Bartram Forest Winter Trail Run Marathon and 50K
http://wintertrailrun.net/
If you ever find yourself in Middle GA the Sat after Thanksgiving let me suggest this incredibly wonderful race. I ran this race last year but volunteered this year. I'd like to say I was being smart and resting my legs from last weeks run but the truth is that the rain almost never let up and the aid station had a pavilion. The race itself is a 5.25 trail loop that always circles back to the main aid station. (This station also had an indoor heated bathroom...nice touch).
Ignoring the fact this is a very pretty run through Bartram Forest park the selling point for this race is the incredible amounts of food. You name it, it was there: fudge, white fudge, chocolate/nutty/caramel chewy things, pretzels, PB&J, hot Grill Cheese sandwiches (cooked by me), chicken noodle soup, potato chips, beanz, gu, and that only begins to describe a portion of the food.
This was my first ultra I ever ran. I've never been to such a low key, low pressure, high encouragement race like this before or since. There is no time limit on this race...did I mention low pressure? There was a record high level of participation this year (about 60 people). I forgot to mention, the finisher awards are gingerbread men. Sweet!
I met the RD to the South Carolina Ultra Trail Runs. She puts on a similar race - low pressure, high encouragement, no time limit ultra runs as well. I'm looking forward to participating in her races next year. http://www.ultrasontrails.com/ . | 