Hill Country Trail Race at Serenbe
Distance: 15K and 5k (I ran the 15k)
Date: November 12, 2011
Course: Organization: Support:
Course: Run entirely within Serenbe, a planned hamlet 40 minutes south of Atlanta, the Hill Country Trail Race course was a combination of road (10%), forest road (80%), and single track (10%). I believe that a trail race should include as much trail as possible so I was a bit disappointed that an additional ½ mile or so of road that was added this year. The course featured rolling terrain with a few good hills thrown in. Overall I would recommend this course as a good first time trail race.
Organization: Overall it was a well run race, but two issues gave it a 3 rating. The race started about 20 minutes late. The temperature at the start time was in the high 30’s so standing around was not a good thing. It is now 5 days since the race and the results have still not been posted. For me it is not an issue, but for those competing for a podium spot I would think that it is. This is the first year that timing chips were used so that could be an issue, though any new race system should be thoroughly tested prior to race day.
Support: The aid stations were spaced properly and well stocked, there was still plenty of water and energy drinks even when the back of the packers like me got there. One additional treat was a jazz saxophone player stationed at about mile 5. Nice touch. The post race festivities were good. Cold beer was poured by the good folks at Sweetwater Brewing Company along with Burritos from Sheik’s Burritos . Music was provided by “Smokey’s Farmland Band”
Overall: I will be there next year. Give me more trail and work out the bugs. Again, I would recommend this race as a good entry into the world of trail running.