Umstead Endurance Run

As I was reading the July issue of UltraRunning magazine, I saw an ad for 2012 race. The race is the 18th annual Umstead 100-Mile Endurance Run. What really drew me to the ad was the text that said "with 50-mile option." I know that I'm not ready for a 100-mile race yet. The 50-mile race sounds perfect.

The reason I think it sounds perfect comes directly from the site, "The Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run is designed with several basic concepts in mind. It will help new ultra runners to bridge the quantum leap from 50 mile runs to the mountainous and more rigorous demands of most 100 mile endurance runs. It will allow those runners who have difficulty finishing 100 miles in 24 hours or just finishing 100 miles the opportunity to do so when severe topography, heat, and getting lost are removed as major obstacles. Many runners will find the Umstead 100 to be an excellent foundation for the Massanutten 100, Western States 100, Leadville 100, Wasatch 100 and other 100-mile mountain runs. The Umstead 100 can serve several purposes, depending on your level of development and personal goals."

I want to run the 50-mile option because to run Umstead, "You must have completed at least a 50-mile race within the time limit allowed for that race since January 1, 2010 or show proof of adequate training and/or suitable running history for acceptance into the 100 mile event. We want to know that you know what you are getting into and you are prepared to meet the rigors of a 100 mile run. Locally and given the rugged nature of each, we also accept the 40 Mile Uwharrie Mountain Run and the 40 Mile Mount Mitchell Challenge. We accept your word if you are running a qualifier subsequent to your registration for the Race. Runners desiring a 50-mile only entry need to denote such on the race application. There are no formal qualifications for the 50-mile run except good judgment as to your fitness for such an event."

I don't have a 50-miler under my belt yet and to run the 50-mile portion on Umstead there are no qualifications. Runners have a 30-hour time limit for the race. I think I will be well below the time cutoff for a 50-mile run.

There is no guarantee that I will even be able to run Umstead in 2012. When registration opens in September, only the first 250 runners will be accepted. I really want to run this. I will be on my computer the second that registration opens to make sure I get a spot. If I don't get a spot, I will try again in 2013. By then I will have run a 50-mile race. If I meet the qualifying standards, who knows I might register for the 100-Mile run.