I have walk/run this race the past 2 years. As far as I know it is the only road race ultra in the Northeast USA. In 2017 I walked the 50K and in 2018 I attempted to run the 50 miler. (My knee locked up at mile 28 so I dropped back to the 50K. And yes I did hobble across the finish line). What is great about this race is once you start you have the ability to increase or decrease the distance you want to accomplish. All you need to do is talk with the race director and he will modify your standing.
This is a small ultra marathon event. I would say between 190-300 runners. The 50 milers and 100K start before the 50K group. You have about 13 hours to complete your ultra. You run loops around the scenic Lake Waramaug. Everyone runs out 2.2 miles (hits the cone) and comes back to the start. From there the 50K group runs 3 loops around the lake and a 1.9 mile out and back loop (marked on the course). The 50 milers run 6 loops around the lake. While the 100k group runs 7 loops and a 2.3 mile out and back loop. Needless to say everyone gets a little loopy.
There are 3 aid stations around the lake. The foods change from aid station to aid station. Soups, sandwiches, fruits, homemade cookies, breads, treats, flat soda, water, Gatorade, candy, chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc. Before the race there was breakfast sandwiches. After the race they had hamburgers and veggie burgers.
Every participant received a long-sleeved tech shirt (green in 2017 and blue in 2018) and a finisher's medal or belt buckle. In 2017 parts of the roads where chewed up and I sprained my ankle at mile 21. Not fun. In 2018 most (90%) of the roads were repaved so it was nice and even for 2018.
In 2017 the weather was perfect. This was amazing since April in New England you never know what the weather will be. In 2018 the weather was for an hour of rain and then clearing up. It rained for the first 3 and a half hours of the event. There was rain on and off for many more hours. It was cold, raining, and windy. This is what occurs in the northeast.
The volunteers are polite and cheer for you. There are silly signs on one side of the course. There are ample port-a-potties along the loop. There is more than enough parking spaces. The views along the course are incredible so have your camera ready.
I enjoyed this ultra the past 2 years and look forward to running the 50 miler in 2019. I hope to see you there.