Seneca Creek Greenway Trail Marathon - March 8, 2025

 Another Event

Two weeks after our Copper Corridor 50K, Emaad and I find ourselves once again looking to do an ultra.  It is the familiar MCRRC Seneca Creek Greenway Trail 50K/Marathon, at which one decides which distance to complete a quarter mile from the marathon finish. Either go the quarter mile and call it a day, or run an extra four miles around Clopper Lake for the 50K.  And the inside joke is that neither are the advertised distances: the marathon is closer to 29 miles and the 50K more like 55K. New runners often discover that when they are on the course, not having read closely enough the race description that the "distances are at least" their advertised length.

Don, me and Emaad at the start

 

 

We wait until a couple of days before the race to assure that the weather will be pacific before signing up, as early March can present anything from pleasant days to wind, rain, ice, snow, mud and high water crossings.  See some of my earlier SGCT reports (2023, 2015, 2014, for example), for proof. But this year there is little rain leading up to a race day that promises to be pleasant.

At the start we greet Don, Caroline, Michele and other runner friends and at 7:30 a.m. the approximately 250 entrants start off.  Since the registration fee is the same and the actual distance run is determined late in the day, it is a mass start.

Near mile 2.

A Statistical Interlude

Don, who is fascinated with data, each year analyzes the registrations against the finishes.  This year there were 235 50K and 76 marathon registrations (76 percent 50K). The results had 157 50K finishers and 88 marathon finishers (64 percent 50K).  How many of the 66 unaccounted for registrants did not start or did not finish is unknown, at least to Don and me.  In any case, more people did the shorter distance than said they would.  And far fewer persons completed the 50K than signed up for it.

To Go Short?

I start out with Don and Emaad but the after less than three miles the pace becomes too much for me and I gradually fall behind.  I'm not sure I am fully recovered from Copper Corridor and start thinking that maybe I'll turn around at Black Rock Mill or the Route 28 aid station and call it a short day.

Selfie with Seneca Creek behind

But then Emaad backtracks and says he plans to stay with me and that quitting is not an option.  My weak body is overwhelmed by my weaker mind and I agree with his plan. We go on at a not particularly fast pace. Michele and Stephanie pass us near the power lines at 3.5 miles. Another mile further along Seneca Creek we stop to take pictures. We refuel at the Route 28 aid station (mile 8) and lament that Don is no longer the captain there, as his annual food themes (Peeps, tofu, Pringles, etc.) and witty signs were legendary. 

Route 28 Aid Station

New Friend

Stephanie crossing
Dry Seneca Creek

Going south on the Seneca Bluffs Trail we catch up with Anna. ("Anna, like banana," she introduces herself.) She is running her first ultra and we brief her on what to expect on the rest of the course. Our pace is only slightly faster than hers and she often catches up with us.  We cross the low (but never) Dry Seneca Creek easily enough on the stones set in the creek without getting our feet wet.  Down to River Road (mile 14.5) we cross over to the east side and head north on the Seneca Greenway Trail. 

Just before the Berryville Road aid station (mile 16) we cross the Hookers Branch, a small feeder stream, again without wetting our feet.  Fueling up with some of the last slices of bacon we head north.  Anna comes in to the AS just as we depart. "Have some bacon," I advise.

I find a feather from large bird and try to stick it in my cap, while Emaad warns of avian flu and other diseases from handling it.  He refuses my request for aid in securing the prize to and hat, and it soon floats away.

Back at the Route 28 aid station (mile 20) we refuel and press on.  We both comment on how climate change has affected the next stretch which used to consist of pine trees with a corresponding trail covering of soft pine needles.  Now many of the pines are dying, and the trail has been rerouted higher away from the creek.

Emaad crossing Hookers Branch

Missing Mishap

At Black Rock Mill (mile 22), I take advantage of the Portapotty before getting on the Seneca Ridge Trail for what always seems like the longest part of the SCGT race.

After about half a mile I search for my phone and can't find it. I pat myself down with no luck.  I tell Emaad to go on as I need to go back and see if I dropped it in the Portapotty.  After a quarter mile I recheck myself and find it in my waistbelt, which had worked its way under my shorts waistband.  I text Emaad about my find and he says he'll walk to give me a chance to catch up.  I run as much as I can and after about a mile catch him as he looks back, sees me on my way, and stops to wait for me.

We exchange greetings with other runners, most of whom are passing us.

Return of the Amigos

We come upon the Shrine of the Mariachis of the Trail, three deer skulls wearing colorful sombreros.  At one time there were five, but vandals had removed them. It will be harder to desecrate the shine now, as the skulls are securely screwed down to their log perch.

The Shrine of the Mariachis of the Trail

Finally we reach Riffle Ford Road, turn left and get to the aid station (mile 28.5), and thank the volunteers, I grab a cookie and on we go with the finish line for the marathon about a mile ahead.

Providing Aid

In a quarter mile I come upon a runner limping in obvious distress.  I inquire how he is, and he replies that his knee is hurting, as he had reinjured it earlier in the day from an injury a few weeks earlier.  I offer him couple of ibuprofen with the advice that it will take 20 minutes before he gets any relief from them. He notes that he has to drive back to DC so they will at least help him on the way home.

