I’m finally getting around to writing a race report for the American River 50 2023. It’s going to be short, mostly because I can’t really remember this race since it was last year. I chose to run this race because it is basically an American classic ultra race that has been around forever. It used to be a Western States qualifier, so I figured it would be cool to experience it. It is flat and fast, with a huge pavement section in the beginning. This does not really play into my strengths, but I thought it would be fun to train my weaknesses.

My training went pretty well and my main long runs were McCarren loops around Reno which is a 24mi pavement loop encircling Reno Nevada. It is not a glamorous route and most people who know it do not choose to run it.

I had high hopes of sticking with the lead group when the race started but that quickly dissipated when the gun went off. I felt I was running hard but not too hard and I found myself in something like 5th or 6th place. The first part of the race was fun as it was mostly dirt and windy trails with a little creek to cross, etc. This was wonderful as the sun was rising. We completed this little loop which was about 10k if I remember correctly then it was on a pave path along the American river for the next 20mi I believe. This section was pretty uneventful as the temps went up. I found myself running with Alex Hudgins for most of this section. I believe we were 4th and 5th place at the time.

After a bunch of chatting with Alex time seemed to fly by. It was really the highlight of the race. Once we hit the windy dirt trail after the halfway point I thought I would feel better and kick it into gear there but actually I started to slow down and feel sluggish. I think the fast pace on pavement really wore me out and now the tiny hills and rutted trail was really starting wear me out. I remember being pretty afraid of poison ivy as well so I was really on the lookout. I never got poison ivy but I know some rubbed against me at one point.

Anyway, I let Alex go as I slowed a bit and tried to regroup. I didn’t think I would see him again as he looked pretty fresh. I slogged along the trail until we hit the last big climb up to Auburn. I think it is a two mile climb on a dirt road. I thought I would probably have to hike but it turns out the climbing felt good after all the flat and I was able to run. As I creeped up the hill someone from the shorter distance informed me that 4th place was just ahead. I kept cruising at the same pace and eventually came upon Alex. I honestly felt bad passing someone so close to the finish line. He looked defeated from the hill. As I approached him I must have been breathing kind of hard because he said in a fatigued voice “Is that you Ben….?” I replied, “Hi Alex” as I slowly went by him. I then crossed the finish line not far in front of him.

The final hill made me realize this type of race is really not suited for me and in my opinion was not the most enjoyable. It was fun for sure but not as fun as big mountain ultras. I really love getting to experience far away wild places while racing. It really helps motivate me.