Trails were beautiful but a bit more challenging than I expected. All of those falling leaves covered the rocks and roots that one tends to trip over! The hoodie was … MORE
Trails were beautiful but a bit more challenging than I expected. All of those falling leaves covered the rocks and roots that one tends to trip over!
The hoodie was exceptionally nice and low-key – no advertising billboard on the back.
I’ve never attended a race before that provided a “night before” pasta meal as well as a “pre-race” breakfast. Quite a treat for that to be included in the registration.
Chris, the race director, was extremely responsive to questions before the race – that’s always an important factor in my decision to participate.
And, the sense of community – as with all trail races – is wonderful.
I was a DNF this year because I did thought (erroneously) I was rested from the previous week’s 40K. Not. But I’ll be back to try this one again.
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Great small race
Trails were beautiful but a bit more challenging than I expected. All of those falling leaves covered the rocks and roots that one tends to trip over! The hoodie was … MORE
Trails were beautiful but a bit more challenging than I expected. All of those falling leaves covered the rocks and roots that one tends to trip over!
The hoodie was exceptionally nice and low-key – no advertising billboard on the back.
I’ve never attended a race before that provided a “night before” pasta meal as well as a “pre-race” breakfast. Quite a treat for that to be included in the registration.
Chris, the race director, was extremely responsive to questions before the race – that’s always an important factor in my decision to participate.
And, the sense of community – as with all trail races – is wonderful.
I was a DNF this year because I did thought (erroneously) I was rested from the previous week’s 40K. Not. But I’ll be back to try this one again.
This race is a GEM!
I love a tiny ultra! Obscure little races on beautiful trails. This one was a delightful surprise - so well organized!! A+ all around. I'll detail below. Race Administration: The … MORE
I love a tiny ultra! Obscure little races on beautiful trails. This one was a delightful surprise – so well organized!! A+ all around. I’ll detail below.
Race Administration: The RD is so engaged, this is his baby, and it shows! He is really responsive to questions, gives you more than enough information. The course is EXTREMELY well-marked. He recruits enthusiastic volunteers. All in, 5 stars! The fact that includes camping in with race registration makes this an amazing little weekend in a beautiful state park. Note for camping – campsites are generous, bathroom facilities are super nice. The RD also supplies pasta dinner on Friday night, breakfast Saturday morning. Everything you need.
Scenery and Trails: These trails are spectacular — mostly contained in Kings Mountain State Park, with some private land too. Technical, but not too technical, rolling hills throughout, lots of variety (it’s a 50k loop!). I underestimated the difficulty of the trails, these are tough! The park is gorgeous — SC really delivers on state parks (I’ve also been to Paris Mountain State Park, and it’s equally spectacular).
SWAG: 100 milers get a buckle, 100k and 50kers get a medal. There’s a t-shirt, it’s fine. The first 100 people got a duffle bag. All the SWAG is just okay.
Final Take-aways: I only did the 50k, but honestly I think this would be a great race to run your first 100k or 100 miler. It will be challenging, but the RD and volunteers are above and beyond supportive.