Below will be races that I have run and some details on the races from my point of view. Hopefully they can add some value to others; I will try and be detailed without going too far. For a complete race calendar for many different types of events and reviews you can go to www.racetwitch.com. There are probably reviews of lots of races whereas this page will only be races I have completed.
Race Name- TARC Spring Classic
Distance- 10k, ½ Marathon, Marathon and 50k
Date Race Run- April 28, 2012
Course- 10k loop course. Very little elevation gain, a couple of rolling hills. Lots of flat easy single and double track running. A few short spots of rocky rooty and muddy spots but overall a very fast and runnable course.
Drop Bags- Can leave your bag at the start/finish and access at the end of every loop.
Aid/Water Stations- 1 aid station at start/finish accessed at the end of each loop. Absolute standard ultra fare- nothing extra special and frankly nothing extra special needed. Trail Animals running club always requests racers bring 1 item for the aid station.
SWAG- Zip, zero, nada. And for the crazy cheap price of the race there should not be. No issue there.
Post-Race Activity- Nothing formal, but a great location where people can pull up a chair and socialize or sit in the grass.
Registration- $22.95, a great value.
Website- http://www.trailanimals.com/race-announcements/
Comments- Another very well run, small race put on by Trail Animals. Very cheap and simple. Course was perfectly marked; very very hard to get lost. People running four different distances so confusing some times as to who was passing you but really nice to share the trails with others. Good course for nes trail runners and those looking for a fast race. Sells out fairly quickly due to low registrations. Recommended highly.
Distance- 10k, ½ Marathon, Marathon and 50k
Date Race Run- April 28, 2012
Course- 10k loop course. Very little elevation gain, a couple of rolling hills. Lots of flat easy single and double track running. A few short spots of rocky rooty and muddy spots but overall a very fast and runnable course.
Drop Bags- Can leave your bag at the start/finish and access at the end of every loop.
Aid/Water Stations- 1 aid station at start/finish accessed at the end of each loop. Absolute standard ultra fare- nothing extra special and frankly nothing extra special needed. Trail Animals running club always requests racers bring 1 item for the aid station.
SWAG- Zip, zero, nada. And for the crazy cheap price of the race there should not be. No issue there.
Post-Race Activity- Nothing formal, but a great location where people can pull up a chair and socialize or sit in the grass.
Registration- $22.95, a great value.
Website- http://www.trailanimals.com/race-announcements/
Comments- Another very well run, small race put on by Trail Animals. Very cheap and simple. Course was perfectly marked; very very hard to get lost. People running four different distances so confusing some times as to who was passing you but really nice to share the trails with others. Good course for nes trail runners and those looking for a fast race. Sells out fairly quickly due to low registrations. Recommended highly.
Race Name- Stone Mill 50
Distance- 50 Miles
Date Race Run- November 19, 2011
Course- Sort of a balloon, starting with the string, then a loop, returning on the string and then an additional out and back at the end. Covered two different trail systems (Seneca Creek and Muddy Branch) with lots of varying terrain and views. Single track, towpath, roads, double track and open fields. No large hills, likely less than 3000 feet of elevation gain. Very runnable. Ended up that most of the GPS watches read closer to 55 miles than 50. Start in Gaithersburg Maryland.
Drop Bags- Available at the 23 and 39 mile aid stations. Must have headlamp in the 39 mile drop bag or with you as it will get dark.
Aid/Water Stations- 22 Aid stations and water stops combined per the website. I didn’t notice all the water available at the water stops only but I didn’t need any extra so I didn’t look or ask for it. Aid stations had basic items like cookies, chips, potatoes and drinks. I saw salt tabs and antacids that was nice. Helpful and friendly volunteers and decent amount of people cheering at aid stations since course crosses roads frequently.
SWAG- Neat flashlight with race logo on it. I read other race reports saying people received Mugs and drop bags but I didn’t receive any of that. Medals available for finishers, but I didn’t receive one at the race. Follow up emails from RD on this so hopefully I will get one in the mail.
