One of the goals of this race according to the race director is to provide an opportunity for older/slower runners to run an ultra without having to worry about finish … MORE
One of the goals of this race according to the race director is to provide an opportunity for older/slower runners to run an ultra without having to worry about finish line cutoffs. Accordingly, the time limit for the 50K was 15 hours. Unfortunately, this inaugural race didn’t attract very many older runners, possibly because there were a lot of other races that same weekend. The course started at Shepherd’s Springs camp, and was supposed to go about 15 miles downstream along the historic C & O canal and then return back to the camp. Unfortunately, heavy rains earlier in the week caused the Potomac River to rise, flooding the road in two places on the drive in to the start, and flooded the course on the C & O towpath. Fortunately, the race director was able to make adjustments on the fly and allowed us to continue running three shorter out and backs to complete the 50K distance. This meant that we had to cross two flooded sections of trail, and also go up a steep hill to get back to the camp at the end of each out and back. My favorite part of the course was along the C & O canal, as it was cooler, shaded, and the dirt (mud) and gravel was easier on the feet and legs. I was disappointed that we weren’t able to see the whole course, but was grateful to the race director for allowing us to continue with the race.
Good course for the velocity challenged
One of the goals of this race according to the race director is to provide an opportunity for older/slower runners to run an ultra without having to worry about finish … MORE
One of the goals of this race according to the race director is to provide an opportunity for older/slower runners to run an ultra without having to worry about finish line cutoffs. Accordingly, the time limit for the 50K was 15 hours. Unfortunately, this inaugural race didn’t attract very many older runners, possibly because there were a lot of other races that same weekend. The course started at Shepherd’s Springs camp, and was supposed to go about 15 miles downstream along the historic C & O canal and then return back to the camp. Unfortunately, heavy rains earlier in the week caused the Potomac River to rise, flooding the road in two places on the drive in to the start, and flooded the course on the C & O towpath. Fortunately, the race director was able to make adjustments on the fly and allowed us to continue running three shorter out and backs to complete the 50K distance. This meant that we had to cross two flooded sections of trail, and also go up a steep hill to get back to the camp at the end of each out and back. My favorite part of the course was along the C & O canal, as it was cooler, shaded, and the dirt (mud) and gravel was easier on the feet and legs. I was disappointed that we weren’t able to see the whole course, but was grateful to the race director for allowing us to continue with the race.