My Hellgate race this year was full of more personal ups and downs than the course itself, and considering the elevation changes on the course, that’s saying something (the race could just as easily be called Up and Over because it feels like Dave Horton simply drives you out into the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains and then weaves a trail roughly 65miles long, up and over every mountain between you and the finish line).  [Read more...]

On the one hand, my report has nothing to do with the race, after all, I didn’t even run it! On the other hand, it has everything to do with the race, since the race was my reason for being there. What a strange and wonderful experience it was. I have run races, I have spectated at races, but crewing is something entirely different from the other two [Read more...]

This year’s Hellgate was the least enjoyable of the seven I have now completed. It was my slowest time but I am also glad to have completed it. The race director describes this event as ‘special’ and there is definitely something about it that makes it stand out. Over the years the trip to Virginia has built a number of traditions; the Thursday evening departure from Connecticut and overnight in Hamburg, PA. Breakfast and then a brief ‘pilgrimage’ to Cabela’s before heading south once more. [Read more...]