Up for a long venture in the woods this Saturday? At a fast pace? Well then why not just sign up for the Umstead Trail Marathon?
Last year's really fast, long hike at Umstead. (Photo by Alan Hughes.)
Entering its sixth year, the UTM covers 26.2 miles of trail at Umstead. Most is on the bike and bridle trail, a foot-friendly surface that's smooth, if exceptionally hilly in spots. There's also some rooty, rocky singletrack, so put your ankles on notice. The race starts at 9 a.m., costs $65, has aid stations every 3-4 miles, is marked every mile, goes off rain or shine. Or, we suppose, snow as well. It just sounds like fun, no? More info can be found here.
And if you aren't inclined to take a 26.2-mile really fast hike but are at Umstead Saturday and happen so see someone with a number pinned to their shirt and wearing a smile (it may be on the inside as the race wears on), give 'em the trail and a big atta boy/girl.
