You really can't complain about a Trail Dawg event. Of course sometimes you would like too - but the overall expereince of the race is far to enjoyable to focus on a negative. Besides - the Trail Dawgs won't care. They embody all that's great and not so great about trail racing and ultras - and oddly enough sometimes the great and not so great are one and the same. That's the world of trail racing and ultras and that's what makes it so magical - you just don't know what to expect except effort, enthusiasm and commitment from runners, volunteers and race directors. You get all that with the Trail Dawgs (you also almost always get lost and wet)
The Triple Crown event is remarkably well run considering it is 4 events all together with all of them being held at once at one time or another. First is the Triple Crown itself which consisit of three races - half marathon, 10k and 5k. Ideally the runner will finish each event with a little time left to refuel and recharge before the next. That happened only once for me (after the half) If a runner misses the start of an event thay can grab some fule and water, find the next course and start running. That's where I ran into some trouble as I missed the start of the 10k - even though I finished with plenty of time before the start (despite a headfirst plunge into the waist high stream) and I was also confused about the course for the 5k. Minor issues that kept me from the final placing I would have liked but did nothing to detract from strong runing (on my part) and the enthusiasm and helpfulness of the volenteers who assisted me. Thanks guys!
Asisde from the Triple Crown event runners can enter each event individually (fresh runners really help push a runner with tired legs) or they can enter the whole marathon which is held on its own. Nothing is more humbling that to be passed by a full marathon runner after you've been given a 10 minute head start.
The course itself offers just enough hills to provide a challenge without killing the spirit (or legs - unless of course you run all three events and get to hit those hills three times in a row) and some great stream crossings (see above about headfirst splash). There were plenty of aid stations with entthusiastic volunteers who always had encouragement to offer and a wonderful cookout throughout the whole day - so you really had something to pull you through each event - knowing there was great food waiting and not just the aid station fare usually offered. The even had vegan Boca burgers!
So I'm not sure my over all placing overall or in each event. I was off course for a mile in the 10k - but as I mentioned it hardly betters because I was really happy with my running - strong on the uphills - as I made up my mind to run every hill I could since each even itself was fairly short and I could rest at least a little between them. Moca ran the half and is steadily climbing back after a winter and early spring of allergies and ankle issues. Matt ran the half and 10k - he tan the half stromg and ran the 10k through bloody feet and some fueling issues. Great effort. Each race offers something to learn from. And birthday girl and brand new grandma Melissa when the whole marathon strong and happy throughout. This was a comeback race for Melissa from the extra long Stone Mill 50 mile we ran together back in Novemeber. Way to go Melissa! Our little group represnted.
Race director John Mackenzie did a wonderful job and seemed to be everywhere at once - I would guess he ended the day more tired then the runners. Thanks for the great day and all of your hard work and effort John. See you next year! And thank you all who volunteered - you guys are really the ones that mmade this event so special. A little enthusiasm goes a long ways - and you guys offered a lot. I would also like to mention that all proceeds will benifit four local - faith based homeless shelters. A very worthy cause/ Thank you too to sponors who helped make this happen.
This was my second Triple Crown - marathon last year, Triple Crown event this year. Triple Crown was by far harder. I'll be back next year - for the marathon (I think)
Thanks for reading!
Eric
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