This is one of the hardest 50Ks that I've run, right up there with the Bighorn Wild and Scenic Trail Run 50K. The scenery along most of the course is … MORE
This is one of the hardest 50Ks that I’ve run, right up there with the Bighorn Wild and Scenic Trail Run 50K. The scenery along most of the course is worth it though. I say most, because there was a 4-mile stretch where the road that we ran on for the out and back served as a service road for I-80. It was along one of the higher points of the course, so there was more wind there and a lot of traffic noise. The rest of the course was beautiful and wound through the Medicine Bow National Forest, including the Vedauwoo climbing area that had unusual granite outcrops and rock formations that some people call “hoodoos.” There were four major hills along the 50K course, the last of which made me want to quit. I stuck it out though, and I’m glad i did, as the last hill turned out to be slightly easier than I thought it was going to be at the 8,000 foot plus altitude. There was a 9 hour time limit for the 50K, which was the same amount of time given for the marathon runners, but I made it with 35 minutes to spare. For the marathon, 9 hours is plenty of time, even for us flatlanders. The 50K runners were given a long-sleeved cotton shirt at the packet pickup and were presented with a nicely detailed belt buckle at the finish. The volunteers were very friendly and supportive; however, not all of the aid stations had hydration with electrolytes made up ahead of time. They did have a powder drink mix that they could mix up, but that took a little longer and it was hard to get the powder to dissolve in a smaller water bottle like the ones I had in my hydration vest. I finished dead last, but I am happy with that given that I was doubting whether I could finish for about 6 of the last 10 miles. Incidentally, the marathon is rated as one of the top 10 most difficult marathons by one of this website’s lists.
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Breathtaking in more ways than one
This is one of the hardest 50Ks that I've run, right up there with the Bighorn Wild and Scenic Trail Run 50K. The scenery along most of the course is … MORE
This is one of the hardest 50Ks that I’ve run, right up there with the Bighorn Wild and Scenic Trail Run 50K. The scenery along most of the course is worth it though. I say most, because there was a 4-mile stretch where the road that we ran on for the out and back served as a service road for I-80. It was along one of the higher points of the course, so there was more wind there and a lot of traffic noise. The rest of the course was beautiful and wound through the Medicine Bow National Forest, including the Vedauwoo climbing area that had unusual granite outcrops and rock formations that some people call “hoodoos.” There were four major hills along the 50K course, the last of which made me want to quit. I stuck it out though, and I’m glad i did, as the last hill turned out to be slightly easier than I thought it was going to be at the 8,000 foot plus altitude. There was a 9 hour time limit for the 50K, which was the same amount of time given for the marathon runners, but I made it with 35 minutes to spare. For the marathon, 9 hours is plenty of time, even for us flatlanders. The 50K runners were given a long-sleeved cotton shirt at the packet pickup and were presented with a nicely detailed belt buckle at the finish. The volunteers were very friendly and supportive; however, not all of the aid stations had hydration with electrolytes made up ahead of time. They did have a powder drink mix that they could mix up, but that took a little longer and it was hard to get the powder to dissolve in a smaller water bottle like the ones I had in my hydration vest. I finished dead last, but I am happy with that given that I was doubting whether I could finish for about 6 of the last 10 miles. Incidentally, the marathon is rated as one of the top 10 most difficult marathons by one of this website’s lists.
No Frills, Solid Race
I ran this race in May 2022. Here's the good: -Nice scenery, lots of mountains -Accessible location between Cheyenne and Laramie, just off I-80 -Aid stations had everything you need. … MORE
I ran this race in May 2022. Here’s the good:
-Nice scenery, lots of mountains
-Accessible location between Cheyenne and Laramie, just off I-80
-Aid stations had everything you need. I only brought a water bottle and that was plenty. There was plenty of food and water. I needed sunscreen too and they had it.