We reach the decision point for the the 50K but there really isn't any decision to be made: we are there well past the cutoff time and we weren't going to do the 50K anyway.

We go up the hill to the finish, announce that we did the marathon and not the 50K, collect our finisher's medal and get a bite to eat before walking back to the car for the drive home.

Results

I finish in a languid 8:13:47, with Emaad 29 seconds ahead.  My device claims the distance as 29.9 miles, which includes about a half mile backtracking for my (not) lost phone. Surprisingly, my time is good enough for first of three in my age group.  I'm second oldest (and 73rd overall) of the 88 marathon finishers.

Anna Banana finishes her first ultra marathon in 8:33. Michele and Stephanie finish in 7:49. Don finishes the 50K in 8:35, a minute behind Caroline.

Swag: Bib, Wooden medal

Copper Corridor 50K - February 22, 2025

Emaad and I at the start.

Distances

"The distance is what the race director says it is," is a slogan I often state when it comes to ultra races.  The reasons are simple: laying out a course on trails means it can only be where the trails are, and unlike road races where it is relatively simple to add or subtract mileage, it is usually difficult to do that when trails are involved.  In addition, measuring distances on trails can be difficult due to changes in elevation, switchbacks, tree cover and the like. No one is taking a measuring wheel on a trail.

And so, the Copper Corridor 50K is reported to be about 30.1 miles, rather than the 31.1 miles that would be the equivalent of 50K. But no one is going to call it a 48K race either, although that would be a more accurate (48.4 kilometers would be even more accurate, but let's not get obsessive).

Anyway, I've run 50Ks that have ranged from 29 miles to 33 or 34 miles.  It is was the race director says it it is.

And that will make a difference at the end.

Overview

Early on; Picketpost Mountain looms ahead.

The race mostly circles Picketpost Mountain, a singular mountain rising to about 4375 feet, or about 2000 feet above the surrounding area. It starts on Main Street in Superior, AZ, then runs roughly seven miles on the north side of Picketpost Mountain to the Arizona Trail (AZT), where it turns north for almost 2 miles, then south on the AZT for nine miles, almost entirely uphill on the west of the mountain.  By then most of the 3000 feet of climbing is over, with maybe only another 200-300 feet remaining. There, well south of Picketpost Mountain, the course turns north on the east side of the mountain on rough, unpaved and rocky North Telegraph Canyon Road, a stretch favored by ATV and other off-road vehicles. Five miles north on the road takes us to Arnett Canyon Trail, a smooth, flat, mostly shaded single track along Arnett Creek.  The remaining six miles is mostly on unpaved and paved roads, along with smooth trails on the outskirts of Superior and back to the Main Street start/finish.

In the morning.

Vignettes

Rather than the usual step-by-step report, here are some snapshots from the trail.

Don't Let the Cows Out

A fair amount of the early going involves running through grazing land.  There are numerous fences and gates with signs about closing the gates.  But most runners seem to be leaving the gates open, on the idea that the next runner is not far behind. From running Finger Lakes 50s, I, on the other hand, am obsessed with closing the gates.  There, runners are instructed to close the gates unless the following runner is within an arm's length of the gate. So that's what I do.  There are no cows in sight, and Emaad accuses me of being OCD, a label I accept.

Cactus Encounter

Running along I reach out to the left for some reason.  It isn't a good move, for without looking I grasp at a small saguaro cactus.  As soon as I contact the spines my hand recoils but it is a bit late, as I have managed to prick two fingers with three of the sharp needles.  Two barely break the skin, but the third is deeper and a trickle of blood results.  At least it wasn't a cholla cactus, I think to myself.

Long-horn cattle.

Javelina Hunter

Headed south on the AZT portion of the course, we approach a man in camouflage, carrying a long gun across his waist.  We stop to chat with him and he tells us that he is out to hunt javelinas, the  pig-like peccaries common in central Arizona.  He says he usually shoots from 300-400 yards, but with runners on the trail, he won't take any chances and isn't hunting.  This is the second time he has come across a race when he has gone out to hunt, but seems to be taking it with equanimity.

Cattle

Just before leaving the AZT to get on N. Telegraph Canyon Road, I spot something standing on the trail ahead.  It is large, reddish brown and has a massive pair of horns. Looking right, there are several more cattle slightly up a slope looking at us.  The one on the path ambles away toward the herd and we quickly go by.  A little while later we spot another one lying down in a dry wash. 

Orange Off-road Vehicle

On the AZT.

We hear it before we see it.  Coming up from behind us is a large, orange off-road vehicle, with a couple sitting side-by-side on-board, wearing helmets with microphones. We move to one side, they pass slowly on the other side, and everyone exchanges waves.  Once past us, they take off, leaving us to consider whether we chose the right mode of travel.  

Cramps

Someplace around mile 20 or 21 my right thigh starts to develop cramps. I recall - with regret - that I had been meaning to take salt tablets. I've been drinking exclusively liquids with electrolytes, but it is not enough.

Later in the day. Long sleeve shirt off.

And then I start to feel woozy and tired.  I sit down while I take a salt tablet and eat a gel, sipping my electrolyte liquid.  Slowly I feel better, but the key now is to slow down time.  I decide that I need to sit for five minutes.  Emaad hangs with me, but we are closing in on the cut-off for the Telegraph Hill aid station at mile 21.8 and I tell him to go ahead so that he can make it.

