Chris Dunn has an update on the conditions at Kingman Farm on his blog, but that might change after tomorrow's potential snowstorm. Wait and see.I marked up the local trail map with what I believe to be the course for Saturday night. As far as I know it's the same course as last year.
What I remember:
- The start is a short walk up the trail from the parking lot (town hall).
- The start is very narrow.
- The course runs clockwise.
- Most of the early stuff is on typical winter hiking trails, maybe snowmobile width.
- There is a sharp left turn maybe 1/4 mile in. I only remember it because I tripped on my own snowshoes making the turn and had visions of being trampled by 80+ pairs of snowshoes.
- Most of the course is fairly flat to gentle rolling terrain, all the way up to the composting shed (see map). My guess is it will be fairly fast, with plenty of room to pass if needed.
- Once you get past the Compost shed the trail is mostly single track if I recall. You really need to get position before heading back into the woods and begin ascending Hicks Hill.
- The climb is taxing but runnable if I remember correctly. There are some pretty long switchbacks on the way up AND the way down, allowing you to see runners in front and behind. If you can't see them I promise you'll hear them.
- I think we sort of summit Hicks Hill and descend for a while before slowly climbing again around the perimeter towards the summit again. This was a difficult section last year (icy), sort of like running on a side of a hill.
- Lots of sharp turns up and over Hicks Hill so pay attention. Sight range is limited at night and you might run into a tree.
- The course was very well marked with surveyor flags...as long as you pay attention.
- The last section towards the finish has some fairly steep sections with lots of turns before leveling off near the finish.
- The finish was within spitting distance of the start.
- My guess is this course will have the fastest times of any race in the GSSS.
- Don't be surprised if you get beat by a banana.
The owner of this blog is not responsible for any inaccuracies, falsehoods or outright lies associated with this race. I can barely remember what I had for breakfast.
5 comments:
So, I don't believe that I fell last year during this race. What is the under over for me this year?
This should shape up to be a battle for 3rd, between Ted, Jay and myself. Of course one of us could end up in 2nd if Ri shows up late!!
Then again you still have a chance at 3rd if you can manage to get the right combo of 17 runners who can beat us 3 and not beat you.
We all know that you would have had 2nd all locked up if you were able to toe the line at Cobble. I'm sorry you weren't able to. The race had real character!!!
Steve, thanks for another great course preview. Whatever the odds, I'll put money on Scotty taking a tumble. At night, on ice, wearing snowshoe? It's a given. But hey, he could fall several times and still kick my butt by mucho minutes!
I'm with Dan on this one. How can Scotty NOT fall at Kingman Farm? A night race, icy conditions, running scared because he's racing for a podium spot...So many reasons :-)
Actually I'm more concerned about running into a tree on the last couple of switch backs to the finish line. I may not take 3rd in the series but I'll guarantee one thing, if Ted or Jay take it they'll have to earn it!!!
Dan you're doing super. You're out there in the fresh air getting one heck of a work out. Think about all the people who are shut-in's during the winter months. Keep it going baby!!
Oh no, I just had a very scary thought. I'm going to get beaten by a banana!!! Oh, the shame and humiliation. Morse may make me walk home!
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