Running an ultramarathon after a Thanksgiving feast is either a really good or disastrously bad idea. Fortunately, with 36 hours to fully digest and potentially nap it off, you can test your own take on the racing after the meal at a plethora of post-holiday, caloric burning sessions around the country.
Leading the charge on Saturday, November 27 at 7:30 a.m. is the 38th Quad Dipsea. Traversing the historic trail from downtown Mill Valley, California, up and over the shoulder of Mount Tamalpais and into Stinson Beach for a total of four times, it includes over 10,000 feet of ascent and descent in a punchy 28 miles. The women’s field features 2019 Champion Olivia Amber, Arden Young, Bree Lambert-Sanders and Emma McCune. On the men’s side, David Sinclair, Nick Handel, Rod Farvard, Patrick Parsel and 2017 champion Alex Ho lead the way.
I will be in Mill Valley this weekend, so look for live updates on Saturday morning from my Twitter account.
On the opposite end of the vertical spectrum, in multiple-loop style and for an amazing cause, is the Ghost of Seattle Marathon 50k which donates proceeds to Seattle’s Outdoor Meal Site. The race also accepts blanket donations to help out those in need during the winter. Registration closes Friday, November 26.
In the southeast, we have the Bosque Bigfoot FreeAss 50k in Albuquerque, New Mexico, keeping with our loop format, but packing more of a climbing punch. It’s also for a good cause, running a drive to collect toiletries and non-perishable items to donate to Joy Junction, a homeless shelter in Albuquerque. Six spots were left as of Wednesday afternoon for this race starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday.
In Lubbock, Texas, are The Flatland Endurance Races running through the weekend. Offering 6, 12, 24 and 48-hour races with a flat, multiple-loop-style course, the event is purportedly the largest ultramarathon in West Texas.
We love the loops, and here are three bigger ones in Ellerbe, North Carolina, at The Derby 50k. With rolling country dirt roads just 90 minutes outside of Charlotte, check this event out if you’re in the southern Atlantic region.
If you happen to find yourself at Jester Park in Grander, Iowa, and also kept eating well into Friday, may we suggest The Stuffed Turkey Endurance Races. With 100% trail, gentle hills and a good stretch of flatland running for those still very full, choose from 30, 50 and 100-mile as well as 50-mile relay options.
Also on tap for this weekend is the Oxbow Ultra 6/12/24 hour in St. Paul, Virginia, the Sunset 6/12/14 hour in Benton, Arkansas, the Napa Valley 50k in Calistoga, California, and the Squatchy Leftovers Trail Race 50k in West Orange, New Jersey.
While rest is perfectly acceptable after a long year and a big meal, if you’re getting after it and we missed it, let us know What’s Up in Ultra that we should know about?
4 comments
You left out Bad Dawg Ultra in Waynesville, MO. Happening this weekend with a 12 mile ruck, 50k, 100k and 100 mile. All for a good cause of providing the county kids with socks and shoes.
Plus a free pasta party the night before! Sounds like a great event for a good cause, too. Are you running or volunteering Holly? https://calendar.ultrarunning.com/event/bad-dawg-ultra-endurance-run
Thanks, Jeffrey! Our Benton, Arkansas races were a jubilant but low-key affair conducted on the road warrior’s favorite surface of freshly-laid asphalt, haha (thank you Benton Public Works). I did just 50 miles but interviewed some minor legends. Soon-to-be octogenarian Maurice Robinson shared his strategy as he prepares to accomplish a rare 100-mile finish (for his age group) at Prairie Spirit next year, and former phenom Kim Goosen counted laps and cheered her old brothers and sisters-in-arms.
Sounds like a good day out there. The octogenarians (and those soon to be) never case to amaze me! Incredible!! Congrats to Maurice and everyone at the Sunset 6/12/14 hour. Thanks for the update, too.
Comments are closed.