Oklahoma’s Oldest Trail Run!! The race was started in 1999 by Earl Blewett. Earl saw the beauty of Lake McMurtry with its gorgeous scenery, soft, beginner friendly trail system, spectacular lake views, and reputation for having some of the best trails in the state of Oklahoma for running as well …
MORE
Oklahoma’s Oldest Trail Run!! The race was started in 1999 by Earl Blewett. Earl saw the beauty of Lake McMurtry with its gorgeous scenery, soft, beginner friendly trail system, spectacular lake views, and reputation for having some of the best trails in the state of Oklahoma for running as well as mountain biking. In 2009 Earl turned the race over to the Tatur organization and its race director Ken Childress. Ken did a fantastic job of keeping the quality, history and tradition of the Lake McMurtry Trail Race alive. The Outlaw group began directing the run in 2019 who added their own flair, while keeping the tradition alive with the same great trails and entertaining aid stations.
There are a variety of distances to choose from with offerings of 100K, 50K, 25K, 12K and 5K on single track, winding through the pines and along the shores of Lake McMurtry. This is a moderately difficult course, great for beginners and seasoned trail runners alike. The courses consist of a loop on the west side of the lake with the longer races utilizing an out and back to the east side of the lake as well. The 50K has about 1,500 feet of gain. The 100K comprises the 50K course twice.
LESS
Smooth, flat and well maintained trails
I'm always skeptical when a race is described as ideal for beginners, as they are often more difficult than what you expect. This course was relatively easy as far as … MORE
I’m always skeptical when a race is described as ideal for beginners, as they are often more difficult than what you expect. This course was relatively easy as far as trail runs are concerned, and it lived up to its description. Yes, there were some roots in places, so like all trail runs, you have to pick up your feet and watch your step, but most of the trail was rather smooth sailing. It was also very scenic, even though most of the deciduous trees had not fully leafed out. There were some redbud trees in bloom, which were very pretty. I would like to see what this course looks like a little later in the year. The course was very well marked on the way out, but there was one spot on the way back where I didn’t realize that I had to go opposite the directions of the arrows to get back to the finish line. I ended up going around the same loop that I had gone before twice before I realized I was running in a circle. Fortunately, another runner came along and we figured out how to get back on the course to the finish. The medal was an amazing work of art, and the food at the finish was like most trail runs pre-covid. All in all it was a very fun race that I would do again if I have the chance.