Post-Race Activity- Pizza was available at the finish line and in the school with drinks.
Registration- $35, a great value.
Website- http://stone-mill-50-mile.org/
Comments- Amazing to have a 50 mile race with a $35 fee. Fantastic value. The course was nice- mountain runners and people looking for woods races may not enjoy. Roads were frequently close by and crossed roads a lot. I didn’t mind but to each his own on that. Race sells out early and although it’s a large Ultra don’t wait till the very end. They have a cutoff but are very generous towards allowing you to keep going and that’s big for slow and first timers. Race was way long at 54.5 miles- I didn’t care but would have like to know this to get a true 50 mile time.
Rating- 8.5/10- This is a tough one. On value I’d call it a 10. I have seen 5k races for this amount so you really can’t beat the price. If you want to look at the race without price, there was a decent amount of roads; I almost got sideswiped by a trailer at one spot. The trail at times was right behind houses and along roads. Picky things but my perfect race is in the woods with no visuals of cars, roads, etc. The RD’s did a great job in this location to link the trails to get a 50 together. There was a decent amount of crowding miles into the race crossing streams and going uphill; probably as long as 7 miles in. It was not a big deal but not the ideal. Distance was off by 5 miles which in the end doesn’t matter but would have been nice to have it close to 50 to get a time for a 50. I never received some of the SWAG; that doesn’t affect running the race but would be nice. I didn’t bother asking about it since for $35 I got more than my money’s worth and support during the race but the MUG was pretty cool so I mention it. If it were closer I would do again but way too far away. If you want solitude and woods, this may not be for you. If you want a nice course, very runnable for a great price run Stone Mill 50.
Distance- 50 Miles
Date Race Run- November 19, 2011
Course- Sort of a balloon, starting with the string, then a loop, returning on the string and then an additional out and back at the end. Covered two different trail systems (Seneca Creek and Muddy Branch) with lots of varying terrain and views. Single track, towpath, roads, double track and open fields. No large hills, likely less than 3000 feet of elevation gain. Very runnable. Ended up that most of the GPS watches read closer to 55 miles than 50. Start in Gaithersburg Maryland.
Drop Bags- Available at the 23 and 39 mile aid stations. Must have headlamp in the 39 mile drop bag or with you as it will get dark.
Aid/Water Stations- 22 Aid stations and water stops combined per the website. I didn’t notice all the water available at the water stops only but I didn’t need any extra so I didn’t look or ask for it. Aid stations had basic items like cookies, chips, potatoes and drinks. I saw salt tabs and antacids that was nice. Helpful and friendly volunteers and decent amount of people cheering at aid stations since course crosses roads frequently.
SWAG- Neat flashlight with race logo on it. I read other race reports saying people received Mugs and drop bags but I didn’t receive any of that. Medals available for finishers, but I didn’t receive one at the race. Follow up emails from RD on this so hopefully I will get one in the mail.
Post-Race Activity- Pizza was available at the finish line and in the school with drinks.
Registration- $35, a great value.
Website- http://stone-mill-50-mile.org/
Comments- Amazing to have a 50 mile race with a $35 fee. Fantastic value. The course was nice- mountain runners and people looking for woods races may not enjoy. Roads were frequently close by and crossed roads a lot. I didn’t mind but to each his own on that. Race sells out early and although it’s a large Ultra don’t wait till the very end. They have a cutoff but are very generous towards allowing you to keep going and that’s big for slow and first timers. Race was way long at 54.5 miles- I didn’t care but would have like to know this to get a true 50 mile time.
