This was the 2nd 50k I’ve run and it was back in 2013 in Williamsburg, VA (note - 2013 the race was in May, I think it's in April now). This is a small ultra marathon with a fairly small field of runners but is wonderfully supported and organized. It started at a middle school which was open (indoor bathrooms!) beforehand and then quickly routed runners into the woods (less than a mile). The run is in Freedom Park and features a lot of hills, roots, bridges, creeks, wildlife, and solitude! I took one hard fall and several near-misses during the race. As I recall, there are several different loops and trails that make up the course (D trail is the most technical and difficult, that I remember!!) so it does change up every so often – nothing gets old! There is great support with well-stocked aid stations and enthusiastic volunteers, and you can have a drop bag ready as well.

I finished as the second overall female and won a cool ceramic clock shaped like a running shoe (it’s on my wall of fame) and all finishers receive a cool ceramic medal as well. The t-shirt was cotton but it’s one of my favorites (fitted, not baggy). I haven’t been focusing on ultras since I started running the 50 states, but I really liked this event (we lucked out with cooler weather in 2013, I think 2014 was warm and humid!). Enjoy the snacks at the finish line then go to Williamsburg and enjoy pancakes at one of the many breakfast joints in town!