Clinton Lake 30-Mile Ultra: Not For Me

The Clinton Lake 30-Mile Ultra was yesterday. I started the race back in 2007. I'm glad it's still going, but I did not run it yesterday. It's been a long time since I ran the race after I stopped directing it. I used to volunteer, but now I don't even do that. The race vibe I liked has disappeared. And I barely hear it advertised so often forget it is coming. Plus, no one asks me to volunteer or run it! Guess that is fine. One day, I may be back racing on those single-track trails around the northfork of Clinton Lake! Most likely just "running" and not "racing." Here are my likes and dislikes about that race in its recent form:

Like:

• Love the 10-mile loop. It's a beautiful trail with lots of variety. Many hills for central Illinois!
• Good aid stations. Only 2 aid stations, but they tend to be solid and staffed with excellent volunteers that know ultra runners needs. 
• Race director that is a ultramarathon runner himself. Makes a positive difference when the director knows ultras, the trails, and the runner needs.

Not like:

• Too expensive. Why do short ultras charge so much for a simple trail run? Volunteers are from the club. No police are closing roads. Easy access to aid stations. Nothing that costs extra! 
• Race requires runners to volunteer at another race or on trails. Volunteering by definition is by choice, not required. I applaud the need for more trail maintenance and race volunteering in general, but encourage it, don't require it.
• Addition of a 10-mile race. This is an ultra and it should stay focused on ultrarunners. Including young and old, fast and slow. Maybe add an early start for slower and older runners. No need for 10 mile race--it dilutes the ultra experience. 

Maybe I'll run it next year. Or not. Maybe they'll reduce the race fee, drop the 10 miler, eliminate the volunteer requirement, and add an early start for slower runners. Maybe not. Kudos to the race director and club for keeping the race going. It is their race and they make the decisions. Runners have choices too.