Trail running enthusiasts explain why you should try an ultramarathon
Running on trails through the woods is a great physical and mental way to enjoy the outdoors and there are several organized events planned to help people realize their full potential.
Ultramarathoning is a sport where people are running on trails, paths and some roadways. The distances vary but they need to be longer than a traditional 26.2 mile race to be considered an ultramarathon.
The races can be done solo or as part of a relay.
Stephanie Daniels and Carl Leer are runners who are co-directing the On the Dam Trail: Quemahoning Relay Race on April 27 around the Quemahoning Reservoir in northern Somerset County.
“This race is good for the beginner. This is a great trail. It’s not technical, there’s not a lot of elevation,” said Daniels, 51, of Johnstown. She’s been running about 25 years
Leer, 55, of Johnstown, who has been a runner for about seven years, agreed.
“It’s a lot of rolling hills. It’s mostly smooth,” he said, adding that there are few rocks.
The trail flows around the massive Quemahoning Reservoir. It’s situated in a wilderness setting where there are almost no homes located along the roads around the lake.
“It’s beautiful," Daniels said, "it’s gorgeous. It’s a wonderful trail.”
The race has a 50K (The course is 34 miles) solo or four-person relay. There’s also a 30K (18.6 mile) option.
Daniels said beginners can consider the relay race with some of their friends if they are not ready for the full length of the races.
The race benefits programs at Camp Harmony that’s located near the lake. The event actually begins at the camp and participants will have access to the showers after they are done running through wilderness.
The event also promotes the Johnstown Running Club’s goal of proving running and outdoor recreation opportunities in the region.
Leer said trail running has a softer surface than roads making it easier on the runner’s legs and knees, but added, “The trail can be hard. It can be rough and challenging.”
Another member of their running club, Ray Guzic, 52, of Lilly, is looking forward to the trail run as he prepares for more challenges, including a 100-mile run. He’s been running for about 15 years.
“This trail sucks you in,” he said with a laugh about wanting to return often for more runs. “You want more and more and you keep going.”
“The trail community is amazing,” Daniels said. “I have met wonderful people."
When people try trail running, Daniels said they realize the mental as well as the physical benefits and they want to continue running.
“You start with an 8-mile race and the next thing you know, you want to do a 50-mile,” she said.
Leer said it’s good for a person’s self-confidence and esteem.
“When you do (a long race), whether you finish or not, you still have a sense of accomplishment,” he said. “It’s really just that feeling that you did something that was really hard. It’s for myself is why I do it.”
Daniels, who has has completed marathons, said, “Running clears your mind, it just changes your whole attitude. It clears your head and makes you feel better and your day go better.”
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The trio spoke about the friendships and fun, including food, that comes with long distance running.
“What else would you rather do on a Saturday? You go on a trail, they feed you all day as you go around and stop at the stations," Leer said. "You feed and you’re out, you’re doing something, you’re having fun talking to people."
“We like to help people more than we like to help ourselves,” Leer said about the trail community and helping to organize an event.
The environment is also what attracts people to trail running.
“I grew up in the country and that’s what I like. I always like being in the woods. Sometimes you’re in the woods and you take a big smell and it’s like 'Wow,'" Leer said. "There are certain times of the year you just have that smell."
Finding trail races
You can register for this race at Ultrasignup.com. The website also has a schedule of several other ultra events in April across Pennsylvania including:
Eagleton Trail Challenge, 50K, 25K, 25K Ruck, and 10K, April 6 in Lock Haven.
Hyner Trail Challenge, 50 or 25K, April 20 in Hyner.
Howlands Neck Ache, which is based on hours on course with 24, 12 and 6 hour options, April 27 in Tunkhannock.
Racing gear
Good footwear is essential for long-distance running. Trail running shoes have soles built different than the softer cushioning that comes with shoes for road races. The trail shoes have a more solid sole and deeper tread to help navigate the soft, sometimes muddy, terrain. There are ice spikes that can be added to shoes to run over icy areas.
Some models include gaiters that prevent snow and mud from sliding into your shoes.
Runners also wear packs that hold drinks and snacks.
To avoid overheating while running, runners choose clothing that would be appropriate if the air was 20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature.
Daniels said layers are good to take along in case you need to add or remove a top.
Guzic said, “Once you get going, you stay warm.”
Trail running a hobby the group enjoys throughout the year and their training never ends.
“Our summer races are built in the winter," Leer said. "Whether you want to or not, in the winter you have to come out and do something."
Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. Contact him at bwhipkey@gannett.com and sign up for our weekly Go Outdoors PA newsletter email on this website's homepage under your login name. Follow him on Facebook @whipkeyoutdoors, and Instagram at whipkeyoutdoors.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Where are trail runs held in Pennsylvania?
