That moment when you want to run an ultra distance foot race and want to do it in the state of Oklahoma. I found myself doing just that - running in a beautiful scenic community park in Oklahoma City, OK in mid October 2019. It was awesome!
I found myself looking increasingly into the ultra marathon scenery, trying to push my limits as an endurance runner and to move away from the marathon scene - although it's still awesome, but I find that it can get expensive. These smaller ultra distance events tend to be cheaper, more interactive, and more intimate on race morning. I needed Oklahoma for my 50 states marathon goal (2nd round of 50 states) and found this ultra event called 24 The Hard Way here in Oklahoma City. It boasts a 24 hour event, a 12 hour event, and a 6 hour event. The trick is to do as much loops as you can in the event you signed up for. I signed up for the 12 hour event this year and found myself with like minded individuals. Over the course of race morning, I go to know many individuals and made friends along the way. 24 The Hard Way is a small ultra event that has around 100 participants. 1 mile timed loops in a community park seemed like a good idea at the time of signing up, but once the grind is surreal after the 15th lap, you just gotta smile and keep on going, especially when you have a distance goal to get to within the 6 hour, 12 hour or 24 hour time slot you signed up for.
Needless to say, running 24 The Hard Way here in Oklahoma City, OK was a nice venue to experience Oklahoma. While running loops inside a community park certainly is an authentic experience, I must say that the Bluff Creek Park is scenic and enjoyable. We got to see several snakes and deer in the bushes while running or walking those mile loops. I found this race on RunningintheUSA website, which lists any distance you want to run: from 5km to the 100 mile distance within the United States of America. The overall experience here at 24 The Hard Way in Oklahoma City, OK was very nice. The people were nice and very supportive. In the end, I decided to call it at 26.94 miles, which was at least a marathon distance for me. The course itself was deceptively tough, since there was an uphill or two on every lap. Race weekend started with packet pick up the afternoon before race morning. It was a simple process at the race venue, which only took 5 minutes. The morning of, we arrived around 5am for a 6am start. It was still dark until 7:45am, where I got to see deer in the bushes at 6:45am and it was dark. There was one main aid station and a self serve aid station at the half way point, which was only water in Igloo containers.
The timing was accurate and there was a large display next to the timing station at the start and finish line. We would cross over the timing station for every lap, so it would register until the event is over. The main aid station is stocked with the ultra marathon main stays of real food, soda, and salty snacks. Everything you basically would need when running an ultra distance. You probably could gain weight here, but with all those calories running / walking, you'll probably either break even or lose a couple of lbs. For the most part though, I enjoyed myself here and endured yet another marathon experience, even though I wanted to get in at least 50km during that day, but it wasn't meant to be. They also had finisher certificates and a challenge coin for all finishers of the event. They had massage staff on hand to give participants post race massages too. I had to wait for a friend of mine, so I did a session and that made everything way better. I do enjoy these low key ultra events. It typically is less than a standard marathon experience, but double check before you sign up. If you are wanting to run your first ultra or need to pick up Oklahoma for your 50 states marathon or half marathon quest, consider running 24 The Hard Way here in Okahoma City, OK. Typically is in mid October.
5.0 stars for the overall experience.
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