Race Recap: The North Face Endurance Challenge Wisconsin - 5K
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Disclaimer: I received a free entry to The North Face Endurance Challenge Wisconsin 5K as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a
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Wow. This race. Easily one of my favorites out of all the ones I've run since 2012. A great choice if you are just getting into trails or if you've been doing trails forever, there's something for everyone.
I decided to sign up for The North Face Endurance Challenge 5K after discussing with my coach the shakeout run she had scheduled for me for the day after my 50K. I figured signing up for the 5K would force me to get out there and actually do the shakeout instead of hobbling around my block once and calling it a day.
TNF ECS offers online registration right up through race week as well as day of registration. Pre-registrants could pick up their bibs at three different TNF retail stores (Madison, Chicago, and Brookfield). There was a pre-race panel hosted by the race director, Nick Moore, and TNF athlete Joe Brunia. I will put more info about the panel in my 50K recap, since a lot of what was discussed was related to the ultra distances that the race hosted on Saturday.
I decided to sign up for The North Face Endurance Challenge 5K after discussing with my coach the shakeout run she had scheduled for me for the day after my 50K. I figured signing up for the 5K would force me to get out there and actually do the shakeout instead of hobbling around my block once and calling it a day.
TNF ECS offers online registration right up through race week as well as day of registration. Pre-registrants could pick up their bibs at three different TNF retail stores (Madison, Chicago, and Brookfield). There was a pre-race panel hosted by the race director, Nick Moore, and TNF athlete Joe Brunia. I will put more info about the panel in my 50K recap, since a lot of what was discussed was related to the ultra distances that the race hosted on Saturday.
Flat Laura is ready to race!
B drove Arthur and I to the race that morning.
Angie came into town from Iowa and stayed overnight at my house, but she ran the half marathon so she started an hour before I did.
The 5K had three waves and I was in wave 3. Probably the best decision, since I figured it would be more of a hobble/walk than an actual run. It was much warmer than it had been when we left our house and let me tell you, it only got hotter!
Pre-race selfie, because of course!
The course was marked with purple ribbon and intersected with the 10K/half course for a short time after crossing the highway and going into Kettle Moraine State Forest.
I felt like there was a good amount of elevation change and challenge for the 5K course. I've done the half marathon twice and the 50K (first time this year) and the 5K course only shares maybe a 1/10 of a mile with the half/10K course. It was nice to experience a different part of the forest. There were some small hills that added a nice challenge (although I was sore from the 50K, so I didn't view anything as nice at the time LOL). It was an out and back course with the sheriff's department assisting us with crossing the highway.
Finisher!
Each runner got a medal and reusable water bottle at the finish as well as lots of snack options. There was a tag on the bib for a Sierra Nevada beer (for those 21+). There was food available for purchase as well.
Official time: 44:02.
Angie and I, three years running at TNF ECSWI!
I would strongly recommend this race to anyone who is interested in trail running. TNF puts on an amazing event and really make sit enjoyable for runners of all abilities!
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