Big Bend Ultra Insights

1. What do you like best about this course? What inspires you to organize the race year after year?

The remoteness. Being removed from the noise in the middle of the desert mountains is really special. For those racing the 100k during the early morning or night hours, the stars are fantastic. 

I love building races that inspire runners to really challenge themselves and connect with one another. I love seeing everyone from across the country come together on race weekend to lace up with one another. The logistical aspect of hosting a race in the middle of nowhere is a real challenge, but it's also kinda fun!

2. What is unique about your local running community?

We are trail focused. That is unique here in Austin. There are tons of trails around us, but very few trail focused run clubs. We also embody the definition of community. Our runners watch out for one another, check in for one another, and for many we are their friends and family. 

3. If the course were a piece of art, would you classify it as a painting, music composition, film or graffiti? Does it remind you of any specific artistic piece/genre?

This is a very interesting question.... and one I've never considered. I'm going to go with music composition. I love music and the race builds up with some gradual and easy portions... the middle of the race puts you to the test with the more technical and hilly terrain. Then you have a smooth rolling downhill to leave you on a good note!

4. Think back over the years...do you have any funny/scary/interesting stories about this race you can share?

This last year we came extra early to setup the 100k course. We had to drive in hours into the park's interior. There was rain in the forecast, but I've rarely...if ever seen it rain in Big Bend. The first morning of course setup was pouring rain. We had over a half inch of rain...which is significant in the desert. While driving out to mark the Right Hand Shut Up (the most diffictult portion of the 100k) we slid right off the dird/mud road into the ditch. All of the desert sand turned into mush. We spent most of that day digging ourselves out of ditches, cleaning off mud, but really having a blast. I usually show up to the race week with a general plan, but have learned to adjust when need be. I can't be too upset when I'm doing what I love in the middle of Big Bend... even if in the rain and mud for a few days.

5.  What advice do you have for runners preparing to participate in the Big Bend Ultra?

The trail is manageable for the most part. I think about 95% is runner friendly. Avoid the cactus especially the ones that look fuzzy!

The final 5 -7 miles of each race is a nice gradual downhill, so I recommend using that to your advantage. Running a negative split out here is totally doable and will help you place a little higher!