After three minutes I'm feeling close to normal, but I'm determined to take the entire five minutes, even if it might cost me the cut-off.

At five minutes I feel OK, get up and head out.  I've caught up with Mike. We head to the aid station and don't care about the cutoff.

Southbound on the AZT.

Aid Stations and Cutoffs

The aid station should be just ahead, at mile 21.8.  It's less than a mile.

But it is not. Mile 21.8 comes and goes. So does mile 22. Finally we come to it at mile 22.6, well past where the course directions indicated it would be. And we are there at 6:35 into the race, five minutes past the cutoff.

But we are not cut-off. Emaad had gotten there in time and asked the aid station volunteers about the cut-off and they knew nothing about it.  After calling race headquarters they are told not to worry about it.  So we are free to go on.  As to dropping out there, they helpfully suggest that it would be better to go another five miles to the next aid station.

We wave Emaad onward to assure that he can make the final 9 hour finishing cut-off.  Mike and I take our time, eating, refilling our hydration packs and deciding that we will stick together and not worry about the final cutoff.

Final Cutoff

Mike and I set off walking. No pressure, no hurry.

We turn onto the Arnett Canyon Trail along Arnett Creek.  A couple of Arizona Rangers are there asking if we have seen a 32K runner who is missing.  Unlikely that we would have seen him, as where we came from was not on that course, but there is no accounting for getting lost.

The trail is shaded, smooth, and flat and I ask Mile if you wants to run.  He replies in the affirmative and we set out mixing running with walking.

We are making good time and I start to do arithmetic of the pace we need to finish in time.  It's doable and the running is easy.

The course is well marked and we partly retrace about two miles of the beginning of the outbound course.  Then we turn off onto the wide, but unpaved Apache Tear Road.  It is gentle downhill and I'm a bit ahead of Mike.

I spot Kate ahead. She injured her ankle a couple of weeks ago but is still out here, mostly walking. I catch up and walk with her.  I look back and can't see Mike.  Kate is grateful for the company but as we turn onto a trail around mile 27.3 I tell her I'm going on and take off.

The trail leads to Arnett Drive where a pair of sheriff deputies stand by their car.  I tell them that there are two runners not far behind me as I turn left to pass the Superior Public School complex.  I'm momentarily confused looking for the aid station, but it is across the street by a skate park pavilion.

Picketpost Mtn. from the southeast.

I only take time to get some liquid and cookies to eat on my way, as there are only two miles to the finish . I have about 38 minutes to go two miles. Nineteen minutes a mile on pavement and smooth, mostly level trail is walkable. I run some but mostly walk. Once I turn onto W. Main Street with less than a mile to go, I know I can walk it in, so I walk.  Only when I'm within 20 yards of the finish do I run, and I finish in 8:53:41.

The Distance is What the Race Director Says it is

Had the Copper Corridor 50K been 31.1 miles it is unlikely that I could have done the additional mile and finished under nine hours. I had 6:19 to spare, plus whatever additional time I could have picked up from the Telegraph Hill AS over the last 8.5 miles.  And it might not have been much, as I averaged 15-17 minute miles over the last four miles. Could I have shaved a minute or two off those miles, spent a few fewer minutes at the Telegraph Hill AS and started to run sooner after leaving there? Perhaps, but it would have been a near thing.

But the distance is what the race director says it is, and on this day, that worked in my favor.

Finals

Mike finishes in 8:56:25. He is the last official finisher, as Kate finishes but over the 9 hour cutoff. Emaad was there at the finish, waiting for me, crossing the line in 8:39:37.

In the six years of the race's existence, I am only the second runner 70+ or older to finish it and I tie for oldest at 74.

Swag: Shirt, glass, sticker, bib.

Boulder Field 50K - September 14, 2024

 Never Heard That Before

"Is she the b___h with the big v____a?" comes the voice over the speakerphone on the trail.

Trail runners are an earthy bunch, and discussions of bodily functions ("what color was your urine?," "the vomit was mostly yellow liquid") are fairly common.  As are descriptions of body parts, but usually in the context of injuries, like cuts from falls, blisters, and encounters with poison ivy or cacti. But this is a first.

"You know, everyone out here on the trail can hear what you are saying. And yes, she's like that because she is in heat," comes the response.

The exchange relates to two dogs and identifying which one is to be picked up from the substitute dog sitter.  With the proper dog identified, the conversation concludes and the runners within earshot - and there were several - go back to the business at hand.

She's Baaack!

Emaad and I had planned to run Boulder Field 50K, partly as a training run for his Javelina Jundred 100M attempt at the end of October.  We did it in 2021, so we know the course and what to expect.

While we wait for a favorable weather forecast before signing up, I'm contacted by Jennifer, whom I've run a number of ultras with in the past.  But she has been sidelined, first with heart issues that affected her at the 2014 Black Hills 100K, then with chronic and seemingly incurable plantar fasciitis. It has been seven years since she ran an ultra - specifically Ran It with Janet 50K in 2017.  But she never gave up (one of her defining characteristics; see the 2014 Black Hills report and the 2014 Seneca Creek 50K report (running a 50K with a concussion and a broken tailbone, acquired BEFORE the race, not during)). But a surgical procedure corrected the heart issue and she persevered in finding a solution to the foot problem. Running the Maryland Heat Race 25K on August 17 convinces her she is ready for an ultra and we invite her to join us.

