The Captain's Winter Solstice Runaround offers 3 race options, all of them are timed races. I ran the 12-hour option (knowing I would likely target the 50-mile mark, over the 12 hour mark), there are also a 6-hour and 4-hour options to sign-up for. The race is about as simple as you can get, you show up, get your bib and run.

I registered for the run on Wednesday morning with a Wednesday PM deadline to register. The website is pretty easy to navigate, it has the 3 options to register for and there you go you are done. The site doesn't have much info but it does give you a time and location, thats about all you need right? When I did have questions I emailed the race director and got an immediate response. From a race sign-up and inquiry aspect this race hosted by Dusty Bottoms Trail Runners check's all of the boxes.

Now let's get to race day, after emailing the race director I knew it would be a pretty simple morning since there were about 10 of us running the 12-hour, and maybe another 10-15 running the 6 hour. Both groups started at 7am. I got there just after 6am since I wasn't familiar with everything and wanted to give myself enough time to get my personal aid station all set-up. I knew exactly what I needed to bring for own fueling needs because the race director responded back to my email letting me know what they would have at the communal aid station set up next to the timing mat. When I walked up to the start area, the run group hosting the race was setting up, but when I got there I was greeted by a number of people setting up and they showed me the closest restroom and area where I was free to set-up my "stuff" (chair, snacks, wagon holding extra layers etc).

The course is simple and to be honest if you get lost, that's on you not the race. It's a one mile loop that is 99% pavement with about a 50 yard stretch of dirt.

For the first 2 hour it would be the two groups running around the loop, at 9am there would be the bulk of the participants jumping in for the 4-hour race. This is when the race got the most lively and it continued until 1pm when the 6 and 4 hour groups ended their day. With about 10 runners left after 1pm there was still a lot of support from the running group members, some even got in some training miles and gave other company as they ran the loops. The best thing about small races like this one is the support and friendly vibe that it offers (to be fair that's one of the best things about the ultra races is that, it is far tighter community in my opinion than the standard road race distance events).

Around the 9 hour 20 minute mark I completed 50.45 miles, this is when I called it a day, I hit my goal of 50 miles for the day. Upon completing the run and crossing the timing mat for the final time, I was congratulated with some friendly faces and authentic conversations. I was also provided with the race swag a t-shirt, a buff, patch (which somehow I lost already). Along with the standard race swag, runners who hit the 50-mile mark would receive a jacket which would be sent at a later time (I'll update the review when I get the jacket). When they found out that I drove in from Sacramento they were all very appreciative for me signing up, driving down and participating in the event.

All in all this was a blast, I got to run some miles and meet some new running folks I haven't met before. I hope this race gets some love and support from other runners out of the Modesto area.

Here's the final part that I think some runners need to know, if you're looking for placing in your age group or winning a race, this isn't the race for you. This race is about YOU, it's about hitting your goals for that given day. So if you're one of those runners who only signs up to win or place in your AG, then find another one. If you want to set a goal, be supported and enjoy the event then this is for sure one to consider and run. I will for sure put this run on my future race calendars and will check out other races that are hosted by Dusty Bottoms Trail Runners.

If you want to see the details of the loop here's a link to my Strava https://www.strava.com/activities/6400631730/overview .

A couple notes on the ratings above : zero stars for expo because there is no expo, 3 stars for the scenery because it's a loop so it doesn't change.