In the local running scene, this one is a classic. Mountain Junkies has been putting it on for over a decade. In 2021, they mixed things up by having us … MORE
In the local running scene, this one is a classic. Mountain Junkies has been putting it on for over a decade. In 2021, they mixed things up by having us run the course backwards (I loved it because that means the biggest climb is done by mile 8 or 9).
I’ve run other Mountain Junkies races, and CtC is matched for preparation, trail markings, trail quality, friendliness of volunteers, post-race food, all of it. I did decrease the SWAG score — you get a cute tank (for ladies – or a T for men), but in past years, runners also got a handkerchief with a map of Carvin’s Cove, we didn’t get it this year.
All in, I recommend this race — it’s a challenging trail marathon (and 25K), that gets you running in the beautiful trails of Carvin’s Cove (the second largest municipal park in America). The weather can go either way at the end May – this year I was treated to cool and overcast weather – and all the mountain laurel was in bloom.
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Local Legend Race!
In the local running scene, this one is a classic. Mountain Junkies has been putting it on for over a decade. In 2021, they mixed things up by having us … MORE
In the local running scene, this one is a classic. Mountain Junkies has been putting it on for over a decade. In 2021, they mixed things up by having us run the course backwards (I loved it because that means the biggest climb is done by mile 8 or 9).
I’ve run other Mountain Junkies races, and CtC is matched for preparation, trail markings, trail quality, friendliness of volunteers, post-race food, all of it. I did decrease the SWAG score — you get a cute tank (for ladies – or a T for men), but in past years, runners also got a handkerchief with a map of Carvin’s Cove, we didn’t get it this year.
All in, I recommend this race — it’s a challenging trail marathon (and 25K), that gets you running in the beautiful trails of Carvin’s Cove (the second largest municipal park in America). The weather can go either way at the end May – this year I was treated to cool and overcast weather – and all the mountain laurel was in bloom.
Challenging Trail Marathon
The course is described on the race website as challenging, which is almost an understatement. There is almost 3,500 feet total elevation gain on the course, much of it in … MORE
The course is described on the race website as challenging, which is almost an understatement. There is almost 3,500 feet total elevation gain on the course, much of it in one climb up Brushy Mountain. To complicate things, there are two very strict intermediate cutoffs. If you don’t make the cutoffs, then you are diverted onto a shorter course and aren’t allowed to finish the marathon, so this is not a race for the velocity challenged. Registration includes a modestly sized medal for finishers, and a picnic lunch at the finish. I would only recommend if you are up for a challenge or want to get the feel of what an ultramarathon is like.