Featured Running Event of the Week - Saw Wee Kee Spring Trail Challenge

Saw
Wee
Kee

"saw-wickey"

The Saw Wee Kee Spring Challenge Race is a 5k Trail Race in Saw Wee Kee Park near Oswego, IL along the Fox River.  A challenging name to say, and a challenging course as well.  Most of the course is double (or triple wide) path, but there are some sections of single wide path.  The course consists mostly of hard dirt and rocky dirt, as it is very close to a rock quarry.  And parts of the course feel more like a Mountain Bike course with ups and downs and ups and downs (they have a word for that in motocross, but I can't remember it).  There are some steep inclines, and declines, as well.  In addition there are 3 creek crossings (well, 2 separate ones, one of which is crossed twice).  Both of these have steep entrances and exits.  It is unlikely a runner can successfully jump one, so most everybody will get wet.  The final stretch is run on grassy horse path alongside the Fox River.

This is definitely a trail for those who watch where they are running, between the rocks and the roots, there is unsure footing for 90% of the race.  Though, it is "hard dirt" it is still softer on the knees than asphalt or pavement.

The course is a combination of loop and out-back with about 50% of the trail being run only once - and 50% on the out-and-back portion.  The ever changing terrain and elevations definitely keeps the run interesting for the entire duration.  The race starts on one side of the road and ends on the other, finishing alongside the Fox River for a nice scenic view while rehydrating and recovering.

A unique aspect of this race is the 1-hour start window.  Participants can start the race any time between 4 and 5 PM.  It is chip timed, so the timing doesn't start until the runner crosses the start line.  If there is a line of runners waiting to start, runners are released one at a time in intervals - judged by the previous runner being out of visual sight before the next runner starts. 

The option to choose a start time does prevent an interesting twist to the race, though.  Are you the type of runner that uses a rabbit to pace yourself?  Then you should get in line and start with the crowd.  Are you the kind of runner that loses interest if you don't feel the challenge of runners behind (or in front of) you?  Then get in line and start with the crowd.  Are you a very fast trail runner?  Then start up front - OR - delay your start until you think the path is relatively clear and you won't catch much traffic.  Do you prefer to run alone at your own pace, and don't want to interfere with others?  Then start after a few minutes after the crowd starts.  Of course, weather could also play a factor, is it raining at the start?  Is it about to rain?  Is the sun out?  Will it go behind a cloud?   If the course was muddy, do you want to run it before it gets all trodden by other runners?  Or do you prefer it has been "worn" before you go out?

The one-hour window to start the race definitely puts some strategy into it - or if not strategy - at least some new twists.