So I hand-picked this race specifically because it was flat, not paved, and not technical. I am not sure if you could pick a better race for your first 50k … MORE
So I hand-picked this race specifically because it was flat, not paved, and not technical. I am not sure if you could pick a better race for your first 50k race. There is a lot to like about this race and not much to dislike. I would absolutely recommend this for first-timers or veterans.
There was free camping. I drove from Chattanooga and I got up at 2am to drive down there so I could secure a parking spot. Well, I needn’t have bothered. It rained much of that day, I think, and much of the evening. The camp ground was a big puddle, but there were enough spots to pull in and camp. I have converted a Honda Element into a camper so I was able to stay dry, but the poor bloke next to me must have gotten soaked, and, he forgot his tent poles, to boot. He strung something up though, in the dark, and was gone when I got back to my Element after the race. He and I were the only people in the entire group camping area (where racers were camping).
The camp area was only about a two minute walk from the start/finish line, and from the bathrooms / showers. There were probably… 50 or 60 runners? Maybe half of them doing the 25k and the rest doing the 50k.
I fell in with a few veterans in the first 10 miles or so and those miles flew by pretty quickly. By the time I got to mile 15 my time was still great but my legs were getting tight. I’d stop at the aid station, stretch a bit, refuel, and be on my way. There were two aid stations. One was at the start / finish line, and then another at the intersection of the Y shaped course. The tops of each side of the Y were lollipop shaped, and it was really quite a pretty course. Flat as you’d expect in FL. I think there was a single hill, actually, and that was where an 18-inch drainage pipe had been laid under the road, so the hill was about 26 or 30 inches. In 32 miles I had only about 374 ft of elevation change.
The first half of the race I completed in about 2:30. 15.5 miles. The second half took me almost 4:30. MUCH slower. Guess I’ve got some training to do!
The aid station in the Y intersection, you passed it six times. They had a lot of yummy snacks, plus bacon and maybe a bacon burrito? I am vegetarian… please, for goodness sakes, this is 2023, there are enough vegetarians around that you’d think RDs would at least have something on hand. I’m not that bothered by not having fake bacon, it is more irritating though that RDs don’t care to provide a yummy, hot, alternative. Otherwise, the aid station was really well stocked and the volunteers were awesome, as they usually are. I’m always so grateful for these folks, and the vols at this race were so helpful.
At the finish they had pulled pork sandwiches. Although if you are a veg like me, you can eat potato salad. And if you are totally plant-based, you can eat a granola bar. 🙂
I loved this race. If I didn’t live nearly 7 hours away I’d do it again. Highly recommend! I also highly recommend the RD to offer some vegetarian alternative for the post-race meal. 🙂
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First ultra. Flat but kicked my ass
So I hand-picked this race specifically because it was flat, not paved, and not technical. I am not sure if you could pick a better race for your first 50k … MORE
So I hand-picked this race specifically because it was flat, not paved, and not technical. I am not sure if you could pick a better race for your first 50k race. There is a lot to like about this race and not much to dislike. I would absolutely recommend this for first-timers or veterans.
There was free camping. I drove from Chattanooga and I got up at 2am to drive down there so I could secure a parking spot. Well, I needn’t have bothered. It rained much of that day, I think, and much of the evening. The camp ground was a big puddle, but there were enough spots to pull in and camp. I have converted a Honda Element into a camper so I was able to stay dry, but the poor bloke next to me must have gotten soaked, and, he forgot his tent poles, to boot. He strung something up though, in the dark, and was gone when I got back to my Element after the race. He and I were the only people in the entire group camping area (where racers were camping).
The camp area was only about a two minute walk from the start/finish line, and from the bathrooms / showers. There were probably… 50 or 60 runners? Maybe half of them doing the 25k and the rest doing the 50k.
I fell in with a few veterans in the first 10 miles or so and those miles flew by pretty quickly. By the time I got to mile 15 my time was still great but my legs were getting tight. I’d stop at the aid station, stretch a bit, refuel, and be on my way. There were two aid stations. One was at the start / finish line, and then another at the intersection of the Y shaped course. The tops of each side of the Y were lollipop shaped, and it was really quite a pretty course. Flat as you’d expect in FL. I think there was a single hill, actually, and that was where an 18-inch drainage pipe had been laid under the road, so the hill was about 26 or 30 inches. In 32 miles I had only about 374 ft of elevation change.
The first half of the race I completed in about 2:30. 15.5 miles. The second half took me almost 4:30. MUCH slower. Guess I’ve got some training to do!
The aid station in the Y intersection, you passed it six times. They had a lot of yummy snacks, plus bacon and maybe a bacon burrito? I am vegetarian… please, for goodness sakes, this is 2023, there are enough vegetarians around that you’d think RDs would at least have something on hand. I’m not that bothered by not having fake bacon, it is more irritating though that RDs don’t care to provide a yummy, hot, alternative. Otherwise, the aid station was really well stocked and the volunteers were awesome, as they usually are. I’m always so grateful for these folks, and the vols at this race were so helpful.
At the finish they had pulled pork sandwiches. Although if you are a veg like me, you can eat potato salad. And if you are totally plant-based, you can eat a granola bar. 🙂
I loved this race. If I didn’t live nearly 7 hours away I’d do it again. Highly recommend! I also highly recommend the RD to offer some vegetarian alternative for the post-race meal. 🙂
Run This Race!!
This is a tremendously well done race. Not crowded. Beautiful scenery. Great aid stations with support. Not technical. Little elevation. Just a beautiful day running, with nice scenery, great people, … MORE
This is a tremendously well done race. Not crowded. Beautiful scenery. Great aid stations with support. Not technical. Little elevation. Just a beautiful day running, with nice scenery, great people, great race production. Put this one on your list for next year.
My first ultra
Great race and fantastic intro to an ultra distance as my first 50k. RD is awesome. Set up was great as a double loop. Nice scenery. I was able to … MORE
Great race and fantastic intro to an ultra distance as my first 50k. RD is awesome. Set up was great as a double loop. Nice scenery. I was able to run it in my normal Brooks I trail shoes were necessary. Course was not technical. Really a great day.