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). The first 4
miles feature rolling hills that are pretty much all runnable. Great
views of
Blue
Marsh Lake. My favorite spot is around mile 3 , where the lake streches
out in 3 different directions.
Around
mile 3.5
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.
This is were the race really starts.
Almost 300
ft of elevation gain in less than 1/2 mile will reduce most of us
regular folks to walking. More rolling hills between Mile 11
and Mile 13.5 (aidstation #4) At this point you
will
enter the most remote section of the trail. Mile 13.5 to 27 is all
rolling single track springled with some wide gravel roads,
with many ups and downs, but nothing really
major. However the constant up and down is challenging. Mile
27 to Mile 29 feature wider gravel trails that are mostly flat. Last 2
miles from the Stilling Basin to the finish line require you
to climb quite a bit, which at
this point in the race will require all your strength.
However,
for an
Ultra overall it is a very fair course and doable for anyone who
prepared properly.
Start/Finish
& Registration
View Larger Map
Elevation
Chart (shows only first 15.5 Miles)
Enlarge
Elevation Chart
Trail
Map
(course
includes main multi-use trail, the figure 8 loop trail between
milemarker 12 and 13 and the nature loop between milemarker 2 &
3)
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Aidstations
(Miles 3.5, 6.5, 10, 13.5, 18.5, 23.5, 27)
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
#1 & # 7 (Return of the Blues Brothers)
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.
Aidstation # 5
(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.
Aidstation # 3
(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.
Aidstation # 2 & # 4
(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?
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