In the Woods 30A 50K
We're proud to be the ONLY ultramarathon on 30A. If you're from outside of the local area and/or have never heard of 30A, "30A" is both a road AND an "area," if you will. We're often regarded as having "the world's most beautiful beaches." Well, needless to say, we have some pretty amazing forest as well! The In the Woods 30A 50K starts and finishes at the Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake Trailhead. The race starts at 6:30a and the finish line closes promptly at 4p; both start and finish will be at the Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake trailhead. Runners have THREE race options to choose from: the 50K Solo, the 2-person relay, and the 3-person relay. The relay teams can be all gals, all guys, or a mix of both.
Course
From the Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake Trailhead, runners immediately head into the woods where endless pine forests await! The trail itself is a mix of mostly dirt/sand trail, some sections of sand only, and some sections of gravel road. There are even a handful of creek crossings where runners traverse wood bridges. The 50K course consists of THREE total laps. Lap 1 = 10.50 miles, lap 2 = 10.17 miles, and lap 3 = 10.40 miles, for a total of 31.07 miles.
Restating the obvious here: if tackling the In the Woods solo, runners will obviously complete all three laps. If participating as a 2-person relay, one runner will run one lap, the second runner will run two laps. For the 3-person relay, each runner will run one lap. The changeover point for all relays will be adjacent to the trailhead (see course map).
There is a 9.5 hour time limit.
Terrain
I should take this opportunity real quick to discuss the terrain, just so there are no surprises. From the outset of the race you can expect tree roots, rocks, sand, and maybe even some fallen over trees. You can also expect a few sections of standing water and mud. In other words, pure awesomeness!!! Again, I just wanted to discuss the terrain so no one shows up on race day expecting a groomed running path with no trip hazards and with aspirations of going home with clean shoes.
This info is in the waiver, but I'll go ahead and mention it here. This is hunting season within the state forest. Don't be surprised if you hear a rifle shot (or five) off in the distance. I've been assured that no runner has ever been shot in the years before I came along with my races, and I can personally assure you that no one has been shot in the years that we've been running there. NEVERTHELESS, the state forest has asked that I request for all runners to wear bright colored clothing. Most of you do already; if you don't, please consider it :)