I just signed up. Has anyone run it and have any tips for a successful 12-hour finish?
I’m not running this race. But, my experience with ultras has me placing a priority on run frequency (doubles help a lot), and a weekly long run (usually on the weekend). Consistency is key!
Done it several times, but I’ve hung up my ultra shoes. I’m presuming you’ve done other ultras, so no surprises there. Aid stations are the typical every 6-10 miles, and are well stocked with a variety of foods and drinks.
The years I did it, it seemed to be the first warm day (around 80 degrees, which feels hot after winter). Of course, it hailed one year.
First half of the course is pretty flat and on the paved bike path. A few little hills here and there, but nothing too exciting.
After Beals Point (~mile 28) it turns to trails. Much prettier run. Also hillier, but still not bad at all. The last three miles are a good uphill. The trail will bring you right to the waters edge when the river is in whitewater mode, and that’s where you turn and go uphill.
You can hear the finish announcer from about a mile out, so there’s some motivation.
If you get a chance to do one of the training runs (Beals Point to the end), it is well worth it (I think they call it a training run for WS100, but same thing). It’s a week or 2 before AR50.
Feel free to PM with other questions or comments. Enjoy!
Yup. Signed up and in about month 3 of the “serious” training. This will be my first attempt at an ultra. Looks like a good one!
I’d love to hear about the training program you’re following. I’m following one I found in runner’s world from a few years back. http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244--7556-0,00.html
Good luck, grt!! It’s supposed to be great weather on Saturday. What is your target finishing time? I’m looking to go under 12 hours. Nice and slow. The winner will most likely finish in less than half that time.