Promise Land 50K

Article by Deb Reno

Pictures

Results

Ingredients for an ultrarunner's dream day....

 

perfect spring weather

lush Virginia hillsides

hanging out with many of your best friends

waterfalls and cascading brooks

killer hills

friendly aid station volunteers

more killer hills

all kinds of trail - a wonderful mix

did I mention killer hills?

30.75 miles (for some, 32.75 miles!)

a quad busting 2.6 mile downhill plunge to the finish

burgers, cokes, and plenty of smiles at the finish line...

warm sunshine and soft green grass...watching the finishers come in....

 

the Promise Land 50K was as advertised!  Horton always puts on a quality event.

8000 feet of climb and descent in 50K!  Probably why this race had an 11 hour finishing cut-off!!!

 

Sue J., Wes, Steve, Deb and  Loomdog represented New England (I still claim Greg as one of our own)

and all performed strongly and had fun on one of the most beautiful courses I have ever run.  Out of approximately 150 starters, the Yankees all finished in the top third of the field, including some VERY talented runners. 

Steve, Wes and I stayed at Mike and Judy Sandlin's house, enjoying the hospitality and laughs in Big Island, VA not far form the start.  Mike and Sue camped out at the park, and Mike did some mountain biking while the rest of us worked our tails off on them thar hills on foot.  I think that Mike's "pharmacy on wheels" also came in handy for one Mr. Pero. (this was not a drug free run!)

Steve tried to win the best blood award after taking a tumble on a technical down hill stretch - but for some reason the cute little 22 year old blondes that came in with minor scratches and bumps seemed to get much more attention from the race director!!  What's up with that?  Greg and Robert Youngren, running with Steve, were able to scientifically  document the wicking ability of coolmax, watching a large circle of blood appear on Steve's shoulder from his fall.... or was he shot in the back by the first female, Francesca, who was led off course by this bunch as they ran along chatting and not paying attention?  Unfortunately, the extra two miles they ran cost her the lead,  but Francesca took it all in stride. 

 

If any of you get the opportunity to try this one next year, I highly recommend it.  You won't be disappointed.

You will, however, be mighty sore afterwards.

 

pass the ibuprofen,

deb