To be fair, I work in marketing for Wicomico County Recreation & Parks, which is one of the organizations that puts on this event (the other is Algonquin Ultras). However, this is a fun and unique event that I'd like to share with the BibRave community.

This is the third year I've participated in the Pemberton 24. At this race, a 5K starts every hour, on the hour, for 24 hours (5Ks start at 7 p.m. Friday through 6 p.m. Saturday). Runners can choose to do as many or as few 5Ks as they want — but they need to start with the group (no early or late starts). Runners get points for each 5K they complete, an extra point for 5Ks between midnight and 4 a.m., and additional points for placing. People can participate on teams or as individuals.

It's a cup-less race, and there is an aid station that runners get to at the end of each 5K. There are different food options after each 5K. There is a water cooler that people can use to refill their bottles/hydration packs, and other options included soda, chips, ice pops, chicken, cupcakes, quesadillas and more. There was also a food truck at the event (one on Friday and a different one on Saturday).

The race is run on trails. I love the trails at Pemberton Park, but I did rate "scenery" as a 4/5 because a lot of the race is in the dark, so you can't see much. Headlamps are required for the dark hours. There are also some fun decorations set up along the way. Also, it is the same loop over 24 hours, so the scenery does not change after the first time (aside from how light or dark it is).

Swag includes a T-shirt and a patch. You can "patch out" when you are finished with your run, no matter how far that is. On the T-shirt, you can fill in how many of the 5Ks you did. I completed 12 this year.

Although the trails are technical and there are lots of roots, there is hardly any elevation. There are some hills that those of us who live in the very flat local area notice.

Parking is easy and free, and each runner/team gets a campsite where they can set up a tent, coolers or other items. Since I live close by, this year I opted to drive home, sleep and come back.

I know everyone who manages the race, but I think they do a great job. There's also a really involved Facebook group if you are interested or have any questions.

Read more in my blog post: https://sherunsbytheseashore.com/2021/10/10/i-tried-a-new-strategy-for-this-years-pemberton-24-and-it-worked/