Rating- 8.5/10- This is a tough one. On value I’d call it a 10. I have seen 5k races for this amount so you really can’t beat the price. If you want to look at the race without price, there was a decent amount of roads; I almost got sideswiped by a trailer at one spot. The trail at times was right behind houses and along roads. Picky things but my perfect race is in the woods with no visuals of cars, roads, etc. The RD’s did a great job in this location to link the trails to get a 50 together. There was a decent amount of crowding miles into the race crossing streams and going uphill; probably as long as 7 miles in. It was not a big deal but not the ideal. Distance was off by 5 miles which in the end doesn’t matter but would have been nice to have it close to 50 to get a time for a 50. I never received some of the SWAG; that doesn’t affect running the race but would be nice. I didn’t bother asking about it since for $35 I got more than my money’s worth and support during the race but the MUG was pretty cool so I mention it. If it were closer I would do again but way too far away. If you want solitude and woods, this may not be for you. If you want a nice course, very runnable for a great price run Stone Mill 50.
Race Name- Oil Creek trail Runs
Distance- 100K- have 50 K and 100 Miler
Date Race Run- October 8, 2011
Course- Single loop course. 50K per loop, 100 miler does 3 loops and an add on loop to get to 100. Mostly trails, lots of single track and double track. No big hills but lots of ups and downs. Not too technical. About 5000 feet of elevation per 50K.
Drop Bags- Available at the 14 mile mark and 31 mile mark. Basically the course is shaped like a football and drop bags available at both ends.
Aid/Water Stations- 4 Aid stations and several other water drops per loop. Aid stations are very well stocked with GU, grilled cheese, soup, candy, chips and Pizza later in the day. Also had Tums and other useful items. Very quick volunteers to help and friendly. Stations were themed, 60’s, Hollywood, etc.
SWAG- Long sleeve tech shirt. I won a pair of kahtoola Micropsikes as a door prize. Pre-race an all you can eat past and meatball dinner. Buckles for all finishers- 50K to 100M.
Post-Race Activity- Post race burgers, soup and pulled pork. Massages available for a small fee.
Registration- schedule of fees per date and race, see website
Website- http://www.oilcreek100.org/
Comments- A really well run race. I think its perfect for new runners, as it has very generous cutoffs in all events and is set up to be fun for everybody. Not a stressful environment from the pre-race dinner to the aid stations to the finish. Really nice course, with runnable stuff. You MUST sign up for the 50K immediately or you will get shut out. 100K is almost the case. 100 miler not so much. I kid you not- be warned, the 50K will close in hours and the 100K within the first day.
Rating- 9.6/10- OK- so my ratings are very high- too high I am sure. I started to think this race is a little too managed for me. The aid station goofiness was nice but not something I am interested in. All the signs in the woods on the trees seemed much for me. Many people love it- again the goal here seems to be a FUN and light event. I am not that good at fun J. But event is really run well and you get your money’s worth. I’d call it a 10 for a first Ultra.
Distance- 100K- have 50 K and 100 Miler
Date Race Run- October 8, 2011
Course- Single loop course. 50K per loop, 100 miler does 3 loops and an add on loop to get to 100. Mostly trails, lots of single track and double track. No big hills but lots of ups and downs. Not too technical. About 5000 feet of elevation per 50K.
Drop Bags- Available at the 14 mile mark and 31 mile mark. Basically the course is shaped like a football and drop bags available at both ends.
Aid/Water Stations- 4 Aid stations and several other water drops per loop. Aid stations are very well stocked with GU, grilled cheese, soup, candy, chips and Pizza later in the day. Also had Tums and other useful items. Very quick volunteers to help and friendly. Stations were themed, 60’s, Hollywood, etc.
SWAG- Long sleeve tech shirt. I won a pair of kahtoola Micropsikes as a door prize. Pre-race an all you can eat past and meatball dinner. Buckles for all finishers- 50K to 100M.
Post-Race Activity- Post race burgers, soup and pulled pork. Massages available for a small fee.