First and second AS

She says she isn't going to be fast and I'm glad to hear that; as neither am I.  Emaad's training is going to require him to put out a good effort, but I'm not going to be hurrying. My target is to finish under ten hours, well under the 14 hour cutoff.

First Loop

The course is a figure eight, with the start in the center.  The first loop is 13 miles and is itself a figure eight, with an aid station, visited twice in the center at miles 5 and 10.

I know that the first loop is hilly with some steep climbs, and so I take my trekking poles along. The plan is to discard them at the drop bags at the return to the start-finish for the second loop, which is longer but not as steep.

Race director Stephan counts down to the 7 a.m. start and we are off. Not exactly. Emaad and the other runners are off, but Jennifer has gotten delayed in the porta-potty lines due to the 18-mile runners who will start at 7:30 and are now arriving at the part.  I see her coming and wait as she puts her gear and trekking poles at the drop bag area.  Off we start, pretty much a bit behind everyone else.  But we quickly catch people in even less of a hurry than us.

Jennifer at waterfall.

Someone spots my Bull Run Run shirt and give a shout-out.  Soon we are going along with Bob, a 77YO VHTRC runner. We all exchange Bull Run Run stories, as Jennifer is a two-time finisher (it was where I first met her in 2011), I'm a seven-time finisher, and Bob is a 10-time finisher.  It turns out that we all share the same educational background as well. Bob raises goats on his 60-acre farm in Maryland, and Jennifer's mother is boarding goats at the family farm in South Dakota, so the two of them have a long conversation about goat behavior and farm equipment maintenance.  I concentrate of placing my poles in a way that benefits my forward progress, as I have nothing to contribute to either topic. 

Bob goes on as Jennifer and I stop to take pictures. As we go on we get passed by several fast runners who explain they had gotten lost and ran some extra miles. We, too, had gotten briefly off course earlier, but only for several yards, rather than miles.  It isn't a trail run unless you get lost or fall down.

After our second visit to the well stocked aid station (bacon! grilled cheese! fried potatoes! candy! cookies! more!) (mile 10; 3:03 ET) we get to the Shades of Death Trail that runs next to Sandy Spring Run.  I take out a gel and while I'm eating it and watching my footing, I clock my forehead on a low-hanging branch and wind up sitting on the ground. I'm OK, but take the opportunity to just sit on the ground, which leads to runners just behind us asking if I'm alright.  Assured that I am, they go on.

(Photo by E. Burki)

We shortly reach the waterfall formed by the old CCC dam.  It's a photo op, and I direct Jennifer to stand in the sunshine so her hair can glow golden. 

Another women comes along and we use her phone to document her visit to the waterfall.

Second Loop

Back at the start-finish I change me shirt and leave my trekking poles and drink some Coke at the aid station. (mile 13; 4:06 ET).

Off we go onto the second loop. I text Emaad to let him know we have left the start/ finish.  Forty minutes later (times may be inaccurate due to cell issues) he responds that he has crossed the boulder field.  

The first few miles follow the Gamewire Trail, gently but unmistakably uphill.  Jennifer and I walk much of it. Finally there is a runnable stretch and I promptly trip and fall.  "Hope I didn't land in poison ivy," I say.  "No," Jennifer replies, "it's vinca." Other than a few scratches I'm uninjured.

Complex carbohydrate hydration.

We resume running, catch up with another pair of runners and soon pass under I-476 and get on the Stage Coach Trail, which follows part of the old stage coach road from Albrightsville to White Haven.

In less than a half mile we arrive at the next aid station (mile 17, 5:10 ET). Eyeing the usual soda, water and sports drinks, I know, from my 2021 experience, what question to ask: "Do you have any other refreshments?" "Like this?" comes the reply. An affirmative response and I'm soon sitting in a chair enjoying the cool beverage. I inquire about a medical kit, and get to clean up the small scrapes that I acquired from my slight fall.  Fears of necrotizing fasciitis eliminated, I finish my hydrating beverage, and we are off again.

The stage road is wide, shaded and gently downhill and Jennifer and I take advantage of the terrain and run.

In a little more than a mile we come to the Boulder Field Trail and turn left onto it.  The trail is rocky and rooty, and we are once again reduced to a walk.  

In about two miles with reach the boulder field.

It is a remarkable 16.5 acre geologic feature (click on the link above for more on its geology). We have to cross about 100 yards from one side of the field to the other, carefully hopping from rock to rock.

Boulder Field two miles ahead.

There is an aid station (mile 20; 6:22 ET) on the other side, and while on sit on the tailgate of an SUV of one of the volunteers munching cookies and drinking soda, Jennifer reads the informative signs about the boulder field.

Based on our time crossing the field, we are about an hour and a half behind Emaad.

On to the aptly named Stone Trail and then the even rockier Boundary Trail and we largely continue walking.

In about three miles we get on Fourth Run Trail and running again becomes possible, so we do. But only for spurts as Jennifer is scanning the ground for acorns.  She explains that she is gathering acorns to start oak trees to plant on the family farm.  I volunteer to help and am instructed to look for green acorns that show no signs of having holes that are signs of acorn borers.  Further instruction is that the acorns should be put in water, and any that float discarded, and the remaining ones placed in the refrigerator in a sealed bag.

