Great Spillway Classic Trail Run - Run3 Mile

Run started on the levee, and I was able to hold a good pace. They didn't have any mile markers, but I'm guessing around a 8:15-8:30 pace for the first 1.25 miles. Then we made a hard left into the swamps. First obstacle, and the biggest of "the Gauntlet" is the mud holes as soon as you leave the levee. It was a stretch abotu 25-30 yards long of knee deep mud. People falling over, throwing mud around, shoes coming off (hence the duct tape), and the worst stench ever. But it was a blast!

After getting through the mud pits, it was basically all trail. Hopping over fallen trees, running under fallen trees, dodging tree stumps. And the trail is only wide enough for one person. If you wanted to pass someone, you were taking some branches to the face. I saw several people limping their way through the course, and I can see why. If you weren't really careful, it would have been simple to step on a small root or mud hole and roll your ankle.

The trail winded back and forth, with the longest straight away being maybe 50m. Several people commented that the course seemd a bit longer than 3 miles, but it doesn't matter. This race wasn't about time anyways.

More duct tape.

Fire department had their hoses out in make shift showers, which felt great. And NOTC always does a great job with post-race setup. They had hot dogs, red beans and rice, icees, beer, soda, etc. Lots of fun.


Mud.


Every year, they rate this course on difficulty based on the ammount of rain prior to the day of the race. This year was a 7. I would definitely recommend this race to anyone that's looking for a very well run event with a great after-party and an exciting (and dirty) course.