Registration- schedule of fees per date and race, see website
Website- http://www.oilcreek100.org/
Comments- A really well run race. I think its perfect for new runners, as it has very generous cutoffs in all events and is set up to be fun for everybody. Not a stressful environment from the pre-race dinner to the aid stations to the finish. Really nice course, with runnable stuff. You MUST sign up for the 50K immediately or you will get shut out. 100K is almost the case. 100 miler not so much. I kid you not- be warned, the 50K will close in hours and the 100K within the first day.
Rating- 9.6/10- OK- so my ratings are very high- too high I am sure. I started to think this race is a little too managed for me. The aid station goofiness was nice but not something I am interested in. All the signs in the woods on the trees seemed much for me. Many people love it- again the goal here seems to be a FUN and light event. I am not that good at fun J. But event is really run well and you get your money’s worth. I’d call it a 10 for a first Ultra.
Race Name- Pisgah Mt Trail Races
Distance- 50k- also have a 23k
Date Race Run- September 18, 2011
Course- Single loop course. A lot of nice double track and single track. First and last two (approximately) miles are on roads. Some areas are a little rocky but overall good footing on most of the trails. My watch read around 4200 feet of elevation gain. 23 K race runs a smaller section of the 50K course.
Drop Bags- none
Aid/Water Stations- Two water drops and 4 Aid Stations. One of the stations is hit twice. 4.5 & 13.5 Miles Water stops and Aid stations at 8, 12, 17, 20, 25 miles. All numbers rounded. Aid stations have water and Gatorade, chips, m&m’s pretzels and some other small snacks. Nice volunteers. You may need to fill bottles yourself, deal with it :).
SWAG- Nice cotton long sleeve t shirt- not guaranteed. Free Vermont Bread. Pre-race bagels and drinks.
Post-Race Activity- BBQ with burgers, hot dogs, pasta salads, Vermont cheese, yogurt, sodas and other drinks.
Registration- $35 before 9/1, 50 thereafter. Mail in registration, and available on race day.
Website- pisgahmtntrailraces.blogspot.com/
Comments- An excellent low key event. Excellent course and well marked. You can go wrong- like I did once for a minute, but its likely that you didn’t pay attention. Reasonable fee, very nice BBQ with great views. I love the long sleeve cotton T-shirts they give out, not every shirt needs to be a technical T. Used the school for registration this year, which was nice. A little more room available. Still track results by hand, no chip timing (I could care less). Keeps price down I am sure.
Rating- 9.7/10- This year’s event has me thinking that it was better than Pineland which received a 9.5. Pineland was great but this was a much nicer course. More hills, still lots of running to be done. I am not sure why it’s not a more crowded race.
Distance- 50k- also have a 23k
Date Race Run- September 18, 2011
Course- Single loop course. A lot of nice double track and single track. First and last two (approximately) miles are on roads. Some areas are a little rocky but overall good footing on most of the trails. My watch read around 4200 feet of elevation gain. 23 K race runs a smaller section of the 50K course.
Drop Bags- none
Aid/Water Stations- Two water drops and 4 Aid Stations. One of the stations is hit twice. 4.5 & 13.5 Miles Water stops and Aid stations at 8, 12, 17, 20, 25 miles. All numbers rounded. Aid stations have water and Gatorade, chips, m&m’s pretzels and some other small snacks. Nice volunteers. You may need to fill bottles yourself, deal with it :).
SWAG- Nice cotton long sleeve t shirt- not guaranteed. Free Vermont Bread. Pre-race bagels and drinks.
Post-Race Activity- BBQ with burgers, hot dogs, pasta salads, Vermont cheese, yogurt, sodas and other drinks.
Registration- $35 before 9/1, 50 thereafter. Mail in registration, and available on race day.
Website- pisgahmtntrailraces.blogspot.com/
Comments- An excellent low key event. Excellent course and well marked. You can go wrong- like I did once for a minute, but its likely that you didn’t pay attention. Reasonable fee, very nice BBQ with great views. I love the long sleeve cotton T-shirts they give out, not every shirt needs to be a technical T. Used the school for registration this year, which was nice. A little more room available. Still track results by hand, no chip timing (I could care less). Keeps price down I am sure.