Fourth Run trail is aptly named.  We cross it once soon after getting on the trail, then twice more as we go through a tunnel under I-476, and then a final time further on.  The weather is pleasant enough, my Altra trail shoes drain well, and I make no effort to try to find dry ways across the run.

We reach the final aid station (mile 25.6; 7:59 ET), get our usual snacks and drinks of soda, refill the hydration pack and head off for the finish.

Much of the next couple of miles is runnable, so that is what we do.  Hilly or rocky sections get walked. another section of the Stage Coach Trail provides a smooth running surface, and at mile 30 we turn right onto the paved and appropriately named Return Road. It is downhill and we run at the fastest pace we have all day. A left turn takes us into the parking area toward the finish and we cross the line in 9:30:13.  Emaad is there to see us finish, having finished himself in 7:39.

Jennifer and I at the finish.
(Photo by E. Burki)

Results

Jennifer is awarded a trophy for fifth place in her age group. I receive a trophy for third in the 60-69 age group. There are several things wrong with this.  First, that isn't my age group. Second, there were no entrants in the race in that age group.  Bob, who we had run with early in the day was second in 9:07. A sprightly 72-YO won the age group in a fast 6:49. those young guys are hard to beat.  When I get home, I use gold paint and a black marker to change the AG on the trophy from 60-69 to 60+.

Overall, I'm 133 of 144; 96 of 100 male; and 3 of 3 in the 70+ age group.

My Garmin tells the story of our effort: 31.06 miles in 9:30:09 at an average pace of 18:22. According to the Garmin, we ran for 2:40, walked for 5:46 and were idle for 1:03 and had 3270 feet of total climb. We certainly took our time at the aid stations, and perhaps picture taking and acorn gathering added to the idle time.  But we executed the plan, which was to get to the finish.

On the way home we stop at Dairy Queen for some welcome treats.

Swag: sweatshirt, hat, bib, Wetterhaus,
AG trophy (altered).

Cotswold Way 100k - June 22, 2024

 Planning

Emaad and I take a surprisingly relaxed approach to the run-up to the Ultra Challenge Cotswold Way 100K. Sure, we are flying 3600 miles to run in an area we have never seen before, and our families are coming along on the trip (but certainly not to cheer us on) to England, and we are staying about an hour from the start which will entail driving on the 'wrong' side of the road to get there, but we are experienced enough ultra and trail runners to feel confident that we can comfortably finish under the 34 hour cut-off.  We ran a 60K in February, a 50K in May and I ran a trail marathon, also in May. So we are appropriately trained. Since we are doing the 'continuous' challenge (there is a two-day challenge, with an overnight stop between the two halves) we figure we should be done in 18-20 hours.

Only two things are of some concern: the weather (it's England, after all), with week-out forecasts calling for a 30 percent or so chance of showers, and the climbing.  According to the website, there is about 7200 feet of climb, most of it in the first half.  That seems like a lot, but it is rolling hills and we did Rim to River in the Grand Canyon last year, and that was 4800 feet of descent followed by 4500 feet of ascent.  Poles were necessary, but there was nothing "rolling" about the Grand Canyon - it was always down followed by relentless up.  I decide that poles will not be necessary.

Ready to start.

Starting

An uneventful drive takes us to the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester for the start of the race. Everything is well organized and we are directed to the parking near to the starting area. We get our bibs, route card and lanyards with our QR codes, hand in our drop bags for delivery to the midway rest stop and stroll to the start corral where our codes are scanned. There is a short briefing where we are told, amongst other things that some District Councils along the way have prohibited the race organizers from removing hazards along the way ("Watch your heads") or trimming overgrowth along the paths.  An enthusiastic trainer leads some stretching (I don't take part, wanting to conserve energy) and at 8 a.m., we are off.

The temperature is a bit cool and I am wearing arm sleeves, but they come off in a couple of miles.  The weather turns out near perfect, without a drop of rain and if anything, temperatures a bit on the warm side, with highs in the upper 70s.

We are shortly on a single track path with tall grass and bushes on either side.  It soon opens up onto the edge of a field and in a bit we pass some buildings between which is a pack of 20 or more young beagles with a couple of people.  Perfect for fox hunting, except fox hunting is banned in England.

Along the Thames
and Severn Canal.

We run - and walk - with people signed up for a variety of the events - full continuous 100K walkers and joggers (that's us, the full continuous runners apparently have started at 7 a.m.), two-day 100K, first half 50K. There is no apparent system to determine who started at which time.

Emaad and I go along in the company of a young couple and a pair of other challengers.  On the path alongside remnants of the Thames and Severn Canal I stop to take a picture of a tower. Running to catch up with the rest, the woman is on the ground, dripping blood from her forehead. Her hands are also a bit bloody. She cannot see the source of the blood from the wound and is disturbed by it as her companion tries to comfort her.  The others have also turned around to render assistance.  Fortunately her companion has a first aid kit with him and as it appears that she is in good hands and not seriously hurt, so the rest of us go on.

We shortly come to the Coates Portal of the canal tunnel, opened in 1789 and originally 2.2 miles in length.  Up and over the tunnel we go, and back on the path we see a Great Western Railway train zoom past.

