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Post by jabaugrad on Jan 1, 2010 22:25:39 GMT -5
Looking to run my first 100K this year. It seems any I find are either sold out or some type of small loop course or a road. Any recommendations on a good 100K that I can get in too anytime in the first half of 2010?
Cheers Jim
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Post by runningbeer on Jan 2, 2010 10:08:14 GMT -5
If you wanted to travel to Texas there is a Kick Your butt 100km called Bandera 100km. Two loops of 50km on rugged trails that horses use. Go to www.tejastrails.com.
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Post by jabaugrad on Jan 2, 2010 11:13:28 GMT -5
Thanks for the link! That looks like a good race! Not sure I am quite ready for the distance in just a week!
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Post by michael.walcott on Jan 2, 2010 11:40:14 GMT -5
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bryce
Dazed & Confused Runner
Posts: 45
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Post by bryce on Jan 12, 2010 16:45:49 GMT -5
I ran the Ironhorse 100K last year as my first 100K. It was pretty good and could be fast. It's a 12.5 mile section of unfinished rail-to-trail that all runners go out and back a series of times to fill the total distance of their event (100K goes out and back twice plus a little bit).
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Post by mal on Jan 18, 2010 10:35:56 GMT -5
I have set a 100k as a goal for this year as well and was wondering about the feasibility of the Lookout Mountain 100k. Anyone recommend this?
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raff
GUTS Member
Posts: 80
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Post by raff on Jan 18, 2010 18:02:35 GMT -5
Hey, several of us went up and did Lookout in December, although they changed the course the day before to a 50-miler (due to issues with torrential rains they experienced 1-2 days before the race and cold - both to address parking and safety issues for the runners). So, here's the deal on the 50-mile version of that course - what I know for a fact is that part of the 12 miles they cut out included a 1-3 mile section called "Highpoint" that you'd run in the dark and the trail goes alongside some steep (100-200 foot) dropoffs...I was leery about that section so was sort of glad it was cut out but it will probably be back next year.
The race started on top of Lookout at Covenant College. The first 6-7 miles goes down the mountain a little bit and follows a bluff trail that winds all the way around the "point" overlooking Chattanooga, back around the southeast side -you cross under the incline railway tracks twice, and then you're gradually descending...after about 14.5 miles you are all the way down; then a mile or so along the bottom in the valley before starting back up the mountain through the woods - you travel several miles on good trails that roll over a bunch of smallish hills before you start climbing the mountain - that is a tough 1300' or so ascent back to the top and the start/finish aid stations at 23.5 miles. The 2nd half of the course had several sections of totally different terrain but no bad climbs - just rolling hills, creek crossings, etc. - one section @ maybe 41 mile has you semi-rappelling down a steep section with safety ropes...at the bottom you're rewarded with an incredible gorge and waterfall. They advertised the 100k version as having 8000' or elevation gain so I'm not sure what the 50-mile had..if I had to guess I'd think we did 6500' or more.
It's a beautiful course and varies quite a bit from one section to the next. It's well worth considering for a December race - just be prepared for cold temps and do some solid hill/mountain workouts. I'll be back next year for either a 50-mile or 100k version of this race....only issue with it was that they didn't get all the race times recorded so there were some holes for later finishers. Post-race dinner/beer at the River City Brewing Company!
Good luck! Charles
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