North America, The United States of America

Eagle

September 8, 2018

Race Report: Mountain Rats Marathon

A relatively tough course with lots of different trail conditions. This race included asphalt, dirt roads, Jeep trails, single track, fairly technical sections with larger rocks, several water crossings, and even what seemed like just natural drainage ditches through bushes and trees.

Many portions are highly runnable but there are also numerous very steep climbs and descents. This wouldn’t be the hardest race I have run to date, but it was certainly hardest on my feet. I walked away with several blisters, which is highly uncommon for me at any distance. I credit some of the steeper descents for the out of the ordinary blisters.

The first third or so is fairly well shaded but the majority of the last two-thirds is wide open and exposed. Although the day had high temperatures and tremendous dust, a runner who competed last year’s race described it as cold, raining, and a slip and slide of mud. I am not sure if I would prefer the heat or the mud, but I got what I got. Regardless, I like this race and would run it again. Solid fun.

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Race Website: https://geminiadventures.com/mountain-rats/