Does it matter which I choose? Would it be smarter to do 100k just to see if I can handle it or the US Champs?
Also, I've been looking through this website:
http://www.ultramarathonrunning.com/races/usa.html
There's a TON of ultra races, the only problem is I don't know where to look to find a competitive, larger-scale race. Does anyone have any decent suggestions. I would hate to fly all the way to Cali or Florida to find some 50 miler being hosted in someone's back yard.
I believe the JFK 50 Miler is the largest 50 Miler in the country. From what I've read, after some early climbing, the course hugs a canal (read flat) for 30+ miles so if you're competitive, a decent time should be possible. With about a thousand runners, I would imagine it's well supported, too.
I've heard very good things about the Miwok 100k, too.
Personally, I found quite a bit of difference between a 100k and a 50-miler.
JFK Wannabe wrote:
I believe the JFK 50 Miler is the largest 50 Miler in the country. From what I've read, after some early climbing, the course hugs a canal (read flat) for 30+ miles so if you're competitive, a decent time should be possible. With about a thousand runners, I would imagine it's well supported, too.
Thanks everyone for their input so far.
The only problem with the JFK race is I think there's a qualifying standard that I have to hit.
I'd personally suggest American River 50; that's one of the most fun races I've ever run. It takes a really strong runner to run that race well as it's kind of the opposite of JFK50; super easy first half and much slower 2nd half with a steep climb for the last 3 miles straight. That race is a WS100 qualifier, so tons and tons of fast people race it every year. Course record is sub 6:40 per mile and the second half is relatively technical trails, so if you want competition, that's the race to do. Next year's race includes Tony Krupicka, Chikara Omine, and Nick Clark. Not a lot of B-quality runners, but if you want to test yourself with the best, try to keep up with Tony or Chikara, who are insanely fast at 50 miles.
Actually, Miwok would be an insanely fast race this year also, but you can't even get on the wait list anymore. Tony K, Dave Mackey, Geoff Roes, Dakota Jones, etc. I'm registered for Miwok, but I'm going to have to give up my spot unfortunately..
This will be my first ultra and I don't want too tough of a course, but I'm not opposed to getting my ass kicked (having a "learning experience") so any ultra anywhere will do as long as there's good competition and I have a reasonable chance to run fast. I typically run about 120-140 miles a week, but my long runs haven't been very far (18-20 miles). I'm probably going to try and do some 4-5 hour runs just to get used to the pounding. Thanks everyone for the input I really appreciate it. I just want this ultra to be a good experience and a competitive one as well. No sense driving all over the country to race 20 people.
bump
Not bad for an ultra thread. 7/10 Using the word "competitive" when talking about ultras is funny.
johnnyb1610 wrote:
Not bad for an ultra thread. 7/10 Using the word "competitive" when talking about ultras is funny.
Shh