The first two races of the three-event Shannon trail running series are in the books, with the third and final race of the series taking place Saturday, March 8 in San Angelo State Park.
Runners in the trail series are competing for awards in the long course category (10K, 12K, and 15K distances) and also in the shorter 5K division.
Today’s series finale race will feature a rough and rocky course that starts and finishes at the Burkett trailhead in the state park.
Both short and long-course runners will face steep climbs and descents on trails such as Playground, Flintstone, Turkey Creek, River Bend, and the infamous up and down ‘Roller Coaster’ trail before arriving back at the Burkett trailhead finish line.
The season isn’t over after the trail running series ends, however. Many of the series participants have been using these races to prepare for the upcoming Crazy Desert Trail Race scheduled for March 22 in San Angelo State Park.
The March 22 Crazy Desert event should actually be called a ‘Trail Race Festival’ because there will be four races — with four different distances — all taking place at the same time.
Runners can choose from 10K (6.2 mile), half-marathon (13.1 mile), full marathon (26.2 mile), or 50K (31 mile) distances.
Start times will be staggered, with the 50K and full marathon starting at 8 a.m., the half-marathon at 8:30 a.m., and the 10K going off at 9 a.m.
All races will start and finish at the pavilion in the equestrian camp area on the north end of the state park, with day-of-event registration opening at 6 a.m. at the pavilion.
You can also camp at the race site near the pavilion for a small $10 fee state park fee.
With generous support from title sponsor Lucid Energy Group and other event supporters, race organizer Jeff Lisson and co-directors Adam and Marie Parker have put together a great event package.
There will be custom medals for each finisher, chip timing, a long-sleeve technical T-shirt for each runner, a gift certificate from Happy Trails, coupons for ice cream from Marble Slab, a free photo download, a Thunderbird Energetica bar and bottled water.
The male and female winners of each event will also receive running shoes donated by Merrell.
There is a 300 runner overall limit for the Crazy Desert event, so you may want to preregister before the race fills up to ensure getting a spot. Go to https://secure.getmeregistered.com/CrazyDesertTrail3
to sign up ahead of time.
This year’s event will use many of the same trails as in past years including the scenic Dinosaur and Shady trails, but there will be more single track and less dirt road than in past years.
Runners competing in the Crazy Desert event will include both local residents, participants from other parts of Texas, and out-of-state runners.
If you’re not a fast runner, you may still want to think about taking part in the fun. People who run/walk or even fast hikers can easily complete one of the courses before the eight-hour time cutoff.
It’s going to be an epic day of trail running with a great post-race party, and — even better — all proceeds will benefit the Concho Valley Community Action Agency.
For more information, go to roadlizards.org/events/crazy-desert-trail-race-3/ or visit the Crazy Desert Facebook page at facebook.com/CrazyDesertTrailRace.
Remember — the local trail running season is going strong and the Crazy Desert Trail Running festival will be the capstone event.
Upcoming Events
March 15: Shamrock Run 5K, roadlizards.org
March 22: Crazy Desert Trail Race, roadlizards.org
March 22: Steam-N-Wheels cycling race and tour, Abilene, bikereg.com/Net/steam-n-wheels
March 29: Run for the Wounded Warrior 5K, angelo.edu/asufit
April 5: Bikes for Trykes cycling tour, eventbrite.com/contact-organizer?eid=10199820939
April 12: Moon Pie night trail run, roadlizards.org
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