North Face Endurance Challenge Half Marathon Race Report
Wow. North Face really knows how to put on a race. I ran the 50K last year as my first* ultra, and was really impressed then. The course markings, aid stations, pre and post race support, friendly and helpful volunteers… all of it was amazing and made for an awesome foray in to the ultra world.
They offered the ultra (50K and 50 miles) again this year, on Saturday, along with a marathon and marathon relay. But, Rachel and I (who both had free entries**, thanks to North Face) decided to do the half marathon on Sunday, because it worked better with our race schedules. I wondered if the half (there was also a 10K and 5K) would be as well supported as the ultras. I wondered if it was the “lessor” of the events, since the distance was shorter.
No way. It was just as awesome. Amazing aid stations. Tons of food and booths pre and post race. Giant bowl of Skittles? Yes please! Free Clif Bar products up the wazoo! Super neat medal and screened race shirt. Awesome water bottle and socks with the entry… North Face gets the race goodies RIGHT! And the volunteers rocked and the course was marked really well.
So, yeah. I really love this race. Rachel and I are already pondering the 50K again for next year… hee hee.
Which races have you done and thought, “Man! This race is stellar!”?!
And on to the actual race! Our plan was to try to take as long as possible, to maximize time on the course, together. I think we had a 4:00 hour time limit, and sadly, we made it in much sooner than that, in 2:40 or something. Ha ha. We kept saying, “I don’t want to the race to end!” I mean, really, how often (other than on long runs?!) do you get the chance to just talk and talk and talk to your friends ***?
Our strategy was the same as the 50K we did together – walk up the hills, run the rest of the time, except for tricky downhills, and stopping at aid stations. And maybe for one selfie (really! only one!)!
The race is at Kettle Moraine in Wisconsin. Apparently, a moraine is a thing. Ahhh, learning on a Monday! Anyway, it’s just beautiful up there – tall trees, dirt paths… you’re immersed in nature, which I love. And! Which also helped keep us a bit dry, as it rained for the entire race! The only disappointing thing about that is that the course wasn’t more muddy, so I didn’t get to play in the mud that much. Ha ha.
I really enjoy trail running. It’s so peaceful and laid back (for me). And I really appreciated the soft running surfaces – my quads were just wrecked from the day before!
It was great to see a few people from my running club there too!**** I am just so happy to see people get out on the trails, and try a different kind of race (or run, really). I think some people are turned off by trail running because there is a greater chance of tripping, and because it slows down your pace. But I just love it (I mean, come on, I am always looking for reasons to run slower!).
Dammit, every time I do a trail race, I’m all “RUN ALL THE TRAILS!” Surely, I can fit trail running and bike riding and ALL THE THINGS in to marathon training?
And I at least know I will be back next year!
Okay, okay, one more thing. Check out the cool gaiters I have. Rachel got them for me for my birthday and I used them at the race for the first time! Love them! Totally kept sand and rocks out of my trail shoes!
*And only to date, thus far
**All opinions are my own, blah blah blah, duh.
***And luckily, no one was around us very often, as I know it can be really annoying to listen to people chat during a race.
****Especially since it means I was able to get a ride to the race, when Steven really needed to use the car. Ha ha.*****
*****Rachel and I kept passing, then getting passed back by Riyanti and Kate for the entire course! Too funny!
Themocracy
While I am SO SAD that I couldn’t actually do this race (WAHHHH!!!) I am glad I never signed up since yesterday would NOT have been a good running day for me. Too much coughing and sneezing and snotting happening here 🙁
BUT! I’m so glad you had so much fun! And your gaiters are so cute (I actually noticed them before I even read the caption on the pic). Good job Rachel!! (And Rachel – have fun at Fox Cities – FREAKING LOVE THAT RACE!)
Thanks Bobbi! I wish you were there this year again!!
Its my favorite race! I would be tempted to do the 50 with you if you went the same pace. So much fun. I am totally wearing my shirt today. And I may just blog about it since I have been a royal slacker blogger.
Oh yeah. That is totally our trail pace! We are just out there to have fun! You should do the 50 next year!
AND YES to blogging!
Sounds like a wonderful trail half marathon! I love the shirt!
Hmm you should have stretched out your time on the course to fully enjoy all 4 alloted hours 🙂
You’ve sold me on this race. I need to do it. Maybe next year if I’m not chasing a fall marathon. Damn. There has to be other races in Kettle moraine. I need a 50k before next July 🙂
Great job on the race! Sounds like you gals had a blast with your mud run even though it wasnt muddy enough. hehe
It looks beautiful! We are camping this weekend in Kettle Moraine. Maybe I should find a trail and do some trail running for the first time!
Yeah! Go for it! 🙂
What did I not do right on Saturday that my quads aren’t bugging me that much? Hmmm….
I never even knew there was such a thing as gaiters! I so rarely trail run, but when I do I swear I’m picking crap out of my shoes for several runs afterward.
Glad you gals had a fun race! 🙂
I saw this on Swoop earlier in the week, but my booty was not race ready. Maybe next year?
I think a few people in my club used that deal! What was the price? I heard it was super low!
I think it was $43 for the half and $47 for the marathon.
Ahh, okay! Someone told me $20 and I was all “WHOA!”
This may be my favorite race report ever. We loved North Country, too! Maybe I will get out there for this one next year, too!!
Aww, thanks! You should go! You would just kill the course!
Looks like it was a hoot! What a great day too, the weather was wet but gorgeous! And free socks?!?!?! What kind? Free quality socks would win me over too 😉
You’ve got a race coming up for your ef right?
Smart wool socks!
Sorry, I am dumb and don’t know what ef stands for 🙁 I have a few races on the calendar, though!
I really hope I can fit this in my schedule next year!! You make it sound so fun. And, yes, trail running is awesome. Such a nice change from running on the streets.
I hope you can too!
It was such a lovely day. You recapped it so well, I think I’ll just copy and paste all this for my race recap. haha. 🙂
Ha ha! Hey! You are supposed to be working on Demotivational Monday, anyway!
Whooo sounds like so much fun! I really wanted to volunteer for the Challenge they are having near here but will be running a marathon that weekend. Bummer man ;). I am putting an endurance challenge on my list of races I want to do!
I’m so glad you had such a great race. It’s nice that they put on all of their distances so well. I’ve never heard anything negative about one of the North Face races. And that shirt is really unique; I don’t generally wear a bunch of race shirts because they’re not that comfortable, but that one would be an exception. Very cool!
V and I are talking about volunteering sometime soon for a race. I have no idea what the age must be. But looks awesome!
Sounds like a great time! Love the last picture. I have gaiters for cross-country skiing but haven’t heard of them for running! Great idea!
So glad you had a great time!!! Look like really nice trails, too – awesome!
is it any coincidence that I thought the North Country Trail Run was really well done? Must be something about trail races!
Yes! Trail races are da bomb!
I love the trails! Which is why I’m so bummed that the two trail races that I hoped to do were canceled for the fall.
Sounds like you had an amazing experience! And you should totally do the ultra next year so that I can read about.
Are there any other options for races? I would be bummed they were canceled too! 🙁