So this is my first 25k race, and only my second race west of the Mississippi. My time for this 25k was far better than any trail race I've done … MORE
So this is my first 25k race, and only my second race west of the Mississippi. My time for this 25k was far better than any trail race I’ve done in the Appalachians, which are far more rocky and rooty than this race in San Angelo. I flew out to TX from TN for this race on Saturday, and for the Run the Alamo on Sunday. It was BY FAR the best trail run I’ve done, and that’s probably only about 20 races, but I just really enjoyed this and didn’t want it to end.
The pre-race dinner was typical (spaghetti, salad, bread, tea), and appreciated. Good food, it was hot, and there were picnic tables so you end up chatting with other runners while you eat. The dinner is at packet pickup, at the start line. Primitive camping surrounds the pavilion where you eat. I did see quite a few people camping but I didn’t want to deal with the tent stuff before a race and after. My phone told me the temp was 42 at start. My car told me it was 32. In either case, it was a little cool.
Although people from that part of the country might chuckle at my raving of the scenery in this state park, but we don’t have anything like this back east. It was stunning. What a great place to run, and I’d consider flying back out again just to do this race.
The aid stations were super. They had port-a-potties at most of them and they had plenty of food and drink. There is a 100k option for this race and the courses run concurrent in places, so the food needs to be stocked for them, I suppose.
Overall this was a super race. When I went to TX my primary goal was to go for the Run the Alamo. The San Angelo race was an afterthought. The Alamo race was very much so-so and I’m glad I found this desert trail race.
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Take my review with a grain of salt
So this is my first 25k race, and only my second race west of the Mississippi. My time for this 25k was far better than any trail race I've done … MORE
So this is my first 25k race, and only my second race west of the Mississippi. My time for this 25k was far better than any trail race I’ve done in the Appalachians, which are far more rocky and rooty than this race in San Angelo. I flew out to TX from TN for this race on Saturday, and for the Run the Alamo on Sunday. It was BY FAR the best trail run I’ve done, and that’s probably only about 20 races, but I just really enjoyed this and didn’t want it to end.
The pre-race dinner was typical (spaghetti, salad, bread, tea), and appreciated. Good food, it was hot, and there were picnic tables so you end up chatting with other runners while you eat. The dinner is at packet pickup, at the start line. Primitive camping surrounds the pavilion where you eat. I did see quite a few people camping but I didn’t want to deal with the tent stuff before a race and after. My phone told me the temp was 42 at start. My car told me it was 32. In either case, it was a little cool.
Although people from that part of the country might chuckle at my raving of the scenery in this state park, but we don’t have anything like this back east. It was stunning. What a great place to run, and I’d consider flying back out again just to do this race.
The aid stations were super. They had port-a-potties at most of them and they had plenty of food and drink. There is a 100k option for this race and the courses run concurrent in places, so the food needs to be stocked for them, I suppose.
Overall this was a super race. When I went to TX my primary goal was to go for the Run the Alamo. The San Angelo race was an afterthought. The Alamo race was very much so-so and I’m glad I found this desert trail race.
Well-run, unique finishing medals
I didn't know what to expect in the west Texas town of San Angelo but it was a terrific race! The race covered the Texas landscape of San Angelo State … MORE
I didn’t know what to expect in the west Texas town of San Angelo but it was a terrific race! The race covered the Texas landscape of San Angelo State Park. Friendly volunteers, well-marked course, solid snacks. 800 total participants for all the races and it had an intimate, small town feel. The finisher medals are wood crafted-special. They awarded the Ultra finishers-belt buckles. Enjoyed my time exploring historic San Angelo on the Concho River.
Crazy measurements...and hmm
Pros: friendly staff, support and encouragement. They did have a lot of food for the ultra racers. Really pretty trails and scenery, the trails were well marked, but no mile … MORE
Pros: friendly staff, support and encouragement. They did have a lot of food for the ultra racers. Really pretty trails and scenery, the trails were well marked, but no mile markers. Great gifts for winners – unique
Cons: disorganized – they said I was the third female then took it back, and then gave it again. I paid a pretty penny for the 5K . There was no recognition ceremony for the winners. My brother and sister in law ran the half and 50K. They course measurements were off. It was not 3 to 6 miles difference. The food was not protected a aid station from bees. They needed a cooler or something to protect some of the food. My brother was left stranded out at mile 30 something with watermelon full of bees.