Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Featured Running Event of the Week - Fox Valley Winter Challenge Race 3 - 10k



Featured Running Event of the Week - Fox Valley Winter Challenge Race 3 - 10k
The 3rd, and final, race in the Series occurs in March. There is one in January (5k), February (8k), and March (10k). Oddly, the March race was BY FAR the coldest day out of all of them.

The series is fun because each race builds in distance, which is good for new runners, new trail runners, and just runners returning after a Holidays break.

The 10k is the most technical of them all, as it is run primarily on single-wide paths with roots and rocks and low branches. There are also several "hurdle" opportunities - both of the man-made and nature-made kind. Much of this course is also used for Cyclocross riders and mountain bikers. Some some of the obstacles are man made ramps (made from rocks and trees) and some are just fallen trees or above ground roots. In addition, being only single wide in many parts, low branches also need to be accounted for. This is basically what trail runners love. The course also does have a few open fields with ultra wide paths and also a little bit of pavement, leading to the finish line, which allows for a great finish line kick on a relatively smooth surface.

The route is actually a 5k two times - so everything gets to be experienced twice - like it or not.

Due to a snow and thaw and rain during the week - the course also offered some other challenges, that trail runners enjoy. There was about a 50 meter section of ankle deep water. Runners could run through it - or go slightly off-trail and navigate through the brush and trees. I think timewise - it was a wash. There were also two areas of about 20 meters each of ankle deep MUD, sinking thick mud. Again, runners could navigate the brush instead, but I doubt that was any faster. But it's trail running - isn't this why trail runners run trails?

There was some elevation change in this course as well and the entire course was a mixture of open field, single wide path, a little pavement, switchbacks, winding tight curves, and rocks and roots and hurdles. "Technical" is the way trail runners would describe this course.

Oh by the way, the course was at Fabyan Windmill Preserve in Geneva - across the street from the flat riverside paths.



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