The course is 100% trail and started at the Nordic Trailhead with about seven miles on ski trails then split to a northern lollipop section via the Ice Age Trail. At the northern-most section we did a loop at Scuppernong mainly on the ski trails, which had several flat sections. Scuppernong was the only section of the course we did once. New to the course in 2021 (which replaced the second Scuppernong loop) was a 4 mile loop at McMiller ski trails, which had several more hills. Upon returning to the Nordic Trailhead at 100k, we would immediately turn around and retrace the seven miles of ski trails before heading south on another out-and-back on the Ice Age Trail to Rice Lake. This means that we would hit the hilliest part of the course four times, which I made sure I was mentally prepared for. (After ending a 30 mile training run on this seven mile section of the course, I knew it would be mentally and physically challenging.) One additional challenge is that we could earn a 100k belt buckle and be back at our car instead of heading out on 38 mile “fun run”! My Backyard Ultra experience of heading out for a new loop every hour removed any consideration for me to stop at 100k.
Course company
With the out-and-back sections with several races occurring simultaneously, there are a few considerations:
1) The aid stations were busy. My crew didn’t have any down time relocating to each aid station, finding parking, and laying out my stuff to keep my aid station downtime minimal. Bluff aid station was especially busy since runners hit that aid station so many times.
2) There was a ton of encouragement on the course. After runners got strung out, the presence of racers on the course from the 50k, 100k, 38 mile, and 100 mile relay left few moments of complete isolation. Usually there was a pace disparity or we were headed in the opposite direction so the interactions were brief, but nearly EVERY runner offered encouragement.
3) Singletrack passing was tight in some areas and we gingerly stepped aside to pass. Although all runners were courteous, I’m happy I didn’t roll an ankle as I moved off the trail, especially when night fell.
Near ideal course conditions
Temperatures began at a balmy 60F and topped out at 73F. Aside from humidity (80% for most of the race), it was near perfect racing conditions. Miraculously, there was no dew at the start of the race, and my feet stayed dry despite a few sprinkles and glistening grass as evening fell. Even the predicted thunderstorms and scattered showers dissipated.
