Broken Runners

In theory would you be interested in this format again on 1/1/2025? (A Wednesday). Because of park size limitations, we had a limit of 60 runners, and it sold out 2 months before the race. (Had 25+ on waitlist at various times, and dozens more inquiring to get in.

Because of the location (which got 5 ⭐️ reviews) I would keep it there (maybe change up the course slightly) but would need to stick with 60 again.

In theory. In theory….

A Groundhog Day: “A situation in which events that have happened before happen again, in what seems to be exactly the same way.”

The Groundhog Ultra 10x5K (50K) and 5x5K (25K) was a good one. Held at my favorite local trail in Englewood, FL, 60 runners (limited do to park size) took on the challenge of running a 5K at the top of each hour for every hour.

Congrats to Nick Baxter and Loan Vo on their winning performances in the 50K and to Brian O’Connor and Diana Dusenbury for their Ws in the 25K.

I also issued a “fun” challenge right before the 10th and final 5k of the race: Any runner who could run their fastest 5K of the race on that final loop when win free entry for life into my races. Two were up to the challenge: Congrats to Ken Snavely and Rene Swanton on the feat (I’m just glad it was only two!)

Results can be found on Ultrasignup: https://www.ultrasignup.com/m_results_event.aspx?did=113412

5K splits can be found on runsignup: https://www.runsignup.com/Race/Results/159370 -466546;perpage:100

Groundhog 10x5k and 5x5K photos

Don’t act like you haven’t done this…

Trails for The Groundhog 50K (10x5K) are nice and dry, believe it or not. Chance of rain has dropped dramatically. Aid station snacks are ready to go. Remember we will have pizza after the 5th 5K (end of the 25k and midway through the 50K). See everyone tomorrow. Race starts at 8AM, gates open at 7AM.

Will we see anyone tonight at the park? Can’t wait to see how dry it is!

6 Days until the Groundhog 50K/25K!

Resharing the FAQs and important race details. Final email will be coming out shortly:

- Race Location: Lemon Bay Park & Environmental Center (in google will get you there). 570 Bay Park Blvd. Englewood FL 34223

- FRIDAY Early Pick-up/Trail Check: If you want to check out the trail the night before and pick up your goodies, we will be at the park from 6-7:30 pm doing a little pre-work and course marking. Come for a warmup lap if you desire!

- Race start is 8AM. Please do not show up prior to 7AM. Each 5K will start on the hour for 5/10 hours starting with Loop 1 at 8AM for both races. Next 5K at 9am, etc.

- No canopies or tents (per county). We have a giant pavilion that will offer plenty of shade and food for all. You will also have access if your car if you wish to escape the elements/recover there between races.

- There are onsite restrooms nearby the pavilion.

- Please carry a handheld on your loops. Aid provided only at the start/finish.

- Rules Basic: Your cumulative 5K times will be added together to create an overall 50K/25K time. Fastest cumulative time wins. The clock will start at the top of every hour. If you start late in any hour, that time will be added to your score. If you miss the start of any hour, your time still starts at that hour. However, if you do not complete a 5K by the end of any hour, you will be DQ.

- Pacers: If someone wants to join you for laps, we ask they wait until at least a few laps in and only meet you on the trail after the asphalt section so as to not interfere with other racers

- Food: We will have plenty of snacks and pizza for lunch. We will have a water cooler, but electrolyte hydration is pretty personal so please bring your favorite electrolyte drinks. We will have a cooler of ICE to help you cool down.

- Weather: This is a rain or shine event. If you are looking for good weather, you probably signed up for the wrong event! Expect either brutal heath or a torrential downpour, or both.

Course: The course is located in a beautiful waterfront park with many trails. Race begins and ends at the pavillion starting with a small starter loop that brings you back around the pavillion. You will then take the paved path to the trailhead. The meain path is a shell loop. Stay on the shell path loop. You will exit the shell path loop one time for a stretch on wide open grass (3/4 mile) before returning to the shell path and making your way back.

Let me know if I missed anything!