The Temptation 200 is a grassroots ultramarathon in one of the most unique natural areas in central Illinois. This race is made to test you physically, mentally, maybe even spiritually. Are you strong enough to endure?
The Temptation 200 Ultras will find your weaknesses and exploit them. At the height of your suffering the race directors will offer you choices… temptations… do you take an official finish on the shorter distance (50K, 100K, 150K) and their beautiful awards? Or can you give just a few more loops to earn the very exclusive 200KM buckle? It is tempting… do you end your journey for the reward now, or continue to endure the challenge to earn the most coveted award of the race?
The trail will consist of a approximately 15 mile loop around Sand Ridge State Forest. This forest is a 7200 acre island surrounded by farm fields. It represents a unique and beautiful ecosystem unlike anywhere else in the state. The most notable feature is the soft sandy soil. It allows the native population of prickly pear cactus to thrive despite the Illinois otherwise incompatible climate.
Since the native soil consists of a large amount of sand, the runners will generally benefit from dry feet for the whole race unless it’s actively raining. No creeks, no mud, and the puddles drain almost instantly. The blessing and curse of the trail is that some portions of the trail are soft and rolling, not unlike a sand dune. Wearing gaiters is recommended to keep the sand out of your shoes. Other portions are flat, well packed, and very runnable.
The soft portions of the trail we affectionately refer to as “tank traps”. They take the place of big hills on our course. You’d normally have to walk big hills… and here you’ll probably want to walk some of the soft areas. Many times you can avoid the soft sand by picking a line near the side of the trail where the roots of plants stabilize the sand.
The course will wander primarily through forest “double track” trail mixed with single track, through native hardwood forest, sand prairie, and old experimental pine plantations.
The total elevation gain is mild compared to many trail ultras but more than the flat rail-trail ultras.
All runners start as 200K participants, toeing the line together. They all have the chance to continue or drop at any time. Some may only set out to take on 50K, while others yearn for more. But if you set out for 50K and find yourself thinking… ”maybe I could do a little more and get that buckle”, the race directors will let you and play the role of devil on your shoulder, whispering in your ear “it’s only 2 more loops, and that’s really just 1 loop and a victory loop… how hard can it be?” If you set out for the full 200K but find yourself feeling weak and worn down, thinking that a 100k buckle is “good enough”… so too will the race directors tempt you.
All runners can choose to run any distance on race day. Are you tough enough to make your goal? Or maybe you’re tougher than you give yourself credit for?
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