ARGH!!!! I've seen the El Scorcho Run listed in different places for the last few years, and always thought it sounded like a pretty unique event. It fills up quick, so I paid attention this year and signed up right away on Feb 1. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Ft Worth is several hours from my house, so I booked a room at the local Marriott Residence Inn, which is within easy walking distance of the race start/finish. Great location and a nice hotel! It's right down the block from the Ft. Worth Running Company store where you have to go for packet pick-up. Saw several other racers in the halls of the hotel.

I knew I was WAY undertrained, so I was hoping to start slow and maintain pace as long as possible. Since IM-TX in May, I have not really done much in the way of long runs, except the Midnight Sun Marathon in Anchorage while I was on vacation. I figured that I'd be impacted by some combination of the heat, the lack of volume, and the all-night format. I think all had a small impact, but, together they slammed me pretty hard. I had about three and a half good 5K laps....after that I started to walk the aid stations and slow down more and more. After about two hours, I started to have some real stomach issues, which might have been due to being up too late. Got to take several trips to the outhouse. Nice! These races are more mental than anything else....usually if your head's in the right spot, your body will follow. That was the case for me at El Scorcho, as I didn't really feel I was mentally in the game and my results prove it. Anyway, I slogged through. I know more ultras are in my future, but I don't know if I'll be making a return visit to El Scorcho VI.

The course itself is about as easy as they come. A mixture of surfaces, but the trail is wide, well groomed, and lighting is adequate. About 75% (or more) of the participants do the 25k race, so you have a lot of company out there for the first three hours. After that it starts to get a little lonely. At least two aid stations per lap, so no need to carry anything unless you're not willing to live off the course. A lot of people set up tables and ice chests near the start, where they have access to their own "stash" once per lap. About 25% of the races carry some sort of light. I run with a headlamp when I do morning workouts, but chose not to use it when I saw the course and how much moonlight there was. Lights were really unnecessary. The organizers do a great job, as the event itself was well run. I can imagine how hard it is to get volunteers to man aid stations for 7-hours, starting at midnight!

1. Get more sleep in the days leading up to the race.
2. Take a nap on race day. Sleep as long as possible.
3. Boost training miles to ensure mileage is sufficient for 50k.

Collected my gear and walked to the hotel. Quick shower, a bite to eat, then hit the bed for a few hours sleep before driving home.


1. Lack of training
2. Lack of sleep
3. Heat/Humidity (which wasn't really that bad, but I'm looking for any excuse I can get)


This race is what it advertises....night time 50k on an easy course in Ft Worth in July.