NSU in Broken Arrow to 96th/Riverside near Jenks--all on the paved bike paths alongside the Creek Turnpike. It's all pavement, and nothing but a few miles and a few hills and a few aid stations between you and the finish line. While some may run it hard and fast, many will take it easy saving energy for the next day where they'll face a 50K on good old fashioned dirt trails.
Running 60-some-odd miles in a race may sound ludicrous to some, although in actuality, it may be no big deal to seasoned ultra runners. But how about breaking it up into three days--well that's what this event is all about. 3-Days to 100K--the Oklahoma Way is a stage race. On Friday night, you run a 25K (15.5 miles) and it's an easy course. It's all pavement, and nothing but a few miles and a few hills between you and the finish line. It's ran at night, and with aid stations every 3 miles, it's a nice little warm-up run for most. While some may run it hard and fast, many will take it easy saving energy for the next day where they'll face a 50K on good old fashioned dirt trails.
Day two is a 50K and starts early Saturday morning on private land at a secret location. If it's anything like last year, you'll have your work cut out for you. Last years course was scenic, and tough enough to make you forget about the scenery.
Last year, we had 10 miles to navigate on gravel roads, then hit the dirt and tackled more hills than you could imagine.
Two 10 mile loops up and down steep hills, crossing several creeks and streams, leaves you wiped out, but in a good way. Smart strategy would be to keep it slow enough to be steady, pushing the pace only in the last third of the race.
It's good to run with a friend, as the day can be a long one. Dips in the various water crossings are optional.
Expect aid stations every 3 miles or so. Eating is half the fun. Be sure to thank the aid station volunteers, who have gave up their entire weekend to help you have a fun race.
Day three again is at a secret location. Not even I know where it will be. Part of the fun in this race is not knowing just WHAT you're getting into. The first year, day three was hellaciously hilly and muddy. Last year, day three was scenic, fairly flat, and a fast course. Something tells me we are in for a surprise this year.
There are awesome medals for those finishing all three days, and awards for those opting for just two of the three, and also for those just running one of the days. Best of all, the cookout after the Sunday 25K is superb. By then, everyone has worked up a giant appetite, and a burger and a cold brew fits the bill.
And as RD Kathy Hoover put it,
"Wanna know the best way to train for a 100 miler??? Run three days in a row!"SIGN UP TODAY!
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