St. Kenelm's Church, Sapperton.

Eating

In a bit we pass through Sapperton and arrive at the first aid station at the Edgeworth Polo Club (KM 12, 1:58 elapsed time).  As ultra runners we are used to good food at aid stations, but this is a step above.  There are a variety of pastries to choose from: pain au chocolat, raisin buns and other selections.

Rest Stop 1, Edgeworth Polo Club.

We enjoy breakfast without rushing and keep going. Since this is a challenge, and not a race, the mind-set of the entrants is different. Generous cut-offs means there is no pressure to get through the aid stations quickly and efficiently unlike last year's Rosaryville 50K.  We run and walk as appropriate for the course.  Hills are not hills, they are "walk opportunities."

We pass horses . . .

. . . cows . . .

The scenery and the course is varied.  We pass through fields with cattle, horses or sheep.  There are farm fields, some of which we go along the edge of, and in one case, diagonally across the rows of crops. We pass through the center of some villages and skirt along the edges of others, including some well tended gardens. Sometimes the path is along a sidewalk, or a wide field, or a dirt road, or a double track, and sometimes single track, not infrequently very narrow with tall grass rubbing against your legs.

. . . sheep . . .

. . . and more cows.

Lunch.

At Rest Stop 2, Painswick RFC (KM 23, 4:09 elapsed time) we stop for lunch. There is a selection of sandwiches - I take ham and cheese, Emaad selects egg and cress - crisps, cookies and soda.  We take our time eating at a table under a tent. We here the announcer greeting the finishers of the first quarter challenge.  Done eating, we top up our hydration packs and heard out again.

Happenings

I recall the following from the challenge, but the order in which they happened, and where they occurred is lost in the mists of time - or the fog of my memory.

A long line of competitors is going down a moderately steep, overgrown single track trail.  I start to loose my balance and slowly fall to my left into some brambles. I wind up propped up on them and someone reaches out a hand to help pull me up and out.  Not too badly scratched up, I spend the next few minutes picking small thorns out of my shirt.

Roses, clematis and more.

The course is particularly rolling, and unlike in the United States, where switchbacks are common for steeper sections, the paths tend to go straight up and down.  At one such downhill I joke that it is steep enough that it could be used for the Gloucester Cheese Rolling.

At another place we turn right off a country road and head toward a hill. Amy, one of the participants, has been on this path before, and warns that not only will be be going straight up, but that it will be steep enough that we may need hands as well as feet.  The path proves her right.

Passing through one small village we have to cross a two-lane road.  Emaad is ahead and looks left for oncoming traffic.  Perfectly rational - but not in the UK, where the traffic is coming from the right.  He dodges that one, only to now look to his right, when he should now be looking left. Despite this second error, he manages to arrive safely on the other side.

Moss-covered stone wall.

In addition to the green fields of the Cotswolds, the flowers and gardens are quite attractive. Someone has a row of alternating red and green maple trees, and building walls are often decorated with flowering plants.

Rest Stop 3 

Approaching Rest Stop 3 at Coaley Peak (KM 38, 7:35 elapsed time), we spy a mound. Initially I think it is a motte, but as we get closer we see a sign identifying it as the Nympsfield Long Barrow. The aid station is just a few hundred yards further along, and we stop to use the facilities, refill our hydration and get a snack.  In addition to the usual, the aid station has the equivalent of a small candy store, with about a dozen Lucite bins, each with a different kind of gummy candy within.  There are small paper bags one can use for the candy, or for popcorn which is also available. The aid station is situated on the edge of an escarpment offering views to the west.

Tyndale Monument

Tyndale Monument.

The course goes to and past two towers erected in the 19th century.

The first is the William Tyndale Monument, erected in 1866 in memory of the first man to translate and print the Bible into English.  He was rewarded for his efforts by being strangled and burned at the stake in Brussels in 1536. We pass by it about KM 51 and I relate the story to one of our fellow challengers.

This is just a couple of kilometers before we arrive at the next rest stop.

Rest Stop 4
Wotton Community PARC marks the halfway point (KM 53, 12:02 elapsed time). Given that it has taken about 12 hours to go just over half the course, it is clear that our 18-20 hour target is no longer realistic.  But this is a challenge not a race, so we are not rushing.  We sit down to a meal of spaghetti with bolognaise sauce, a roll and a soda.

Somewhere on
the Cotswold Way.

We retrieve our drop bags but I don't see a need for changing socks or shirt and just take a couple of extra gels in case I need them between aid stations. I also get the extra batteries and lights for use when the sun has set.

This also marks the point where participants doing the first half challenge, the two-day 100k challenge and the second quarter challenge are done for the day.  Only left are those of use in the 100K continuous.  From now on, there will be fewer persons to chat with along the course.

The Fleece Inn

Emaad has plans to stop a pub during our run, and has noted a couple on his pace card.  But as we pass thru the village of Hillesley (about KM 61), the patrons outside The Fleece Inn encourage us to drop in. We have been going for 13 hours (it is about 9 p.m. but still light), so it isn't a hard decision.  They recommend a local ale and Emaad and I each order a half pint (we still have a way to go). We encourage other participants passing by to stop in, but none do. Although many of the patrons may consider us peculiar for a number of reasons - Americans coming to England to trek 100K - one is a long-distance cyclist and we trade stories of ultra events, either on foot or by wheel.

