Ultrarunning usually conjures up images of some remote, far-off venue like the Western States Endurance Run in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. The nature of this brand of endurance running does not lend itself synonymous with a city setting.
One local race seeks to reverse this trend.
Enter the Swamp Rabbit Urban Ultra 50K. Scheduled for this Saturday, October 5 at the Lake Conestee Nature Park in Greenville, SC, the event is one of a kind in the arena of endurance running.
The philosophy of the Swamp Rabbit Urban run is:
Not everyone can run a marathon - and even fewer people can run an ultra marathon.
Swamp Rabbit Urban Ultra is the ideal first ultra race. Most ultra runs are on technical trails, involve running at night, perhaps getting lost, maybe falling down a few times and usually require that you travel a fair distance to participate.
The Swamp Rabbit Urban Ultra removes all of those issues, but will still test you past anything you have ever done in a regular marathon.
Think of it as a race that looks to see how much you have left in the tank after a standard marathon.
Technically speaking, the shortest standard ultrarunning race distance is 50K (or 31 miles). Ultrarunning, once a niche fad, has seen its interest swell in recent years, as if a 26.2-mile requires too much foot speed for competitors to get into their groove. No longer just for hardcore runners, it is not uncommon to see someone run a marathon or two then jump right into an ultra. Women, in particular, appear to thrive in ultrarunning where leg turnover plays less of a role than developing a strong cardiovascular system and an efficient slow-twitch fiber apparatus.
While the course will feature six aid stations along the way- three on the way out, three on the way back to Conestee Park- runners are highly encouraged to carry a source of hydration. The race is intended for “seasoned” marathoners who can handle the extended pounding their legs will experience on the paved surfaces and can adapt to its uniquely urban makeup.
The course will start with runners taking on 5 miles of groomed trails and 4 miles of paved roads at Conestee Park before embarking on 22 miles of out and back running on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Runners that complete the 31 mile course in under 4 hours will receive a finishers award. The race begins at 7:30a.m. and the course will remain open until 3:30p.m.
Although registration has already closed for the event and no race day entries will be offered, expect to see a good amount of spectators turnout for this distinctive distance event.
Race organizer, Joe Lanahan, is also in need of volunteers. He can be contacted at 864 303-0744.
For more information on the Swamp Rabbit Urban Ultra 50K, please visit http://swamprabbiturbanultra.com/
Other Greenville area races scheduled for this weekend….
Saturday, October 5
Lauren’s Hope Foundation 5K Run
Fountain Inn, SC
8:00a.m.
Register at http://www.laurenshope.org/
Feet for Heat 5K Run
Easley, SC
9:00a.m.
Register at http://184.154.122.108/~ucmpc/fall_fest.php
Knights Challenge 5k and Family Run
Greenville, SC
9:00a.m.
Register at http://www.sjcatholicschool.org/knights-challenge/
7th Annual Benson Twilight 5K Run
Greer, SC
5:00p.m.
All proceeds benefit Greer Community Ministries and its 4 programs: Meals on Wheels for the Greater Greer area, Senior Dining, Food Pantry and Sharon’s Closet.
Register at: http://go-greenevents.com/event/id/1472
Sunday, October 6
Goodwill Mud Run 3.5 Mile
Greenville, SC
8:00a.m.
Register at http://greenvillemudrun.org/
