50K Mendon Trail Run in Mendon Ponds Park/Mendon, New York USA (11/05/2005)

After a long drive I arrived at 3am at the East Longe Mendon Ponds Park. Here should be the start of the 50km race at 8am. After a short nap I waked up at 6am. There wasn't any other runner, signs or something which tells you there would be a race. I was suspecting some runners already, even the entry was between 7-8am. At 6:30, when I got breakfast, there was a car coming slowly up the street. It seems, that the driver was looking for something. I gave a light sign with my car. As it came up it was the first runner. Now both of us where waiting for more runners and the race director, to be sure we were at the right place. We haven't wait long, when the next runners, the race director and a inspector of the park arrived. It came up, that the start and finish of the 50K where located at the pavilion 200m away. It was next to the see. Some of the runners replaced their cars, so they pass it every loop. I figured out, that it was a small race. But there was also a 5K, 10K and 20K. All exactly on the same 10K loop, without the 5K. They did a shortcut.

After we started the field of runners expand rapid. I separated after a short time and ran the rest of the course by myself. It was not unusual, that you feel lonely with so less people on the course. After I started for the third loop the 5,10 and 20K already were started. Now there were a lot of people on the course. The course itself was going up and down all the time. It was, without a short part at the beginning, all at small paths through the woods and fields. Technically it was not as easy, because the ground was sandy most of the time and the first autumn leaves where laying on the ground. The uphill where short, but most time steep. Even the downhill was a bit tricky, because there was not a lot of room to maneuver. Also people slip easily at the sand and the stones. Even the course was not very easy, it was still very beautiful. Even the weather was gorgeous. It was a wonderful, nice autumn day at around 68 F (20°C). They told me, that the last year it was cold and snowing slightly. Also they told me, that this area was characterized by volcanic activities. After the race there was also Chili and plenty of snacks for the runners.

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