1) Packet Pickup didn't start until 6pm the night before the race, not great for out of towners to get their packet and settle in for the evening. This resulted … MORE
1) Packet Pickup didn’t start until 6pm the night before the race, not great for out of towners to get their packet and settle in for the evening. This resulted in me missing the pre-race meeting at 7pm (the brewery was also VERY loud) and barely getting my shit together before the race.
2) They weren’t really communicative in what was offered at aid stations and where they were exactly. The RD kept on giving out aid station charts that had all crew access points and wasn’t clear what was an aid station and what was simply an access point (which I have issues with as it is, if it’s a fatass style event, please let me know if advance).
3) The offerings at the aid stations were meager. First time I’ve ever seen canned boiled potatoes, I didn’t want to touch those with a 10′ pole! There was Tailwind, water, pb&j, some candy, but that’s about it at most of the aid stations. Not even oreos, I was kinda surprised. I hoped it would get better as night was falling, but the only hot food at their main aid station when I went through at mile 50 (Damascus), was Ramen and veggie broth.
4) The amount of volunteers was meager as well. Each aid station had about 3 folks at it at any given time. There was no asking to help fill things, nobody really asking how anyone was doing, they would help if asked, but not really what I’m used to at a hundo. When there were extra volunteers over that 3, they were out dancing and trying to cheerlead, not help out. There wasn’t anyone asking to help folks with drop bags, or giving support, just cheering and drinking.
It all kind of put a sour taste in my mouth. I’m cool with fatass-style events, but it really makes it hard when you aren’t clear about that expectation when there are out of towners involved.
This race definitely needs more closely spaced aid stations if it’s going to be above average heat/humidity. As it stands, in 2019, the temperature soared into the high 80’s with significant humidity. Official aid stations were 7-11 miles apart during the heat of the day. This was inadequate, at least minimal water/ice only stops should be more frequent, especially since there is easy access to the trail.
Swag was great, but I wish some of it was spent on feeding and supporting us on the run better.
Great race - if you are crewed
1) Packet Pickup didn't start until 6pm the night before the race, not great for out of towners to get their packet and settle in for the evening. This resulted … MORE
1) Packet Pickup didn’t start until 6pm the night before the race, not great for out of towners to get their packet and settle in for the evening. This resulted in me missing the pre-race meeting at 7pm (the brewery was also VERY loud) and barely getting my shit together before the race.
2) They weren’t really communicative in what was offered at aid stations and where they were exactly. The RD kept on giving out aid station charts that had all crew access points and wasn’t clear what was an aid station and what was simply an access point (which I have issues with as it is, if it’s a fatass style event, please let me know if advance).
3) The offerings at the aid stations were meager. First time I’ve ever seen canned boiled potatoes, I didn’t want to touch those with a 10′ pole! There was Tailwind, water, pb&j, some candy, but that’s about it at most of the aid stations. Not even oreos, I was kinda surprised. I hoped it would get better as night was falling, but the only hot food at their main aid station when I went through at mile 50 (Damascus), was Ramen and veggie broth.
4) The amount of volunteers was meager as well. Each aid station had about 3 folks at it at any given time. There was no asking to help fill things, nobody really asking how anyone was doing, they would help if asked, but not really what I’m used to at a hundo. When there were extra volunteers over that 3, they were out dancing and trying to cheerlead, not help out. There wasn’t anyone asking to help folks with drop bags, or giving support, just cheering and drinking.
It all kind of put a sour taste in my mouth. I’m cool with fatass-style events, but it really makes it hard when you aren’t clear about that expectation when there are out of towners involved.
This race definitely needs more closely spaced aid stations if it’s going to be above average heat/humidity. As it stands, in 2019, the temperature soared into the high 80’s with significant humidity. Official aid stations were 7-11 miles apart during the heat of the day. This was inadequate, at least minimal water/ice only stops should be more frequent, especially since there is easy access to the trail.
Swag was great, but I wish some of it was spent on feeding and supporting us on the run better.
Good 1st 100
This is a great race for anyone wanting to tackle the 100 mile distance. I chose it because I did not want to cross any technical trail or river crossings … MORE
This is a great race for anyone wanting to tackle the 100 mile distance. I chose it because I did not want to cross any technical trail or river crossings . I wanted only to focus on the miles , not fight the elevation . I only wish I had tried harder to get a pacer . I ran so much of it alone and I don’t think I will ever go that far alone again . Maybe somehow the organizers can help match up runners with pacers ? That’s my only issue with the 100 , it got to be very very lonely.
Overall this race is great for beginners or if you want to run a PR !