Race report for the 37th annual Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic "50 miler" (2017)

I would like to preface this report by saying I loved this race and wish more people would run it and also that 

it's full of bravado and product placements! With that said, "I finally won a race"!  I have achieved 2nd and 3rd 

before and am usually content to be in the top 20% of the field, but as I am quickly approaching 40 it 

happened; I crossed the finish line first and I did it without assistance, although there's no video evidence to 

prove it.  The 50 mile course consist of a series of 8 uniform loops, with a slight extention made to the first.  

The course is 100% asphalt and garners less than 1000 ft of elevation in totality.  The location is ideal as the 

start and finish is less than 50 yards from your accommodations.  Temperatures are also ideal, although this 

year might have been considered slightly cool, with the temperature ranging from the mid 30s at the 7am start, 

up to around 50 for the mid-afternoon finish.  This year the sun wasn't a factor as there was heavy cloud 

coverage for 85% of the race; however, even had the sky been absent of clouds, the sun would be minimized 

by the tall pines which line the course.  This year there was a brisk headwind for the ~3 miles in,  which also 

means that apparently there was a tailwind heading out; although I never perceived such an advantage, but 

again it never seems wind at my back elicits a sensation.  The field was small, less than 30 participants, with 

only about 20 finishing the race.  The event is low key with three total aid stations; one of which only provides 

moral support, a car to hide behind in the event you need to pee, and possibly water, if you're very nice.  The 

event is put on by a local track club and although they may have been lacking in direct participation (for the 

50 miler at least), they make up for it by providing aid to their fellow members.  Several runners had 

multiple pacers and/or large support groups; however even out on the couse alone and with my crew 

consisting of a ambivilant wife and 10 year old child it all worked out.  My diet was simple, 2 fig newtons 

and 1/4 PB&J from the aid stations combined with a total of 8 S! Caps and 64 ounces of caffeinated 

Tailwind.  As long as I am placing unsponsored advertising within this monstrosity I will also mention that 

Squirrel Nut Butter is a God sent and that sometimes out of the box Hokas don't spell disaster, at least the 

Clifton 4s didn't for me.   Rounding out with my Drymax socks, Solomon shorts Ultimate Direction hand 

bottle and Nike dri-fit shirt I had no material or equipment issues.  My finish time was 7:28:37 after which I 

took my prizes (a large ceramic bowl, hoodie, and ceramic medal) and promptly drove 6 hours home.