TRAIL RUNNING OVER TEXAS put on a spectacular race. Rob Goyen (Race Director) and his staff understand how to give a “pure” running experience. Volunteers were top notch and the day was memorable. Brazos Bend State park was a wonderful venue and the park rangers were coolest. (no one was eaten by an alligator…)

STARTING AREA:
Arriving at the park, the first thing I noticed was how calm the starting area was, there was no loud music, bright lights, announcers talking, nope….it was just runners, getting ready to run.

AID STATIONS/VOLUNTEERS:
I had my first experiences with an Ultra Marathon Aid stations. I am used to little cups of water and Gatorade being handed to me and getting out of everyone’s way quickly. Not here, these people treat you like you were the only runner that they were going to see all day. Filling my bottles, offering me food and if needed there was always an ice-cold sponge waiting for you. It literally looked like a buffet of the best food ever. These volunteers always greeted me with a smile and asked what they could do for me. I saw them attending to struggling runners and cheering loudly for everyone. #amazingvolunteers

COURSE:
The course is a 16.8 mile loop that winds throughout the Brazos Bend State Park. It has incredible sights, including beautiful lakes, alligators and many other types of wildlife. It is flat, on packed dirt/stone paths, that are well maintained. There is plenty of shade during the run. Excellent for either a really fast race, or in my case, my first Ultra.

SWAG:
Awesome shirt....Awesome Medal (See Pic)

FINISH LINE:
Just the best feeling to see that big RedBull Finish Line and they broadcast your name as you finish. Race Director Rob is there giving HighFives to everyone.

POST RUN FOOD:
There is simply no words to describe the awesomeness of the the buffet of food they have waiting for you when you finish.

FINAL WORDS:
It was a great day. Ultra runners are very supportive and all though I didn't know what I was doing, I finished. And then I ate a lot of food.

My recap can be found at https://runhardalwaysfinish.com/2017/04/50-miles-alligators-and-potato-chips/