"Search For The Carolina Mountain Goat": Big Bad John Rock 8K

The Big Bad John Rock 8k was the third race of the five race “Search for the Carolina Mountain Goat” trail race series.  Though it was the shortest of the five races it was definitely not the easiest. 








Starting at the John Rock Fish Hatchery in Pisgah State Forest the race consisted of a 1,000 foot elevation gain to the summit of John Rock at approximately the 5k point, and then back down approximately two miles to the finish over the most technical and steepest portion of the course, providing an excellent test of trail running skills.  Eve sat this one out and was our official Eve-Bart Team photographer.

Starting line up with eventual winner Ryan Woods (bib 294) 

 The uphill start with a short quarter mile out and back segment on a narrow forest service road immediately stretched out the sixty plus runner field by the time we hit the single track that would lead us up, around and behind John Rock.  Several tough pitches had many of the runners hiking early on.  My personal race plan was to use the John Rock event as a spring board for two events later on in March and the plan would consist of hitting the uphills as hard as I could and see how well I recovered on the flatter sections.  I had plenty of company which really helped, and I was grateful for Jacqueline Witherspoon leading the charge as I hung on to her heels the best I could.  Somewhere on the final portion of the main pitch to the summit my left foot snagged something, and I caught myself at the last second with my left hand to avoid a face plant.  I immediately felt a sharp pain in my thumb but kept going and did not lose any time.  It wasn’t long however, before I could feel the blood running across my hand and down my arm ( I knew the arm warmers would come in handy) but I didn’t take time to give it further attention.  We eventually topped out and began the traverse over to the actual summit, which consisted of a few short pitches and then the descent began.  On the run down I was toast, but I had executed what I planned to do, so I was satisfied to coast the downhill and avoid any trouble with the technical footing leading to the finish. The footing was tricky in some places which led to one runner being hauled off the mountain with a badly twisted ankle.  Eight or more runners passed me during the run-in who obviously had more in their legs than I did.   Overall it was a great run, and I had plenty of runners with me when I needed them so I had no misgivings. I came in at 50:54, probably a couple minutes slower than I should have but that was okay.  It was a great test of fitness and a beautiful morning to be in the mountains.

Typical stream crossing

One of our local champions and probably one of the most versatile runners in the country, Ryan Woods from Boone, NC won the overall male race with a time of 35:20.  Those at the finish said he made it look so easy that he hadn’t even broken into a sweat.  Only twelve seconds separated Julie Tellman and Chanley Layton, with Tellman coming out on top and taking women’s overall win in a time of 44:44. 

Because of our spring schedule this would be the final race of this series we will be able to participate in.  Hats off to the “goruntrails” group for once again putting together a very nice event in a beautiful setting, that started on time. One interesting note; the course was marked in kilometers.  We never have figured why more race organizers don’t do this when the race is measured in kilometers to start with.  Goruntrails will be expanding their schedule of events over the next year so be sure to book mark their website and keep up to date with their new races.

One good reason to stay upright!

Thumbs up!
Bart and Eve