Beyond Fitness and OG Parks & Rec are teaming up to present the first-ever Bent Oak Ultra. We’re thrilled to introduce an ultra-running event to Eastern Jackson County, providing distance choices suitable for all participants. Discover the scenic beauty of our race course, a 5-mile loop along the transformed paths …
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Beyond Fitness and OG Parks & Rec are teaming up to present the first-ever Bent Oak Ultra. We’re thrilled to introduce an ultra-running event to Eastern Jackson County, providing distance choices suitable for all participants. Discover the scenic beauty of our race course, a 5-mile loop along the transformed paths of a former golf course now serving as a park. The course has some asphalt, gravel, and dirt paths as well as rolling hills, greens, fairways, and bridges.
In this race, one lap covers a 5-mile loop. Depending on the race distance, participants will complete the appropriate number of laps. After finishing 5 or 6 laps, marathon and 50k runners will embark on a roughly 1.2-mile out-and-back segment to reach their total distance. Pacers are not permitted. While pets are welcome in the start/finish area, they cannot accompany runners on the racecourse.
The course is clearly marked, and it’s essential for all runners to stay on the designated path throughout the race. If runners need aid, restrooms, or other amenities, they are allowed to temporarily leave the course at the start/finish line. However, they must check in and out with the race crew during these breaks.
The races kick off and conclude by the upper-right side of the pond, close to the field house. This spot doubles as the primary aid station and a perfect gathering spot for crews and family to support and cheer for the runners.
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Visions of high school cross country
This was an ultramarathon that was run mainly on paved golf cart paths on a former golf course. There was a little bit of gravel, maybe 20%, and a very … MORE
This was an ultramarathon that was run mainly on paved golf cart paths on a former golf course. There was a little bit of gravel, maybe 20%, and a very small amount of grass surface. There were more steep hills than I expected, and they took their toll by the middle of the race. Only about 60% of the 50 milers finished in the time limit. The course map looked complicated, but the course was very well marked and there were two volunteers out on the course to direct us at two places where we had to take a sharp turn. This helped keep us on course and was a big help. There were no finisher medals, but the 50K runners were given a t shirt and a towel with the race’s logo. There were the usual hydration options available, but just snack food for nourishment. There was no real food such as sandwiches, pizza or soup. My description probably makes it sound spartan, but it was really a well-run race. I’m sure the race director will make some adjustments in the future and make the race even better. It was really a nice venue, but I didn’t like it that we had to park about 300 yards away from the start, and the course didn’t go by our vehicles in case we needed anything left there.