The DAM Ruck and Run was an interesting event. The primary event was not actually the races, but the Ruck march that participants did during the night before. I did … MORE
The DAM Ruck and Run was an interesting event. The primary event was not actually the races, but the Ruck march that participants did during the night before. I did not participate in this portion, but it involved walking distances with a weighted backpack, following the military theme that permeates all of Triple Dare Running Company’s events.
Overall Production:
This was as small of a production as I’ve participated in for a while. All the different events started at different times, so I never saw the Marathon or Half Marathon runners. The 10K only had about 20 runners total and I believe the 5K was even smaller. It wasn’t much more than just a group of friends getting together in the desert to go for a nice run. Works for me.
Packet Pick-Up:
With as small as the production was, there was no need for early packet pick-up. I showed up and asked for my number and received it just as quickly. One thing of note is that they ran out of safety pins by the time I got there. I’ve never seen that happen at a race. Fortunately, I always have extras.
Swag:
The ruckers from the night before got cool looking buffs. Those of us running received a t-shirt. It’s not a technical shirt, but a heavy cotton one that I doubt I’ll run in. Still, it’s a good looking shirt with BDU camo patterns on it. I intend to wear it even if not for runs.
Website and Pre-Race Communications:
Triple Dare’s website is good enough, but definitely not a top-end production. But they sent out timely emails in advance of the event. My one criticism would be the maps to the start line – or lack thereof. The only directions were text notes telling you how to get there. That was partially because the race literally started on the side of a remote dirt road out in the desert. But I would have appreciated some kind of map.
Pre-Race Administration:
The race started on time. There wasn’t much else in this category worth mentioning.
The Course:
The race was an out and back with the first half virtually all up hill (about 400 feet of ascent) and the second half obviously then downhill the same way you came. The course was run on a rough desert road and you were able to weave around to avoid the large rocks for the first two miles. However, the 3rd mile was incredibly technical and required runners to slow considerably to traverse the area. After the turn-around (at about mile 4) I turned my ankle on the large, loose rocks and that had a negative impact on my experience for the rest of the run. The overall scenery wasn’t anything exceptional until that technical portion, which is when it finally got pretty.
Water and Aid Stations:
There was a Water/Aid Station at the 1.55 mile mark that also served as the turn around for the 5K. The next station wasn’t until the 10K turn around (and you hit the first station again on the way back). They did a good job with having more than just water as I also saw bananas and other snacks. Along the course they also had several pickups from the racing company that were there to assist any injured runners caught in between aid stations.
Crowd Support:
This was literally run in the middle of the desert. No crowds.
Finisher’s Medal:
I always like Triple Dare’s medals. They make them out of layered wood that gives them a 3D effect. Considering some of their past medals though, I thought this one was a bit underwhelming. Still good, mind you. But I’ve come to expect more from them honestly. The medals were all the same with no distinction between various distances. In fact, they gave me the option of two slightly different medals at the finish and I was told later that I had actually selected the previous year’s leftover medal. But since there was no date on either of them, I didn’t realize the distinction.
Results:
I never found out why, but they did not have computer timing on this race, and instead just logged numbers and times manually. WIth the very small turnout of runners it wasn’t a problem at all. But this was definitely a change from previous races I’ve done with this company. They had the results posted by later that evening.
Post-Race Administration:
As the run ended they did a good job of providing a wide variety of snacks to the runners. Watermelons, bananas, pickles, granola and other snacks accompanied the usual drinks. They also always have large Monster energy drinks if that’s your thing. I also had my first experience with the medical tent after a race, and they were as helpful and supportive as I would have expected.
History of the Event:
I normally inquire about how many years the event has been running after the race. But with a sprained ankle, I wasn’t exactly in the chatty mood. Still, this is at least the second year they’ve been running this event.
So would I do it again?
So I’ve run now five separate races with Triple Dare Running Company. This was arguably the weakest of the bunch. Although, I did not participate in the marquee Ruck portion which might have impacted my experience. Also, I got hurt, which never helps. But even with all that said, yes, I would run this race again. All of the hallmarks which have made Triple Dare events virtual “can’t miss” calendar events for me were still present – even if somewhat muted on this particular day. I plan to sign up again next year and I’m sure it’ll be a great experience.
