Catoctin 50K
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
-African Proverb
Cool creek at Catoctin
Very much like the Massanuttens
Spectacular views from the top!
VHTRC MGM50K Fat Ass
The Virginia Happy Trails Running Club hosts the best Fat Ass events. The annual Magnus Gluteus Maximus 50km was another fabulous event. With a sprinkling of snow at the start and some icy rain at the finish, most of the day was just cold and cloudy. The trails were challenging with a snow and ice layer that turned into mud as the day went on. Aid stations were stocked with the best of ultra fuel – cheese puffs, M&Ms, holiday cookies and bourbon. The after-party at Hemlock was a rollicking good time. And as always, the best part of the day was playing with great friends on the trail. Cheers to another year of happy running in the VHTRC!
The obligatory “groupie” shot at the start
Icy rocks by the river
In the Do Loop
Aid stations in true VHTRC style
Capon Valley 50K
Capon Valley 50K is a fabulous spring race in West Virginia. A hilly, technical course with countless stream crossings, luscious mud to play in, friendly and welcoming volunteers at the aid stations, lots of friends who come back year after year and a most delicious barbecue chicken dinner at the end – what’s not to love!? This is one race that will always be on my spring calendar.
“mud luscious and puddle wonderful” trails
Bob’s rock
one of many stream crossings
Bel Monte 50K
Beautiful view from the trail
The first creek crossing at the falls.
Just loved this tree in a sea of green rocks.
Sunrise at the first overlook – made the climb worth every step.
Rocks. Lots of them. Actually had a lot of fun running on this stretch of trail!
The HAT Run 50K
The 25th running of the HAT Run 50K took place in Susquehanna State Park in Havre de Grace, Maryland on March 23. It’s a fun ultra with great aid stations and plenty of single track trail to play on. Although it’s a big ultra (over 450 runners) it was very well-organized with plenty of aid, fabulous volunteers and great swag, including a technical hat (of course), a technical tee and an Under Armour hooded sweatshirt with the race logo embroidered on it. One to put on the calendar for next spring!
Views of the Susquehanna River
And a few fields tossed in for fun…
Crazy cool tree on the HAT course
Trail on the HAT Run – Susquehanna State Park
VHTRC Elizabeth’s Furnace 50K – Massanutten Mountains
A fun day in the mountains with the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club!
And the rocks begin…
One of many stream crossings
Climbing on the ridge – that resembled a stegasaurus’ back
The views from the top are always worth the work it takes to get there.
Hashawha Hills 50K
A winter 50K put on by the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club – Hashawha Hills starts at the Bear Branch Nature Center in Westminster, Maryland. It’s a 2 loop course that takes runners on a wild ride through frozen and muddy fields, hills, streams, fire roads, and horse trails surrounding the park. Great day playing on trail – and a most fabulous finishers mug made by a local potter.
butt slide hill
one of several ICY stream crossings
as the frozen mud began to thaw….
mud…lots of mud
pine needle trail
- sweet finishers mug
Capon Valley 50K
Meadow trail
One of many, many, many…creek crossings
The view from the top is always worth the climb to get there.
I see trails 