Race Report: Run Under The Stars

Run Under The Stars: 10-Hour Endurance Run
By Jen Metcalf

It's not often that I can't stop talking about a race. I mean, I've ran some great races. The Pig, Air Force, and St. Jude were all great. Illinois and Oz: both great. But RUTS ~ Run Under The Stars, a 10-hour endurance run in Paducah was beyond great. It was exceptional.

I wasn't looking for a 10-hour race around a 1/2 mile horse track that started at 8pm. It seemed to have found me! A close friend was signed up and I needed a Kentucky race (it's a Maniac thing) so I figured why not.

I was expecting the experience to be average and mundane. Running around and around and around for 10 hours. It was anything but average and mundane!

From registration to the Finish Line, the RD, Steve Durbin and his crew, left no stone unturned. Steve also puts on the Land Between the Lakes. This guy is obviously a runner with runners in mind. He knows what he is doing.

As we drive up to this old horse track in the middle of a residential area, I'm thinking to myself, "What have I got myself into?" There was this little tent set up for packet pick-up. Steve was there handing out packets. We got our swag, yes swag (a glow in the dark tech tee, moisture wicking socks, a Hydrapouch, a water bottle labeled with our name and bib #, a hat, AND a drawstring tote bag!), crossed the track to the infield and checked things out. There were some Maniacs there who I had met before at other races so I knew I was at least in for a fun night of conversation, if nothing else.

After returning from dinner (we had no idea how to fuel for a race that starts at 8pm), we got set-up. We, along with others, parked our car right there on the infield, backed up to the edge of the track. There were some folks there with tents and canopies who had clearly taken advantage of the all-day availability and electrical hook-ups. We had brought our own hydration and fuel since we really weren't sure what to expect. Come to find out, this was a buffet with a run and we didn't need to bring anything. I'm pretty sure they had every food group covered! The one thing they didn't do was have tiny paper cups of water sitting out for us to drink. They had a table to sit our own water bottle on. After all, they gave us one, might as well use it!

So soon after set-up, the RD calls everyone over to the starting area near the timing chute. It's a pretty technical area they had set-up with timing equipment and a sound system that played music all night. After a few words and the National Anthem, he just said, "Run!" That was it. We were off, just like that.

After taking off, it was a few minutes later that I started worrying about the running surface. It's made of crushed stone. They hose it down and comb it but it still felt pretty uneven. Within a few laps of a 100+ people running on it, it had smoothed out. There were a few remaining rough spots and you had to be aware of your footing but it wasn't bad.

A fellow Maniac told me that the best thing about running on a 1/2 loop is you pass your car every 5 minutes or so; he also said the worst thing about running a 1/2 loop is you pass your car every 5 minutes or so. But you also pass a fully stocked buffet, I mean aid station and a rest room with running water. That's right! No portapotty! Luxury accommodations, I tell ya!

Other than the bathroom, this is a no frills race. No jets overhead. No Pigs. No Yellow Brick Road. Very low key. But that's part of the allure for most, I think. Only a runner would run this race. The is a race put on by a runner. The RD thought of every detail. He even lit candles along the course once the lights went out around midnight. I don't know if he can take credit for the cat who seemed to have taken up residence at turn two or not but it was a nice touch.

I was skeptical about the whole track thing, worried I'd feel like a hamster but I truly didn't mind it at all. It ended up being a good thing because I was able to easily break down how many laps I needed for X # of miles. Plus, where else can I run along side lead runners who battled it out for 10 straight hours?? It was amazing! They ended just one lap apart @ 65, 64.5 and 64 miles (I think)! I was also able to run with slower friends that otherwise on a traditional course I would never have seen. Every runner there was full of spirit for the run and so encouraging and motivating to everyone out there.

Running in circles for 10 hours with the same people, you can learn a lot about someone! One man who stands out is John Price. John ran solo across the United States from Venice Beach to Virginia Beach. Solo. No support crew. A one man show. Now that's impressive! But everyone out there had a story. Yes, his is amazing but everyone else's is just as amazing. That's what made this run so fascinating: the people.

In case you're wondering, I ended the night at 65 laps, or 32.5 miles. After I reached my goal, I sat down to regroup and determine my next course of action. I took of my shoes and socks to dump rocks out of my shoes. I had a spot on my big toe that I thought was a rock piercing my skin. Nope! Big blister! Actually my first blister ever. Such a badge of honor! As any long distance runner should know, once those shoes and socks come off... well, let's just say BIG mistake! So, for once, I had the perspective of a spectator. I think that was even more fun than running! I got to cheer everyone on as they passed. I got to cheer for blue shorts boy, girl in the cutest running outfit ever, guy who hasn't even broken a sweat, dude with the hat... you get the picture. Those moments of cheering are priceless to me. I'd like to think I helped somebody out there get in just one more lap!

Towards the end of the run, everyone gathered around the timing chute to cheer on those few who kept running up until the final minutes of the race. The sun had come up where it had set just 10 hours before. Everyone there was sleep deprived but the energy that filled the air could have powered a small city! Watching the faces of runners who had been running for 10 hours straight, you see every emotion: joy, pride, shock, fatigue, elation...

I can't fail to mention the awesome awards ceremony that took place right after the race. The leaders got cool little trophies and everyone got a medal with the # of miles they had completed. Another nice touch.

If you truly love the run, I can guarantee you'll love this race. It was an epic journey under the stars of Kentucky. It was my first Ultra and I will definitely do it again!