Emaad finishes his beer and I finish half of mine and it it time to continue.  

Somerset Monument.

Somerset Monument

About KM 65 (by my GPS, by the course markings it may have been KM 59 or so) we come to the monument to Lord Robert Edward Somerset, built in 1846. He was a British officer, eventually attaining the rank of general, who fought in the Napoleonic Wars and served as a Member of Parliament. 

The path there has great views of the River Severn and the Severn and Prince of Wales Bridges crossing from England to Wales.

As we go on night begins to fall. Sunset is 9:30 p.m., which means civil twilight lasts until close to 10 p.m.

There was a street
named "The Street."

Rest Stop 5

We arrive at the Hawkesbury Village Hall rest stop (KM 62.5, elapsed time 14:14). There are a couple of participants sitting down, but we refill our liquids, use the porta-loo, get a snack or two, and go on. It's 15.5 KM to the next rest stop. I plug my phone into the compact battery charger I brought along as the phone is almost fully discharged.

Although night has fallen, the course is well marked with glo-sticks, which are particularly helpful where it crosses open fields.

Earlier in the day Emaad had pointed out that I was leaning to the left.  This had happened to me once before, at the 2017 Edinburgh Marathon.  I wasn't aware of it then and I'm not aware of it now.  But I try to correct by consciously leaning to the right to straighten up.

For the first three or four miles out of the rest stop I'm fine. But my back begins to hurt, and I'm feeling tired. Not only am I running less and walking more, but I'm walking more slowly.

Amy passes us around mile 46. She is using poles and I think that if I can use them for a bit, to the next rest stop I'll get enough relief.  I ask her if I can borrow them but neglect to say only to the next aid station.  She declines, noting they are expensive Leki poles.  I understand, as the poles I had decided not to bring are also Lekis.  She goes on, then stops, turns around and offers me one.  I thank her and take it, figuring I'll catch up to her at Rest Stop 6 and return it.

My stamina continues to erode, as does my pace. Mile 45 is 24 minutes; mile 46 is 26:36, mile 47 is over 31 minutes. As we enter the village of Leighterton, I have to stop and sit on a low wall. We get thru the village and on the other side transit a field and climb over a stone stile.  I get halfway over and call for a two or three minute rest. Mile 49 takes almost 34 minutes.

The path on the other side of the stile is narrow, overgrown with tall grass and between a low stone wall and a wire fence. It is hard enough to move along, but the grass grabbing at my ankles is further torment.  Once, maybe twice, I tell Emaad I have to rest, and sit down in the grass for more breaks.  Some more participants come along, inquire of my situation, and assured that I'm not injured and have someone with me, move on.

It seems interminable, but we eventually exit onto a grassy field with a slight downhill.  I muster some strength and run - or at least fool myself into believing I'm running. The pace continues to deteriorate. Mile 50, including the horridly overgrown stretch, takes 42 minutes.

No question now that I won't be going on once I reach the rest stop. I tell Emaad that he can go on if he wishes, but he declines, gallantly claiming that he has achieved his time-on-feet goal.

A course marshal meets us about a half mile from the rest stop. The participants who had passed us reported that there was a runner in distress (me) behind and she was coming out to see if assistance was needed.  I appreciate the help and twice more stop to rest, once sitting on the ground on her generously provided poncho and a second time on a stone wall near the path. 

Rest Stop 6

Arriving at the Beaufort Polo Club rest stop, (KM 78, 19:31 elapsed time) I report to the medical tent.   

Rather than telling me that I will not be allowed to go on, the technician asks some questions about how I feel.  I answer and tell him that I'm done. There will be no need for a awkward conversation.

The rest stop captain delivers a surprising bit of good news.  We will not be a 100K DNF (even if that is what we are). Instead she informs us that since there is a 3/4 challenge event, and we have completed the 3/4 distance, she will report us to headquarters as 3/4 challenge finishers.

Not surprisingly, Amy is nowhere in sight and I'm concerned about getting her pole back to her. The helpful rest stop captain assures that they will get it to the finish for her to retrieve there.

 

To the Finish

There is a small bus to take us back to the start/finish that is ready to leave.  I'm handed a paper plate with several pieces of pizza. Another couple is already on the bus. The rest stop captain hands Amy's pole to the bus driver and off we go, stopping somewhere on the course to pick up another runner who could not continue.

At the finish we are given our finisher's medal and shirt.

It's already light when we arrive as sunrise is 4:49 a.m.

We get in the car and I drive us back to Oxford, only nicking curbs on the lefthand side of the road a couple of time.

Epilogue

Deciding not to bring poles was, I believe, a major contributing factor to failing to complete the 100k.  Not only do they provide stability, but they also shift exertion from the legs to the upper body and likely would have prevented my listing. We had done about 6580 feet of climb and about a corresponding amount of descent. Maybe 30 to 40 percent of the participants used poles.

After the event I contacted Ultra Challenge to see if Amy retrieved her trekking pole. There was no pole in the lost and found afterward, so perhaps she got it.  Looking at the results I identified a possible Amy and a probable Amy and reached out to them on the Ultra Challenge Club Facebook group and messaged them on FB Messenger but have not received any responses. 