Rating- 9.7/10- This year’s event has me thinking that it was better than Pineland which received a 9.5. Pineland was great but this was a much nicer course. More hills, still lots of running to be done. I am not sure why it’s not a more crowded race.
Race Name- Pineland Farms Trail Festival
Distance- 50k- but also 5k, 5k canicross, 5k barefoot, 10k, 25k, and 50 mile options
Date Race Run- May 29, 2011
Course- Two loops, with two loops per loop. Run on trails, but mostly on mowed grass fields (due to heavy rains before not mowed all that well :) ) Around 2700 feet of elevation gain for 50k, nothing steep, mostly rolling hills throughout.
Drop Bags- available, though I never needed to use mine.
Aid/Water Stations- Every two to three miles. Water and cytomax, and pretty cold at times considering it was an 85 degree day. Basics, PBJ, salted potatoes, gummy bears, chips, etc. Heard there were ice pops but never saw any. Volunteers were excellent, filling water bottles. Very supportive.
SWAG- Get Merrell short sleeve technical shirt. Finishers received cowbell. Purchased nice hat for $10, and a beer glass for $5.
Post-Race Activity- BBQ going on all day- guests can pay $5, free for runners.
Registration- for 50k was $45 if early, different rates for different races.
Website- http://pinelandfarms.com/index.html
Comments- This was a great event in my opinion. Lots of runners spread out, centralized spot for guests to congregate. Lots of aid if needed. I heard people complain that course has too many turns, and is graded poorly- didn’t bother me at all. Frequent chance to see competitors/friends running across fields or through woods as trails loop around. Camping for $3 at group site night before. Showers available after race.
Rating- 9.5/10- haven’t raced enough to give out a ten but would imagine it doesn’t get much better than this. For me. If you are looking for a tougher more technical race you may think otherwise.
Distance- 50k- but also 5k, 5k canicross, 5k barefoot, 10k, 25k, and 50 mile options
Date Race Run- May 29, 2011
Course- Two loops, with two loops per loop. Run on trails, but mostly on mowed grass fields (due to heavy rains before not mowed all that well :) ) Around 2700 feet of elevation gain for 50k, nothing steep, mostly rolling hills throughout.
Drop Bags- available, though I never needed to use mine.
Aid/Water Stations- Every two to three miles. Water and cytomax, and pretty cold at times considering it was an 85 degree day. Basics, PBJ, salted potatoes, gummy bears, chips, etc. Heard there were ice pops but never saw any. Volunteers were excellent, filling water bottles. Very supportive.
SWAG- Get Merrell short sleeve technical shirt. Finishers received cowbell. Purchased nice hat for $10, and a beer glass for $5.
Post-Race Activity- BBQ going on all day- guests can pay $5, free for runners.
Registration- for 50k was $45 if early, different rates for different races.
Website- http://pinelandfarms.com/index.html
Comments- This was a great event in my opinion. Lots of runners spread out, centralized spot for guests to congregate. Lots of aid if needed. I heard people complain that course has too many turns, and is graded poorly- didn’t bother me at all. Frequent chance to see competitors/friends running across fields or through woods as trails loop around. Camping for $3 at group site night before. Showers available after race.
Rating- 9.5/10- haven’t raced enough to give out a ten but would imagine it doesn’t get much better than this. For me. If you are looking for a tougher more technical race you may think otherwise.
Race Name- Bedford Rotary Memorial Day Races
Distance- 12K
Date Race Run- May 21, 2011
Course- Loop Course on the roads, mild elevation changes.
Drop Bags- not applicable
Aid/Water Stations- There were a lot of water stations for a race this short so you won’t go thirsty. Water only but not that was fine.
SWAG- New Balance technical shirt- see comments below.
Post-Race Activity- Cups of water at finish and ice pops. In cafeteria there was fruit, chicken fingers, lasagna and powerade and water.
