Race Report: Niagara Ultra 50 K

Today is year #4 running the Niagara Ultra 50 K race. My favourite race due to the distance, scenic view with turnaround at Niagara Falls, and a small race with super organization.

Wow a low number bib! Left house at 4:15 AM to make the trek to St. Catherines. Every year, I need assistance to find the race site. This year was no different. Fortunately, I always figure it out. Had 30 minutes to spare this year.

This is the only race I've registered in that gives out a hoodie. Always impressive.

 

After about 500 m on trail, the rest of the race is on pavement. A hallmark of this race is running with amazing scenery and with shade.

 

Niagara River to the left.

 

Water and food station every 5 K. Wish these could be every 3 K. Thus, I carry a water bottle for the 2nd half of the race.

 

Shade, scenic, Niagara River to the left.

 

Reached 10 K.



Quite a few "steep" inclines. Since this is an out-and-back route, coming back is a pleasure as downhill.

 

1 K of uphill incline. I walked all the uphill inclines. Coming back was 1 K downhill decline :-)

 

Hydroelectricity.



Reached 15 K.

Running south to the Niagara Falls.

The USA falls!

That's me with Niagara Falls in the background. Thank you to the man who kindly took the photograph.

Having left the Niagara Falls, now a lot of walking uphill incline.

The Floral Clock! Always a popular with tourists.

Last photo before batteries ran out on cell phone. Aaagh! Missed out on taking lots more scenic photos.

Always find this 50 K race very rewarding. Too bad there isn't a 50 mile race. I could not do the 100 K race which appears, it seems, every other year. 

Bud is a proud little brother! 

Marathon/ultra marathon #30 is now in the books.

Overall place = 156 out of 176
Gun time = 6:45:48
Chip time = 6:45:03
Age place = 17 out of 18
Gender place = 93 out of 101
Pace = 8:07

YTD = 695.8 K [with 2 mid-week runs of 2.5 K each]
(40.9% of 1700 K goal completed)