Athletic Equation continues with its ultra running paradigm shift with the “ICY-8” 8-HR Adventure Trail Run (ATR). Why is it named the “ICY 8”? Well simply put, it’s February… the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes cold. Staying consistent with our other events, runner will be able to run as …
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Athletic Equation continues with its ultra running paradigm shift with the “ICY-8” 8-HR Adventure Trail Run (ATR). Why is it named the “ICY 8”? Well simply put, it’s February… the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes cold. Staying consistent with our other events, runner will be able to run as MUCH AS THEY WANT. Our events are about the runners meeting their own expectations, not an event’s expectations, or the expectations of others.
The ICY-8 will take place on the first Saturday in February every year. Starting time will be 7:15a.m. This event will be held at Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania, VA. Lake Anna State Park is approximately 2,800 square acres and adjacent to Lake Anna, 13,000 acres large and 10 miles of Lake front real estate. Lake Anna has been part of the Virginia State Park System since its inception in 1936. Park Amenities throughout the year include camping, swimming, RV-ing, cabin rentals, boating, hiking, and horseback riding. It is conveniently located less than one hour driving from both Richmond, VA and Fredericksburg, VA and 25 minutes from Culpeper, VA.
This run seeks to bring both new and experienced trail runners together onto a common course that will challenge both their trail skills and physical abilities. The run course will be looped course. Approximately 85%-90% of the course is trail. The remaining 10%-15%, approximately 0.4 miles is a mix of trail and closed payment roads. Trail is single-track and double-track (NOT fire road). Over 70% of the trails are double-track, meaning that it is ALL TRAIL but generally about 6-ft wide. This trail WILL RUN FAST, but has to potential to catch up with you as the race progresses. The Start/Finish will be centralized in the parking area next to the Lake Anna Visitor Center. Runners will have the opportunity to select from two course loops, either 4.7 miles (350ft of elevation gain/loss) or 8.0 miles (640ft of elevation gain/loss) during the event. Runners are able to run combine loops during the event to maximize mileage during the event.
The new half marathon route and format is designed to introduce runners to all aspects of trail running. Participants will complete the long loop (8.0 miles), the short loop (4.7 miles), and the mini loop (1.5 miles) on our figure 8 course. The HALF MARATHON+ will be held concurrently with the traditional ICY-8 Trail Run. Participants will complete the loops from largest to smallest and have 6.0 hours to complete the distance. Runners and hikers are welcome!
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All day Runner math!!
I think this race attracted very hard core runners, which I guess I am, but it was a little disconcerting to be around all the folks prancing up the hills. … MORE
I think this race attracted very hard core runners, which I guess I am, but it was a little disconcerting to be around all the folks prancing up the hills.
The “long loop” was my preferred one—nice stretch of very runnable trail, a little less busy, the cool straight part by some power lines with good footing.
Each loop was a “lollipop “ so you got to see other runners on the “stick” ( slightly less than a mile) and the last .33 or so was paved with a kinda steep incline (downhill going in).
The aid station was stocked with grilled cheese, candy, chips, etc. it was a cup less race which is fine BUT I didn’t get to have any coke because all I had was a 20 oz handheld and I didn’t plan that aspect well.
The mental math of counting the loops and mileage was pretty interesting. Nice nice runners (even the prancers). Good weather. The mini loop at the end was scenic but very rooty). If I did it again I’d try for 3 long and one short (28.7). This year I did two long two short and a mini (27.1).
Race was easy drive from nova (except the return trip was trafficky of course).
First ultra - great event!
The ICY-8 Hour event is put on by Athletic Equation. It stayed true to its name and was indeed about 14 degrees for the majority of the run, with snow … MORE
The ICY-8 Hour event is put on by Athletic Equation. It stayed true to its name and was indeed about 14 degrees for the majority of the run, with snow falling by the end. The run is a timed 8 hour event but you can run as much as you want. I ended up running not quite 33 miles and chose to stop with a little time left so that my digits could thaw out.
You run the trails at Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania, VA. It is about 90% trail, actual trail as opposed to fire roads. There are two loops that you can run, a little less than 5 miles or about 8 miles with a big hill. The cool thing is that after the first lap, you can run whatever combination you want – short or long, forward or backward. After each loop you tell the timer if you ran the short loop or the long loop, stop at the tent for some chow, and get back out there. Note to self – count on your camelbak freezing if it’s as cold as it was in 2013!
This race is small and very personal. I ran with two friends and we all found the people to be super friendly and supportive. The shirt was fun and if it’s your first 50k/ultra, they give you a cool little plaque to commemorate it. Experienced finishers also got a pint glass (they accidentally gave me one too and when I tried to return it, they let me keep it). All in all, it’s a great race that’s well supported and gives you a lot of flexibility. I’d recommend it, especially if considering your first ultra.