Registration- Cost (think was $37, but have to research again). You can register online or up to race day morning at race.
Website- http://www.rotarybedfordnh.com/brmrr.html
Comments- Had to pay for a technical shirt and they didn’t order any extra larges. I find that very frustrating, when you have to pay. Need to better job of that.
Rating- 8.5/10. I would have said a 9 if not for the shirt, which may be unfair but hey, don’t ask if you can’t deliver. Very organized, lots of details on website, nice course, not crowded race and excellent post race feast. Use of nice school bathrooms.
Distance- 12K
Date Race Run- May 21, 2011
Course- Loop Course on the roads, mild elevation changes.
Drop Bags- not applicable
Aid/Water Stations- There were a lot of water stations for a race this short so you won’t go thirsty. Water only but not that was fine.
SWAG- New Balance technical shirt- see comments below.
Post-Race Activity- Cups of water at finish and ice pops. In cafeteria there was fruit, chicken fingers, lasagna and powerade and water.
Registration- Cost (think was $37, but have to research again). You can register online or up to race day morning at race.
Website- http://www.rotarybedfordnh.com/brmrr.html
Comments- Had to pay for a technical shirt and they didn’t order any extra larges. I find that very frustrating, when you have to pay. Need to better job of that.
Rating- 8.5/10. I would have said a 9 if not for the shirt, which may be unfair but hey, don’t ask if you can’t deliver. Very organized, lots of details on website, nice course, not crowded race and excellent post race feast. Use of nice school bathrooms.
Race Name- Great Bay
Half Marathon
Distance- 13.1 Miles
Date Race Run- April 3, 2011
Course – Billed as hilly and hard to argue. No huge hills but fairly unrelenting ups and downs. Start in town on roads, transition to dirt road in woods and back on road overlooking Great Bay. Out and back to Moody Point and then a downhill finish into downtown Newmarket.
Drop Bags- bags at start are shuttled to finish.
Aid/Water Stations- plenty of water stops for a half marathon. GU provided at 6 miles, vanilla only.
SWAG- Nice long sleeve technical shirt. Hats available for sale for $10.
Post Race Activity- Pizza, cookies and drinks available post race. Finishers get medal. Lots of drinks, flavored water.
Registration- $50, early was $45 and possible race day registration.
Website- http://www.greatbayhalf.com/index.php
Comments- This was a very well run race. Every aspect covered well; Main Street closed for finish and race celebration. SWAG was nice and the finish downtown was a nice touch. Runners argued over hilly vs. not, enough hills to be wary of. Able to stay in school gym prior to race to avoid cool temps, enough bathrooms for decent size race. Crowded start due to 5k starting at same location but eases up shortly.
Rating- 8.5/10
Distance- 13.1 Miles
Date Race Run- April 3, 2011
Course – Billed as hilly and hard to argue. No huge hills but fairly unrelenting ups and downs. Start in town on roads, transition to dirt road in woods and back on road overlooking Great Bay. Out and back to Moody Point and then a downhill finish into downtown Newmarket.
Drop Bags- bags at start are shuttled to finish.
Aid/Water Stations- plenty of water stops for a half marathon. GU provided at 6 miles, vanilla only.
SWAG- Nice long sleeve technical shirt. Hats available for sale for $10.
Post Race Activity- Pizza, cookies and drinks available post race. Finishers get medal. Lots of drinks, flavored water.
Registration- $50, early was $45 and possible race day registration.
Website- http://www.greatbayhalf.com/index.php
Comments- This was a very well run race. Every aspect covered well; Main Street closed for finish and race celebration. SWAG was nice and the finish downtown was a nice touch. Runners argued over hilly vs. not, enough hills to be wary of. Able to stay in school gym prior to race to avoid cool temps, enough bathrooms for decent size race. Crowded start due to 5k starting at same location but eases up shortly.
Rating- 8.5/10