I’m looking for a good 50K trail run to do in the Jan-Mar timeframe. “Good” here means unique, challenging, scenic, fun. I’m actually trying to introduce a friend to the ultra world, and I want to pick a memorable first race for her.
What are your recommendations?
check the finman thread… plenty of races to choose from there !
Not sure where you are, but the Way Too Cool 50k on March 10, 2010, in Cool, California (near Sacramento) is certainly unique, challenging, and scenic. Entry is by lottery from December 13-19. Did I mention challenging?
We’re in Florida, but the Way Too Cool race looks GREAT! Have you done it?
Mountain Mist 50k, AL January 22nd
Mount Cheaha50k, AL February 27th
Oak Mountain 50k, AL March 20th
Sweet Water 50k, GA April 3rd
These are all good 50k’s. Mountain Mist is my favorite but it might already be full.
Mtn. Mist is full (about 2 months ago). I misplaced my common sense and signed up for it.
LOL. I’ve done that before. I have a feeling I’m about to do that again…
We’re in Florida, but the Way Too Cool race looks GREAT! Have you done it?
Yeah, I’m not very smart. I’ve done it a handful of times. When I’ve done it, it’s been as a training run for the American River 50 miler, which is ironic since I think Cool is harder. Cool definitely has some ups and downs. Essentially, if you are by the river, look for the highest peak around and that’s where you go next. And if there is nothing higher around, look for the river. I think the course was designed by someone who hates runners. It is a great race. The first mile is paved(which is good… allows the crowd to space out), then all trail. Very pretty area. And a bit challenging.
So, is it challenging? 
I don’t know of any, but HI!
Hi Tigerchick! Wanna jump into it with me?
(you know you want to…)
There is a good series in SC, very low key but thoroughly enjoyable people. I believe ultrasontrails.com, but I don’t know if there is anything that early in the year.
Ultrarunning magazine’s website has a calendar separated by regions around the US, and is loaded with races. More than any other site I’ve found.
Here’s the link for the ultra running site: http://ultrarunning.com/
Also: http://www.run100s.com/sub100.htm
And as long as we are talking ultra running… does anyone have a suggestion for a 50-mile or 100k run in the same time frame (Jan-March)?
The race date for the 2010 Buffalo Run is March 27th. Mark it on your calendar. Registration is OPEN!
Here’s your chance to run where the buffalo roam and the deer and the antelope play (oh, give me a home etc.). Sing along! Antelope Island State Park is on the largest island (28,000 acres) in the Great Salt Lake. There are about 45 miles of trails there with 500 head of buffalo to dodge. Sometime they move, sometimes they don’t. Anyone in the Salt Lake area who’s run these trails enjoys them.
http://buffalorun.org/index.html
Trail race on Antelope Island, surrounded by the Great Salt Lake. 25K, 50K and 50 mile options. I haven’t done it, but I’m planning on it based on friends that love it and go year after year.
Mississippi 50 Trail Run will be on Saturday, March 6, 2010. Options of a 50 mile, a 50k, and a 20k. Limit is 200. There are about 185 entered so far.
A 50k is a good step through the door into the ultra world Bottomfeeder. Whatever race she does, as long as she’s having fun with it she’ll get as hooked as all of us who got hooked on triathlons.
A lot of informal 50k races are popping up everywhere. Just type in “Fat Ass” and your state and hopefully you’ll get a few. Fat Ass races are basically free, low frills races that anyone can do.
I wish her luck. 
Trail races are getting real popular in the Cleveland Ohio area. Link to area club site.
WHAT THE HELL? Bottomfeeder back from the depths of obscurity posting on ST again? What is the world coming to?
I’m tentatively planning the March 7th race here as my first 50K:
http://www.bigbaztrailraces.com
Just did a trail marathon that Baz put on a month ago and had a blast! Fly out here and do it!
The Fool’s Run at Croom http://www.fools50.com/index.html
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