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Trail Run with a twist
The DAM Ruck and Run was an interesting event. The primary event was not actually the races, but the Ruck march that participants did during the night before. I did … MORE
The DAM Ruck and Run was an interesting event. The primary event was not actually the races, but the Ruck march that participants did during the night before. I did not participate in this portion, but it involved walking distances with a weighted backpack, following the military theme that permeates all of Triple Dare Running Company’s events.
Overall Production:
This was as small of a production as I’ve participated in for a while. All the different events started at different times, so I never saw the Marathon or Half Marathon runners. The 10K only had about 20 runners total and I believe the 5K was even smaller. It wasn’t much more than just a group of friends getting together in the desert to go for a nice run. Works for me.
Packet Pick-Up:
With as small as the production was, there was no need for early packet pick-up. I showed up and asked for my number and received it just as quickly. One thing of note is that they ran out of safety pins by the time I got there. I’ve never seen that happen at a race. Fortunately, I always have extras.
Swag:
The ruckers from the night before got cool looking buffs. Those of us running received a t-shirt. It’s not a technical shirt, but a heavy cotton one that I doubt I’ll run in. Still, it’s a good looking shirt with BDU camo patterns on it. I intend to wear it even if not for runs.
Website and Pre-Race Communications:
Triple Dare’s website is good enough, but definitely not a top-end production. But they sent out timely emails in advance of the event. My one criticism would be the maps to the start line – or lack thereof. The only directions were text notes telling you how to get there. That was partially because the race literally started on the side of a remote dirt road out in the desert. But I would have appreciated some kind of map.
Pre-Race Administration:
The race started on time. There wasn’t much else in this category worth mentioning.
The Course:
The race was an out and back with the first half virtually all up hill (about 400 feet of ascent) and the second half obviously then downhill the same way you came. The course was run on a rough desert road and you were able to weave around to avoid the large rocks for the first two miles. However, the 3rd mile was incredibly technical and required runners to slow considerably to traverse the area. After the turn-around (at about mile 4) I turned my ankle on the large, loose rocks and that had a negative impact on my experience for the rest of the run. The overall scenery wasn’t anything exceptional until that technical portion, which is when it finally got pretty.
Water and Aid Stations:
There was a Water/Aid Station at the 1.55 mile mark that also served as the turn around for the 5K. The next station wasn’t until the 10K turn around (and you hit the first station again on the way back). They did a good job with having more than just water as I also saw bananas and other snacks. Along the course they also had several pickups from the racing company that were there to assist any injured runners caught in between aid stations.
Crowd Support:
This was literally run in the middle of the desert. No crowds.
Finisher’s Medal:
I always like Triple Dare’s medals. They make them out of layered wood that gives them a 3D effect. Considering some of their past medals though, I thought this one was a bit underwhelming. Still good, mind you. But I’ve come to expect more from them honestly. The medals were all the same with no distinction between various distances. In fact, they gave me the option of two slightly different medals at the finish and I was told later that I had actually selected the previous year’s leftover medal. But since there was no date on either of them, I didn’t realize the distinction.
Results:
I never found out why, but they did not have computer timing on this race, and instead just logged numbers and times manually. WIth the very small turnout of runners it wasn’t a problem at all. But this was definitely a change from previous races I’ve done with this company. They had the results posted by later that evening.
Post-Race Administration:
As the run ended they did a good job of providing a wide variety of snacks to the runners. Watermelons, bananas, pickles, granola and other snacks accompanied the usual drinks. They also always have large Monster energy drinks if that’s your thing. I also had my first experience with the medical tent after a race, and they were as helpful and supportive as I would have expected.
History of the Event:
I normally inquire about how many years the event has been running after the race. But with a sprained ankle, I wasn’t exactly in the chatty mood. Still, this is at least the second year they’ve been running this event.
So would I do it again?
So I’ve run now five separate races with Triple Dare Running Company. This was arguably the weakest of the bunch. Although, I did not participate in the marquee Ruck portion which might have impacted my experience. Also, I got hurt, which never helps. But even with all that said, yes, I would run this race again. All of the hallmarks which have made Triple Dare events virtual “can’t miss” calendar events for me were still present – even if somewhat muted on this particular day. I plan to sign up again next year and I’m sure it’ll be a great experience.