Featured Running Event of the Week - 1 Day For The K.I.A.

1 Day For The K.I.A. recognizes and honors all members of the military who were Killed In Action, Missing In Action, and Prisoners of War.  The "day" consists of several strength competitions (sponsored by local military cadet organizations), a 5k, and a 12-hour Endurance Race.  The 12-Hour Endurance Race is what will be discussed in this article.

By the way, for those who are not familiar with an "endurance race", basically the fundamental idea is to get as many miles (or laps) in as possible within 12 hours.  The one with the most, wins.  But it's also about finishing and putting one's body through the test of being out there for 12 hours (or 6 or 8 or 24 or whatever) without quitting, while persevering and pushing personal limits.  There is no set distance - only and end-time.

The race takes place on "The Oval" at Ohio State University in Columbus, OH.  "The Oval" is essentially what they call "The quad" in so many movies.  The course is mostly cement, with a touch of asphalt and a little bit of brick.  It's not a trail run, let's be clear about that.  It's basically flat, my GPS Watch showed a 12 foot total elevation gain, which of course also has a 12 foot elevation drop.  But there were no hills to speak of - this would be what they call "flat and fast".  It's a bullring though, to use a stock car term, it's only 0.711 miles per lap.  This means lots of laps and lots of repetition. 

BUT, it wasn't as repetitive as one would expect - at 4 hours and at 8 hours, the course changed directions.  Cross the start/finish line, circle a cone, and had back out the other way.  I guess that keeps us from getting loopy.  (always time for a bad pun)   What was cool about it though, as some runners were starting the new direction, some were finishing, so it allowed for those moments of high-fives between runners, which is always a great moment of any race.

BUT, that's not all that kept it from getting repetitive and/or monotonous.  Sure, the very cool architecture of the surrounding buildings is fun to look at, for a few laps, but then what?  Well, as mentioned earlier, there were also strength competitions going on during the day - and there would be a new one every 2 hours for 8 hours.  Weights, jumping, and stuff I can't even explain.  Anyhow, all of that took place right next to the course, so runners could check that out every lap.  Also, the cadets would cheer on participants quite often as well. 

BUT, that's not even all.  Because this took place on an active college campus, there was so much more going on.  The National Surveyors Association (or something like that) was on the oval performing surveying exercises.  No, not asking runners questions - but doing land surveys, so they were all over the place setting up gear and carrying these giant poles across the track and all sorts of stuff.  Then, then, the students discovered it was 65 degrees out, and they turned inside the oval to OSU Red in a matter of minutes.  Students playing Frisbee, whiffle ball, soccer, hackey sack, skateboarding, and just laying around in hammocks and beach blankets all day.  And, finally, it appeared it was also a "prospective student" day as well, as many parents with college aged kids and young ones were walking around with maps and such.  So, in short, even though the laps were short, there was always something going on.  In addition to just running the race and focusing on pace and conservation, and all the other stuff that goes into completing an endurance race.

BUT, if you thought that was all - you are mistaken.  A local medical school team of students was there conducting a study on endurance running.  Being part of the study was optional for runners, but the study was to track blood pressure and heart functions (using an ECG).  Measurements were taken before the race - at about 1/2 way - and at the end of the race.  It's always good to help out the medical field when possible.

Oh, there was also 12-hours of music from speakers at the start/finish line and at the strength competitions - and there was plenty of food.  Bananas, grapes, M&Ms, rice krispie treats, slim jims, pretzels, PB&J, and even cheese burgers - yes cheese burgers!!!

The volunteers at the food tent, the medical tent, and the scoring tent, were not just phenomenal, they were also polite and fun people!!!

And, the on-course encouragement from the other participants, was amazing, which is always helpful.  That encouragement goes a long way, whether someone is a fast runner or a slow runner. 

All-in-all a VERY VERY WELL run event, enjoyable, and challenging!!