-Every volunteer was friendly and helpful
-I like that they have a marathon and 50K option
Factors to consider:
-There is about 7 miles of not fun road running. You’re on a 2 lane highway with a 65mph speed limit. There weren’t a ton of cars, but still a bit unsettling since the shoulder is so small you are running in the traffic lane. A stone’s throw away is the interstate and when trucks go by they are so loud you can’t have a conversation. I wish there was a way to have the entire race without road running.
-The weather in May is unpredictable. The race started with a feels like in the 30s and was 50s and sunny when it ended. I was quite pleased with the weather. Then, 30 minutes after I finished a major storm came through, the temps dropped almost 20 degrees, it hailed for a half-hour, and the wind blew so hard my car shook. Come prepared for all types of weather!
-The final 10K is largely uphill. It’s not steep, more of a steady grind, but on tired legs it felt like a giant mountain. Keep a little left in your tank for the final 10K
-The elevation is no joke. The entire race is above 8,000 feet. If preparing at altitude is not an option, be mindful of those final miles. I really noticed the altitude when I was tired, running uphill, on tired legs.
Nice Low Key Race
I had a hard time finding anything about this race on the internet, so figured I might write a review for others interested. Logistics were super easy. Packet pick up … MORE
I had a hard time finding anything about this race on the internet, so figured I might write a review for others interested.
Logistics were super easy. Packet pick up was either at the local running store in Cheyenne (about 30 minutes from the start) or you could get it race morning. Start line was at the Sherman Summit rest area off I 80 (highest rest area on the highway at about 8600′) so finding it and obtaining parking was a breeze. There were 3 distances that started at 7am (half, full, and 50k) on an out and back course. 9 total aid stops for the 50k (5 out, 4 back). You really only need to carry a flask for water/electrolytes, the stations were well stocked with snacks. The volunteers were super nice. One aid stop worker told me I reminded him of his daughter and then showed me a picture of her on the way back through. The course is on dirt roads through Medicine Bow Ntnl Forest and through Vedauwoo Recreational Area (popular climbing, mnt biking, ATV riding, and camping spot). VERY easy to follow and a pretty course. There’s a section that runs alongside I 80 for a few brief miles (not so attractive) but you can eat up the road miles pretty quickly. Most of the climbing is on the way back, gradual, and is deceptively difficult, if you’re already tired and maybe not quite used to altitude. There’s plenty of Colorado based participants to make the rest of us look like sloths :p The weather can change very rapidly in this area so layers, gloves, and a rain shell are necessary. I was on the last 5 miles when the temperature dropped about 25 degrees and a 40 mph wind blew in a hail storm (there were likely only a few 50k runners left on the course). Volunteers did come out on the course to check on everyone and see if anyone wanted a ride since it was lightning, thundering, and just generally pretty miserable- it passed over in about an hour though right as I finished (I paid for this, you bet I was gonna finish). Again, VERY small and low key race, but the two volunteers at the finish were very enthusiastic spectators and cheered everybody in! In spite of being pelted with hail for 45 minutes, I had a great time and would totally recommend for a Wyoming race.
Take aways: this is not a technical race- it’s on dirt roads, so while trail shoes aren’t necessary, gators are, for the loose dirt and little rocks. It’s also not terribly hilly. The most significant factor is the elevation between 8000′-9000′. If you live in the Front Range you won’t even notice. If you’re from sea level just drink plenty of water and slow down as needed (it’s not Mount Everest but you might feel a little more sluggish)
The weather will likely change multiple times during the day. Pack a shell, gloves, hat, and sunscreen. The course is completely accessible by vehicles so you aren’t stranded if something should go wrong (it probably won’t…)
You can veer off course to a few vault toilets at campgrounds or go behind a shrub (carry TP in case!) but otherwise don’t expect any port-a-potties.
Have fun!
Beautiful but tough
This race is super small and you need to carry your own hydration. Most of the competitors do the marathon or the ultra so if you are slow you may … MORE
This race is super small and you need to carry your own hydration. Most of the competitors do the marathon or the ultra so if you are slow you may have to run solo (like me). What this race misses out in frills it makes up for with amazing natural views. This is one of the prettiest and most peaceful races I have ever done. Warning there is a cruel Hill at the very end.