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The Race starts at the Day-Use-Pavilion. After a short stint on the road (about 1/4 mile) you will turn onto trails.
There is a downhill section right away (about 1/2 Mile), which will also be the last hill before the finish. The first 4 miles feature rolling hills that are pretty much all runnable (It might be a different story on your way back, when you are tired). Great views of Blue Marsh Lake. My favorite spot is around mile 3 , where the lake streches out in 3 different directions.

Around mile 4 you run along Route 183 for a 1/4 mile to the first aidstation. Mile 4-10 is the fastest stretch. You
may be able to make some time here, or use too much energy, if you are not careful. At Mile 10 you meet the infamous Skislope Hill. Almost 300 ft of elevation gain in less than 1/2 mile will reduce most of us regular folks to walking. It might not be a bad idea even for the fast guys to walk most of this steep hill to conserve enery. You will see this hill again on your way  back, and the climb will be even more difficult then. More rolling hills between Mile 11 and the turnaround at Mile 15.5. At this point you will turn around and run back to the finish line. You know what to expect, however you will notice that sections that looked easy before, are now significantely more dificult. However, for an Ultra overall it is a very fair course and doable for anyone who prepared properly.

Elevation Chart


Blues Cruise 50 K elevation chart

Aidstations


We do more than just hydrating you at our aidstations. We support you in any way possible. We make sure you stay healthy and feel good (that might be a stretch around mile 20). We do that by having a wide variety of snacks, fluids and supplements. Our aidstations are staffed by (ultra)runners, so they know what you are going through and what your needs are. However, we also like to have a little fun in the process, that's why we usually have some themed aidstations.

Aidstations are stocked with:

PBJ Sandwiches
Turkey Sandwiches
Grilled Cheese
Gels
Ibuprofen
Sodium tablets
Bananas
Oranges
M&M's
Chocolate Chip cookies
Oreos
Cooked potatoes
Perogies
Potatoe chips
Crackers
Pretzels
Grapes
Nuts
Sportsdrinks
Water
Soda
and much more (and some stuff we can't disclose)



aidstation

Aidstation #1 & # 8 (House of pain)

This will be the first and the last Aidstation you will most likely see (unless you DNF).
The first time around you will be still pretty fresh, and they just give you a glimpse what is coming.
However on the way back, you may feel the pain, and they will push you to finish the race.

Aidstation

Aidstation # 2 & # 7  (Octoberfest)

When temps climb into the eighties and you were already running for hours, you start thinking "Is this a dream, or do I see a bavarian waitress at the aidstation" . You just met Heidi, and she can serve you all kind of things.

Heidi

Aidstation # 3 & # 6  (Ratsnest)

This aidstation is manned by the hardcore ultra runners of the Pagoda Pacers. If you start feeling tired after 10 Miles, you may lament about it to 100 Mile Al, who does more 100 Mile races a year than others do 5Ks.

ratnest

ratsnest

Aidstation # 4 & # 5  (Margarithaville)

This is by far the most cheerful aidstation. The girls always decorate it so nicely, and are always very enthustiastic. The decor has definetely a mexican flair, but is this the only reason they call it Margarithaville?

margarithaville

margarithaville
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