If you are the Amy please contact me.  I want to express my appreciation for your unselfishness toward a stranger in distress.  

Swag: bib, QR code and lanyard, route card, buff,  3/4 challenge finishers' medal,
finisher's shirt with May [sic] 2024 date

Dirty German 50K - May 11, 2024

 Weather or Not

Emaad and I wait until Tuesday before the race before signing up for the Dirty German 50K. The forecasts for Saturday are uncertain and changing from day-to-day and neither of us want to run in a steady rain.  The forecasts gradually reduce the probability of precipitation to showers later in the day and we decide to go. Forecasted showers in the days preceding the race suggest there may be mud, but that is of little concern.

Waiting for the start. Neither the buff nor
the shirt made it to the start line.

We drive to Philadelphia Friday, stopping in Media to visit some of Emaad's college friends, and arrive at out hotel, which is about 10 minutes from where the race will start in Pennypack Park. Pasta dinner at an Olive Garden across the street from the hotel is followed by a visit to a grocery store around the corner to get some items for breakfast (and TastyKakes to bring home) round out our evening.

Uber Hans entertains at the start.
He showed up on the course later.

At the Start

A quick ten minute drive gets us to Pennypack Park and a parking spot on the street a three minute walk to the start.  We get our bibs and shirts and claim some space on the lawn by the start-finish line. I dressed on the prediction that the morning would be cool. but as we wait for the 50-mile runners to start it is clear that the day won't be chilly.  I change from a long sleeve shirt to a short sleeve one and remove my buff.

We watch the 50-mile runners off at 0730 and at 0800 we are off.  The flat beginning narrows down, and we mostly walk single or double file.  As the field spreads out I try to keep up with Emaad, but he is a man on a mission and takes off.  I had forgotten that he said he was going to try to run quickly.  I plod on.

Pennypack Creek.

The course is a bit different than when we ran it in 2019, and seems to be significantly less hilly.  I'm mostly running alone, but I chat, as I am wont to due, with any runners that I catch up with or who catch up with me.

Despite the rain earlier in the week, the course is not particularly muddy, with only an occasion spot or a small puddle on some of the sections of trail along the creek.

Even though it has been five years since running the race last, the trails are pretty familiar.

The first aid station (about mile 4.5) is well stocked with the usual ultra food of cookies, salty things and candy, but also with freshly fried bacon and grilled cheese sandwiches. I joke with the volunteers that while the bacon is excellent, it would be even better if there was chocolate to dip it in.

Flowers.

Team Father - Daughter

About mile 14, or a couple of miles from the end of the first loop, I come upon a man and a younger woman running together on the paved section of the trail.  A glance at their bibs reveals that they are in the 50-mile race.  It turns out that they are Rob and Anna, and he is her father.  Originally Anna's mother was going to run with her, but an injury forced her to drop out, and the ever-accommodating race director Stephan allowed Rob to take her place.  This is Anna's first ultra and she is concerned about making the cutoff at the end of the second loop (50-mile runners have to run three loops, including a mini-loop, to the two loops of 50K runners).  Rob is an experienced ultrarunner, with a 100-miler and two 100Ks to his credit and does not seem as concerned.  I express confidence that they will be fine as well.

Back to the start-finish, I head out on the second loop while they stop by their drop bags.  It isn't long before they catch up to me and it is a chance to re-tell my oft-told tales to new ears.

In the meantime I have texted Emaad to ascertain his lead over me.  He replies and seems to be about 15 to 20 minutes ahead.

I mention my fear of necrotizing fasciitis - along with that of ticks and poison ivy - and hit the jackpot! Rob is a military doctor, and has treated cases of the flesh-eating bacterial infection.  He provides advice on ways to reduce the risk of getting it.

The trail along Pennypack Creek.

We come to the turnoff for them to do the mini-loop and I go on.

After several more miles Anna catches up with me without Rob.  She has decided that she needs to assure making the second loop cutoff and has pushed on.  She passes me and is soon gone.

Levitating to the finish.

I go on too.  Emaad texts that he finished in 6:57.  I reply that I have another two or three miles to go.

Soon the finish is in sight and I see Emaad ready to take pictures. Feeling frisky, I hop into the air, then run to the finish, crossing the line in 7:38.  I collect my Wetterhaus for being first in my age group (and last, and only) and seek out Stephan for a picture with the race director.  I get a bratwurst and potato salad to ear and head back to our chair.

Next to us, Rob is seated.  I ask him if he intends to continue.  He confirms that, as he prepares to head out on his third loop.  He has only a few minutes to spare, but experiences runner that he is, knows he does not need to rush.  We cheer him on as he heads out.

Results

I finish in 7:38:18, good for 153/181 overall, 104/118 males and 1/1 in my age group.  I'm the oldest finisher. I'm also four and a half minutes faster than five year ago, but the may largely be due to the course being easier, the weather better, and not lingering at the aid stations.  

Age group Wetterhaus award with
RD Stephan Weiss.

Emaad finishes 45 minutes faster than five years ago.

And Anna and Rob? Rob catches up with her somewhere on the third loop and they finish the 50-miler together in 12:28.

Swag: zipper shirt, Wetterhaus, medal, hat and bib.