place a flower on the memorial and finish at the stadium. I’m a Marshall student, so I did this one to check the box off; probably would not repeat.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
1
SWAG
3

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This half was part of the WV Trilogy, 94 miles of running over 3 days in a beautiful, remote section on West Virginia wilderness. You can chose one, two, or … MORE

This half was part of the WV Trilogy, 94 miles of running over 3 days in a beautiful, remote section on West Virginia wilderness. You can chose one, two, or all three races. Be ready to pitch a tent or grab one of the rustic dorms, and bring EVERYTHING you need- you won’t see a gas station for 40 minutes out. The community is like no other here, the scenery is unbeatable, and this race is definitely a must do for any trail or ultra runner.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
3

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

The race directors work so hard to keep the course cleared over the summer! Wide trail provides ease of movement for passing and going around others. We had perfect weather … MORE

The race directors work so hard to keep the course cleared over the summer! Wide trail provides ease of movement for passing and going around others. We had perfect weather my year (2019). Really good for a first 40 miler; rocky and rooty, but not too technical, though no one in their right mind would ever call any 40 miler “easy”; about 12,000 ft of elevation change. The race directors stick around for a hug for every last runner (and for the ultra, that’s a long time!) Great little race with a lot of heart.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

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This is a small race, run through back woods, gravel roads, and fields of WV. Under and over fences, through creek beds, and up enough hills for 4,000+ feet elevation … MORE

This is a small race, run through back woods, gravel roads, and fields of WV. Under and over fences, through creek beds, and up enough hills for 4,000+ feet elevation gain. There’s enough road at the start that you aren’t in a cluster once you hit the trails. Aid stations about 5 miles apart, the usual for an ultra. Fairly runnable, with the last 6-7 miles having some more rocky, technical terrain and serious uphill. Swag is a nice burnt wood medal, bottle opener for 50k, and for a little extra fee you get the shirt. Not my fastest 50k, but probably my favorite so far.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

A very runnable trail, great for first timers and technical enough to stimulate seasoned trail runners. Abundance of parking right at the start. Packet pickup either the day or night … MORE

A very runnable trail, great for first timers and technical enough to stimulate seasoned trail runners. Abundance of parking right at the start. Packet pickup either the day or night before is easy. The 50k is two loops of the 15 mile trail, which means you can access your car, restrooms, or drop bag with no problem. This race is small, quiet, and simple. So glad I chose this race for my first ultra!!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

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