Free Ultra Quadfecta: Race #3

Our local trail running group has always liked to participate in fun social runs. Especially if they are on trails over a long distance. And free. Basically, free trail ultras! We've had a couple of formal "fun ultras" but now we have a Free Ultra Quadfecta that pulls them together and offers extra awards. Still free. The third event in the Quadfecta is this weekend:

1. January Riddle Run (28 miler)
2. July Backyard Ultra ("last man standing")
3. October Allerton Trail Ultra (29 miles)
4. December Clinton Lake Winter Solstice 30 miler

The first two events are at the Lake of the Woods trails (4 mile loop, gentle hills). Third on the rolling Schroth trail at Allerton Park (~5.75 mile loop). The final one at the hilly Clinton Lake northfork trail (10 mile loop). 

It's now time for the Allerton Trail Ultra on Saturday, October 5. Five loops of the Schroth loop. About 29 miles. No fees, no formal registration, no official awards. Some ice water at the start/finish of each loop. Otherwise, bring your own aid...and share with fellow runners. I look forward to getting in a good long run, but doubt I'll reach that ultra status. Not trained well enough and have had a cold for about a week. Hopefully the cold is gone by this weekend, but my training is still sub-par. If I get 4 loops (~23 miles) I would be surprised and happy. Three loops (~17+ miles) would be a good target. 

I'll be ready for the last event in the series--Clinton Lake Winter Solstice 30 miler on December 21. It's the hilliest, longest, and hardest of the four events. And the weather tends to be...cold.